Leaders London Colney picked up what could prove to be a crucial win in the long run as they beat Spartan South Midlands Premier Division high-flyers AFC Dunstable 1-0 on Saturday.

A sizzling goal by Jack Woods on forty two mintues made the difference for the Blueboys who increase their lead to five points at the top of the table.

There was more good news as both Berkhamsted and Hoddesdon, the other two chasing teams, both lost.

Jason Beck, for the hosts, had to be quick to head the ball clear as Jack Woods closed in following a good build up between Spencer Clarke-Mardel and Jon Clements which saw the latter deliver a great cross into the box.

The Blueboys, attacking down both wings, kept pumping high balls into the box and for AFC Dunstable keeper Ricky Perks these were easy to deal with.

Perks then hit a long ball forward which was helped on its way by the strong wind and found Bernie Christie just inside the box. But his weak shot was easily saved by Charlie May.

For Dunstable both Nathan Frater and Jermaine Hall went close. The first was a shot from Frater whilst the second effort was a header from Hall.

For the Blueboys Clarke-Mardel had a low drive go just wide of Perks' right-hand post whilst Woods swept over a dangerous low cross from the right which saw Newman Carney hack clear inside the six yard box.

Woods then setup Clements but Perks was quick off his line to clear the danger.

A minute or two later the Blueboys nearly took the lead when Charlie Smith played a neat through ball to Woods who controlled brilliantly but Perks was again quick off his line and he stayed big to block Woods firm shot.

For Dunstable Christie fired wide of May's left-hand post whilst Woods again played in Clements who cut in from the left to be denied by Perks.

As half time approached the Blueboys took the lead in fine style.

Keeper May threw the ball out wide to his right to Dan Power who instantly looked up and hit a long ball forward to Woods. From the edge of the box he controlled brilliantly before rifling home.

In the second half AFC Dunstable put pressure on the Blueboys' backline but centre-backs Sam Doolan and Shaun Murphy won everything in the air.

New Blueboys signing Louis Bircham then created a chance for himself as he cut in from the left wing but his low shot on goal was put out for a corner kick.

Charlie Smith was then very unlucky not to add to the scoreline when his curling free kick was tipped over the bar.

Clements then had a effort go close whilst at the other end Brandon Carney fired wide after a good cross over from the right by Leo Cashman.

Although Dunstable won numerous corner kicks they were easily dealt with by the Blueboys who held out for the win.

London Colney's Reserves won 1-0 away to Hadley in the Herts Intermediate Cup with ten men after Harry Sedgley was shown a red card.

Niall Lysaght scored the only goal of the match.

Next game up for the Blueboys is a home match against locals rivals Colney Heath on Monday, December 28 (kick-off 3pm).