LEVI Irving scored the only goal of the game as Cirencester Town edged a nail-biting clash with play-off rivals Dunstable Town on Saturday.

Following their mid-week County Cup victory against Forest Green Rovers U23’s in mid-week, it was a winning return to League action for The Centurions.

Irving tucked home a precise finish early in the second-half to give Cirencester all three points.

The result keeps them outside of the play-off places by just a single point but ended a run of three league games without a victory. 

In difficult windy conditions, too many long balls resulted in a scrappy first half and although Cirencester dominated possession they failed to make it count despite Irving coming close a couple of times.

Within minutes of the re-start, Irving clipped the face of the bar following some intricate passing but he would not be denied moments later as he opened the scoring with a precise finish inside the right post after another quick exchange on the edge of the visitors' box.

The goal meant Dunstable had to push forward and they tested the home defence more often but found them in resolute mood and dangerous on the counter with chances being created but not converted.

In the final minutes Cirencester defended for all they were worth, blocking several Dunstable efforts, to deny them an equaliser and hold on for a precious three points.