Saturday 7 November 2015

Dunston beat Seaham and the referee too...

7th November 2015
EBAC Northern League Division 1
Seaham Red Star 1
Dunston UTS 3
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Dunston travelled in heavy rain to Wearside to play newly promoted Seaham Red Star, after a late inspection the referee ruled the pitch playable despite the very heavy rain which left the outside areas of the pitch puddled but as they did not spread onto the pitch was probably  the right decision. Dunston however were still struggling to name a full squad due to injuries and suspensions but had been strengthened by the signing of Steve Bowes the ex Benfield player manager who took a place on the bench as manager Billy Irwin had to resuffle his squad especially in the back four. Seaham who have struggled with results and were hovering just above the bottom three despite having a squad of experienced Northern League players.
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The game started with both sides looking to secure their footing on a slippery surface and Seaham got the first chance as Gray played into Kerr whose shot was blocked for a corner, the game continued with Seaham committing silly fouls in their defensive third but Dunston
ailed to take advantage with free kicks which never tested the keeper Newbrooke.
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On 15 however Morien beat his man in the box and played a low cross into the goal area which was cleared over the bar as Richardson moved in, the resulting corner was blocked and cleared away from the danger area. Seaham were playing the long ball game and it nearly paid off on 22 as McBryde tried to flick a shot past Connell who collected the ball. 3 minutes later Wing tried a 20 yard shot which went wide of Connell far post. On 27 Dunston took the lead as Richardson headed a long ball into Morien's run who controlled and shot home past Newbrooke and into the net. Two minutes later Francis played an inch perfect cross into the goal area and Smith who approached unmarked tried a first touch side footed shot which somehow went past the post.
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Dunston did not have to wait long for the second as Morien tried a shot from 25 yards out in the 32 minute which was deflected up and past an advancing Newbrooke and into the net, 2-0 to Dunston. A minute later Burrell went on a great marauding run down the right wing and his cross whichever found Morien who was just unable to divert the ball into the net at the far post. Dunston were on a roll and on 36, Morien went down the left wing and his cross was somehow deflected over the cross bar by a defender under pressure, from the corner taken by Francis, Burrell rose majestically and headed powerfully into the ground and Newbrooke did very well to tip the ball just over his cross bar. On 39 a good turn by Thear on the left created space for his cross which was collected by the keeper.
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Seaham fought back and on 43 Connell saved with his foot as Robinson shot after being played into the box. Just before the half time break Pearson played in a good cross but Newbrooke did well to collect.
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Half time score 2-0 to Dunston.
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Dunston got the first chance of the second half as Thear had a shot on 46 which was blocked and cleared. Seaham had come out recharged over the interval and on 50, Donnelly got a header from a Kerr free kick which Connell had to tip over the bar, Dunston replied with a Francis low cross come shot which was deflected wide of the far post on 55, before Thear met a low cross into the goal area and his reaction shot rebounded off the cross bar from 4 yards out. A minute later Seaham replied with a Wing free kick which Connell parried and then collected.
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Malcolm Morien scores his second.
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The referee was now giving soft free kicks to the Seaham side and on 58, a Kerr free kick was bundled into the net by McBryde at the far post as Connell was unable to cut out the ball sprawling his body towards the post to make the score 2-1 to Dunston.
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On 61 Seaham could have levelled as Reay crossed into the box and his fellow substitute Noble was unable to control and the ball 6 yards out and the ball bounced into Connell's arms. Dunston replied with a strong Morien free kick which went just past the far post from 25 yards out. Seaham were beginning to build up a head of steam and on 64 Shaw did well to block a cross by McBryde. On 67, Thear played a strong cross into the Seaham area which was cleared, before Francis was played into the box and was just unable to control the ball and shoot from 6 yards out on 68.
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Two minutes later, Francis was in his own box blocking a shot from Kirkup. The game was heating up and Wilkinson on 70 minutes made a rash challenge on the half way line, and as Seaham had the advantage play was waved on with Reay racing down the Seaham right and then into box were a challenge averted the danger, however Wilkinson was sent off for a second caution for the foul. On 75, a long kick from Connell's hands was headed backwards by a defender and went just past Newbrooke's right post for a corner. On 80 Reay again broke down the right and entered the box as he tried to shoot Shaw put in a great challenge, applauded even by the Seaham fans, to play the ball of play for a corner, which the referee some how saw as a foul and awarded a penalty.
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After a period of time which saw further cautions for Dunston players who were appealing against the decision, Noble stepped up to strike the penalty low to Connell's right, Liam reacted and blocked the ball out towards Pearson who promptly played the ball up the field Morien collected and raced into the box rounded Newbrooke and placed the ball into the net for 3-1 to Dunston after 80 minutes played.
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Seaham had one further chance on 85 minutes which Connell saved, injuring his shoulder in the process and Pearson cleared the area. Dunston then played out the remainder of the game with Seaham failing to take advantage of their extra man.
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Full Time Score. Seaham Red Star 1 Dunston UTS 3
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If ever a referee could spoil a game of football this one did in the first half he gave petty free kicks against both sides while missing some blatant fouls, in the second half as the conditions worsened he and his assistant were worse and the awarding of the penalty was blatantly, an error as both sets of fans agreed, however justice was served as Connell saved the kick and the cleared ball was brilliantly collected by Morien who rounded the Seaham keeper for his hat-trick and seventh goal in two games.
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One poor part of Dunston's was their discipline against a referee who was never going to change his mind even if he was wrong.
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Dunston Man of the Match: Dale Burrell - back to his best, playing at centre back he was majestic and even had the odd good run up the wing to cause the Seaham defence problems, and also at corners where he was unfortunate not to score past the Seaham keeper Newbrooke. Normally three goals would have got awarded a MOM award for Morien but the defensive work by Dale was more impressive. The remainder of the team performances were good on a difficult pitch especially in the last 20 minutes after Wilkinson was sent off.
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Seaham RS: Newbrooke, Donnelly, Gray, Wing, Thorp, Kirkup, Kane, Kerr, Robinson J (Noble 57), McBryde (Gardiner 69), Robinson D (Reay 57). Subs not used: Bird, Galbraith.
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Dunston UTS: Connell, Pearson, Shaw, Fisher, Wilkinson, Burrell, Smith, Francis, Richardson (Bowey 84), Morien (Hewittson 89), Thear (Tucker 84). Sub not used: Clark
 
Referee, C. Ellis, Assistants, D. Jackson and G. Scott.
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Programme, £1:50
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Report By T.C.
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Dunston's next home game vs Norton & Stockton 28 November 2015, KO 3.00 pm.

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