ST NEOTS Town were made to work for their victory against Dunstable Town, despite the scoreline suggesting a comfortable evening’s work.

St Neots Town 4-1 Dunstable Town

ST NEOTS Town were made to work for their victory against Dunstable Town, despite the scoreline suggesting a comfortable evening’s work.

The Saints made several changes to Saturday’s line-up, including the selection of new signing Des Byrne. The left-back, a former Republic of Ireland U21 international, showed signs of quality and looks set to be a useful addition to the side.

With wholesale changes made to the starting XI, it was no real surprise that a lot of the Saints play in the first half looked a little disjointed against a hardworking and lively Dunstable team.

Saints managed to put several promising moves together in the opening period. They were a little unlucky not to be ahead when they had a goal ruled out for offside.

Dunstable tried to catch the home side out with their pace and forced goalkeeper Luke McShane into making some excellent saves.

The first half finished goalless but, just seven minutes gone into the second period, a fine pass released triallist Lewis Hillyard, and the former Rushden and Diamonds man calmly slotted the ball home.

Dunstable hit back just three minutes later when Saints failed to clear their lines from a corner. However, striker Liam Harrold restored the Neots lead after a fine passing move.

Manager Dennis Greene made several substitutions, and the Saints began to play with much more purpose and cohesion.

Former Cambridge United striker Dan Chillingworth was one of the players who came off the bench for his first appearance, and he was unfortunate to have another goal ruled out for offside.

With the Saints clearly on top, Lewis Webb fired home the third goal after 79 minutes, and Lee Bassett bundled home the fourth with just four minutes of the game remaining.

McShane; Jones, Byrne, Franks, Gent; Jesus, Hyem, Abu, Williams; Harrold, Williams.