Match Report: Dunstable Town 1-0 Kempston Rovers

Photo: Israel Ajana celebrates scoring the winning goal.

Report & photos by James Smith.

M.o.M graphic by George Lewington.

Dunstable Town produced a stern and battling performance into a vital 1-0 win in this relegation six-pointer at Creasey Park on Saturday as they strive to fend off the drop zone.

It wasn't pretty, in a game that was highly affected once again by strong winds and a nervy first half from both teams.

Town struggled to keep possession and create chances in the opening stages but when Luka Lodder was played in on twenty minutes Kempston keeper Eben Tulomba saved well.

Both sides were forcing free kicks and corners but the wind made accuracy of the restarts a tough challenge.

Kempston struck a free kick over on 33 minutes. Dunstable grew into the game a lot more soon after and a move down the left saw Rovers’ Hassan Mousa booked for a poor tackle on JJ Kenna just outside the box.

Town took the lead two minutes before half time when Jake Anthony’s shot was parried away by Tulomba but Israel Ajana struck home the follow up from a tight angle.

Photo: Jake Anthony’s shot in the build up to the winning goal.

Kenna was inches away from doubling his team’s lead when his header crashed off the bar on 51 minutes.

Photo: JJ Kenna’s header goes so close.

Jordan Wright headed wide with 66 minutes played before Steven Enow was played through for the visitors but Charlie Smith saved his effort.

Kodi Briggs had a free kick saved as the game entered the last ten minutes.

There was a heart in mouth moment on 85 minutes when Smith’s clearance struck Josh Dooley and fell into the path of a Kempston forward but unbelievably Wright got back to prevent a certain goal with a fine last ditch tackle.

A flurry of yellow cards came for Town for breaking up play in an attempt to seal the game, which they did much to the delight of the majority of the 364 in attendance.

Team: C Smith; Nicholls; Kenna; Rahho; Dooley; Wright; Ajana; Butt; Anthony; Lodder; Briggs.

Subs: Bomolo; Watkins-Clark; L Smith; Russell; Hudson-Doncaster.

Attendance: 364.

Match sponsors Man of the Match: Jordan Wright chosen by Vera Chilly Social Care.