London Colney ensured they would be top of the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division table at Christmas after a narrow 1-0 win away to their nearest rivals, AFC Dunstable.

The win puts Colney five points clear of ODs in the race for the title and one promotion spot although the Bedfordshire side do have a game in hand.

Jack Woods grabbed the only goal of the game, his sixth in four games, just before half-time.

The first chance of the match fell to the hosts.

A long ball forward from home keeper, Ricky Perks, found Bernie Christie in the penalty area but his shot was not strong enough to beat Charlie May.

Nathan Frater and Jermaine Hall both went close for Dunstable while Spencer Clarke-Mardel had a low drive go just wide of the right hand post.

Woods was denied by Perks, the keeper racing off his line to block the shot, but it was a different outcome on 42 minutes.

The move started with May throwing the ball to Dan Power.

Power’s ball forward was expertly controlled by Woods and fired fiercely beyond Perks.

The second half saw AFC Dunstable apply almost constant pressure on the Blueboys back line but both Sam Doolan and Shaun Murphy were equal to any threat.

Colney were restricted to rare forays into Dunstable territory, new signing Louis Bircham having a shot deflected for a corner while Charlie Smith’s free-kick was tipped over the bar by Perks.

AFC continued to press though.

Brandon Carney fired an effort wide after a good cross over from the right by Leo Cashman but although they forced numerous corners, Colney remained solid to secure an important three points.

The Blueboys finish 2015 in style with a derby game against Colney Heath at Cotlandswick on Monday.