Match Report: Tring Athletic 2-0 Dunstable Town

Photo: Sam Ezenwaka competes for the ball.

Written by James Smith

Dunstable Town ended their season with a defeat at runners up Tring Athletic on Saturday but two harsh decisions against them leading to both goals were tough to take having competed well throughout the game.

Without players including central defenders Alfie Osborne and Jamie Ovington plus striker Liam Hayden, it was a tough test against a Tring side who have developed well over the last few seasons and reached three cup finals this year as well as the playoffs.

The hosts started the better as Harry Jones struck the base of the post from the edge of the area with just four minute gone.

It was quiet affair in the last thirds of the pitch after Jones’ with both sides trying and probing to make a breakthrough with Tring having a couple of half chances as the first period progressed.

Towns’ Kodi Briggs did well down the left in the 25th minute cutting inside before his shot was well saved by Josh Ameganvi.

Photo: Kodi Briggs shoots for goal.

The home side applied pressure just before the break with Alex Desmond making a fine double save to deny Mal Bowyer.

Jones then hit a shot into the ground, which bounced up and over Desmond’s crossbar.

After the interval Melvin Onu rose highest to meet Ethan Goulding’s cross but he was unable to divert it on target.

Photo: Melvin Onu heads over.

The game turned in Tring’s favour in the 66th minute when JJ Kenna was harshly adjudged to have made a foul in the area. Jones converted the spot kick to give his side the lead.

The Blues tried to get back into the game after going behind, making substitutions and formation changes.

Briggs responded with a shot over with 73 minutes on the clock then Desmond had to be alert again to make a fine save down low to his left.

Under 18’s team top scorer Alfie Young was introduced soon after and did well, adding some additional pace and energy against a tiring Tring defence.

Photo: Alfie Young making another first team appearance.

Another moment of controversy followed on 77 minutes when a diagonal cross-field ball found Finn Rolfe, the ball seemed to make contact with his arm before firing home past Desmond.

Town were unhappy with the decision to allow the goal to stand, even the opposition bench seemed to be slightly stunned at the lack of a whistle for an infringement!

Dunstable tried hard to get back in the game but any half chances were blocked by the home defence.

The Blues can look back on a season where much was learned and progress made after a tough start and look forward with optimism.

Team: Desmond; Kenna; Briggs; Butt; Onu; James; Ezenwaka; Bircham; Lodder; Mead;

Subs: Bishop; Young; Rickman; King; Sales.

Town Man of the Match: Alex Butt.

Attendance: 368.

Photo: Ethan Goulding being closely marked.