SSML Premier Division
Saturday 5th October 2024
Written By James Smith
Dunstable Town showed true grit, determination and some excellent football to beat in-form Potton United on Saturday.
A stunning strike from Harrison Mead capped off the win as Town put behind them a difficult month and ran out deserved winners.
Potton were on a seven league game unbeaten run as well as progressing through in the FA Vase but Town showed little in the way of fear in a game that was a frustrating one for the home side.
Steve O'Reilly made a few changes to the starting line up with Alex Desmond returning in goal, new signing Archie McClelland starting up front and Jamie Ovington slotted in at centre back after suspension. Mamadou Diallo, signed from Baldock Town started on the bench.
Town started on the front foot and hit the post in the opening minute with an effort from Kodi Briggs.
Eight minutes later McClelland headed straight at James Hoskins in the United goal before Jesse Armoo shot narrowly wide at the other end.
Former Dunstable player, Tolu Ikiyinminu's cross deceived Desmond in the 17th minute where the ball struck the far post before falling into the grateful arms of the Town keeper.
The visitors were growing ever frustrated at some decisions by the match referee but kept their discipline well in the circumstances.
Jordan Brown shot wide for Potton in the 23rd minute before Lewis Smith sent in a free kick six minutes later, which was met by Ovington's header back to Luka Lodder who volleyed home to give Dunstable the lead.
It was short lived though as Desmond was harshly judged to have pushed a United forward in the back as a corner came in. It was a soft penalty but Brown converted it with ease a minute later.
Mead tried to chip the keeper in the 33rd minute but he couldn't get enough height on the ball, which Hoskins easily took.
Potton should have taken the lead when a cross to the back post found Brown free but his header was well saved by Desmond.
Three minutes before half time Lodder volleyed straight at Hoskins before Mike Evans was sin-binned for the hosts for something he said to the referee as United became as frustrated with decisions as the visitors.
Dunstable had Desmond to thank for keeping the scores level when his team were dispossessed in the Potton half and broke away. The ball made its way to Brown but the Town stopper made a fine save to deny him.
Town then took the game to United, winning some corners and having a couple of shots on goal just before the hour mark.
Arno was given two yellow cards after he was substituted for something the referee took offence to in the 68th minute.
Dunstable retook the lead six minutes later with a stunning goal. Harrison Mead picked the ball up 25 yards out and after a short dribble curled a beautiful strike into the top corner.
With five minutes left Diallo had a good opportunity to kill the game after replacing Briggs earlier in the half but he scuffed his shot wide of the post.
Potton frustrations continued to show when Cole Butler was dismissed for another incident for two yellow cards inside 30 seconds for dissent.
Town managed the game well and saw it out for an excellent win on the road.
Team: Desmond; Bishop; Briggs; Smith: Ovington; Osborne; Mead; Butt; McClelland; Goulding; Lodder.
Subs: Kenna; Amu; Greene; Davis; Diallo.