Added April 7th 2007 -

Rothwell Town 1 - 3 Dunstable Town

How costly this defeat may prove to Rothwell Town's play-off ambitions in Midlands Division One remains to be seen. But the Bones looked like a side running nearer empty than full as the recent punishing programme appeared to be catching up with their injury-hit squad. Defensive frailties cost them as Dunstable Town scored with their only two efforts in the second half. And the sign the home side needed to show it was not their day came on the hour when Darren Lynch missed a penalty.

Had that gone in, the Bones might well have snatched a draw. As it was, even 10 minutes of injury-time and striker Mark Burfoot ending up in goal, didn't produce a positive result. The visitors took the lead on three minutes as Chris Marsh turned home a close-range effort past debutant keeper Steve Corry.

However, Rothwell's response was instant as visiting keeper David Lovell scuffed a clearance straight to Lynch, who calmly slotted into an empty net. A Corry fumble moments later should have gifted Matt Baldry a goal but the midfielder fired wastefully over. Thereafter, both sides has one more chance each before half-time. Danny Nicholls has a shot cleared off the line while Burfoot forced a low save from Corry.

Rothwell came out for the second half intending to take the game to their opponents. Instead, two goals in 60 seconds on 51 and 52 minutes killed them off and, on both occasions, raided the question marks over their defence. First, Burfoot was given space to send a fine volley into the bottom corner. Then Aaron Flood raced in to shoot home off a post.

The chance to hit back came when Neil Lazarus was fouled in the box. but Lynch slammed his spot-kick against the bar. there was one last moment of drama as Lynch and Lovell collided when going for a through-ball. the Bones man was fine but the Blues keeper had to retire hurt. However, his side had already done enough.

Report: Peter Bradley