MK Irish extended their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-0 win over Dunstable Town, in a match where the visitors put up a determined fight despite their poor league form.
The game began with Irish on the back foot, as Dunstable took the initiative with a series of early attempts from distance and a couple of corners that, fortunately for Irish, did not seriously test Ladyman in goal. It took some time for Irish to settle, but once they did, they began to assert their control over the game.
The breakthrough came in the 11th minute after a good passage of play down the right flank. Ryan Smith played Callum Hirst into the box, where he was brought down by a Dunstable defender, winning a penalty. Mason Spence stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to give Irish an arguably fortunate 1-0 lead.
Despite going behind, Dunstable remained competitive, creating a few half-chances of their own. A notable effort came from a lofted free-kick, which was met with a superb over-the-shoulder volley, though it sailed wide. Another free-kick from the visitors, this time from out wide, was headed comfortably off target.
Irish came close to doubling their lead from a corner, with a header that just missed the mark. The first half ended with Irish holding a narrow 1-0 advantage, though Dunstable could feel somewhat unlucky to be trailing at the break.
HALF-TIME: Dunstable Town 0-1 MK Irish
The second half saw Irish come out with renewed energy, and they quickly made it 2-0 in the 47th minute. A dangerous cross from Brooks found Kelsey, who headed it back across goal. The ball was cleared only as far as Coleman, who expertly controlled it on his chest before firing past the keeper.
Dunstable continued to pose a threat, coming close with a header that went inches wide and a drilled cross that flashed across the face of goal with no one to apply the finishing touch.
Irish had chances to further extend their lead, with Kelsey and Ryan Smith both going close, the latter’s curling effort narrowly missing the top corner. Substitute JJ Meadows made an impact after coming on, using his strength to win the ball on the left and setting up Hunt, whose shot flew over the bar.
Dunstable’s best chance to get on the scoresheet came late on, with a forward charging through the defence and playing a clever reverse pass to his teammate. The resulting shot was well saved by Ladyman, who preserved his clean sheet.
FULL-TIME: Dunstable Town 0-2 MK Irish
Goalscorers: Mason Spence, Ollie Coleman
Man of the Match: Ryan Kelsey
Despite a slow start, Irish managed to secure all three points with a solid performance against a resilient Dunstable Town. Irish continue their unbeaten run and will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture on Friday night away to Wellingborough Whitworth in the FA Vase.
