SSML Premier Division Dunstable Town 2 Colney Heath 4 COLNEY Heath sent out a message to their title challengers with a 4-2 win at high-flying Dunstable Town. Two goals from Ian Cooper set Heath on their way and, despite the striker s dismissal, the Magp

SSML Premier Division

Dunstable Town 2 Colney Heath 4

COLNEY Heath sent out a message to their title challengers with a 4-2 win at high-flying Dunstable Town.

Two goals from Ian Cooper set Heath on their way and, despite the striker's dismissal, the Magpies added two late goals to secure the three points and open up a two-point lead at the top of the Premier Division table.

Phil Jackman thought he'd given the Magpies the lead only to see his goal ruled out for offside but it wasn't long before Heath opened the scoring.

Dean Parratt was bundled over in the box and Cooper stepped up to fire home from the spot.

The home side hit back eight minutes later with a penalty of their own, Neal Perrin converting from the spot despite 'keeper Tom Blackman getting a hand to the kick.

Cooper restored Heath's lead with a cool half volley only to see Dunstable draw themselves level for a second time three minutes later when Russell Preston fired home after Blackman had parried.

Dunstable enjoyed the better of the second half and it was only an outstanding display by Blackman that stopped the hosts from taking the lead.

Heath were reduced to 10 men when Cooper was given his marching orders for raising an arm against Lee Burgoyne.

Despite Heath being at a numerical disadvantage, it was they that scored the next goal, with Kevin Ashwood continuing his recent good run in front of goal to fire home.

Scott Lacey and Wes Awad's team sealed their victory two minutes from time when Parratt calmly lifted the ball over Dunstable 'keeper Paul Taylor to complete a fine away win.

Lacey was full of praise for both sides after the game.

"Dunstable are one of the better sides we've played this year," he told the Herts Advertiser. "They've got lots of young players and have got a great ethic.

"We cancelled each other out, we both played open attacking football."

Talking about Cooper's controversial opener Lacey said: "He went down under slight pressure. To be fair to him the Dunstable centre half admitted at half time he did touch him and Ian's felt there was enough there to go down but I have seen them not given before."

The Magpies boss was outraged at the referee's decision to dismiss Cooper and says the club will be appealing the decision.

"Their number three has kicked out at Lee Newman and Coops has just gone over to calm the situation down," said the Heath boss.

"He's put his hand on their lad's back and he's jumped up and gone down on the floor - the referee's turned around and seen him on the floor and sent him off.

"We've asked him if he's seen it and he wouldn't answer, so we asked him to speak to his assistant who did see it but he wouldn't - it's very disappointing."

Reflecting on the result the Heath boss said he couldn't ask for any more from his players.

"It's another great win. They were third in the table and we were first and to win 4-2 away with 10 men - I just couldn't ask for more from the lads," added Lacey.

"These lads never know when they're beaten, they've got a great spirit.

"We gave the lads the night off last night and yet five of them turned up for extra training.

"We've played all the top eight sides now and beaten them all except Aylesbury and Chalfont and I'm running out of excuses for why we can't be a top three side."

Heath take on Hanwell Town on Saturday and Lacey is expecting another tough battle despite their opponents recent difficulties.

"We've got Hanwell Town this weekend and it will be another difficult game. They're not having the best of times at the moment but it will be another tight affair.