Wednesday 27 April 2016

Benfield work hard and get a victory


27th April 2016
EBAC Northern League Division 1
Newcastle Benfield 4 

Dunston UTS 1

Dunston travelled for their final away fixture of the season to Newcastle Benfield in the EBAC Northern League Division 1. The weather was wintry with heavy snow falling 2 hours before kick-off but by 7:00 pm this had all melted and the Benfield groundsmen were working hard to fork water off the surface.

.
Dunston manager had an almost full squad to choose from without the services of Dale Burrell and Alex Francis after the return of Fisher, Shaw and Luccock, who were all added to the starting line-up.
.
Benfield started the game brightly and continued right through the half with the Dunston midfield and defence battling to cope with the eager Benfield side. On 4, Brayson had a shot which Connell pushed clear diving low to his left and 3 minutes later Baptiste put a shot from 20 yards over the bar. In the next period Dunston strived to compete in midfield but failed to make an impact except for the Benfield keeper Grainger having to sweep outside of his box in the gap behind his defence.
.
Benfield continued to create the chances and on 24 Scorgie headed wide of the Dunston goal from a corner. On 26, Benfield almost scored but as Connell made a good save it was ruled offside. On 28, in a neat one two passing move between Luccock and Morien ended with the final pass being just too close to keeper Grainger. Again on 33, Benfield almost scored again as Pearson had to kick clear off the back post goal line. On 35 Guerin got in a good cross to the back post were Shaw headed goalwards and Grainger collected. On 40 Taylor got in a header from a Heppinstall cross which Connell collected.
.
Dunston’s best effort of the half came on 402 minutes as a Liddle free kick low to Grainger’s left hand corner of the net forced Grainger to parry clear, from the resulting corner Richardson headed over the bar at the near post. In added time Benfield forced a corner as a Convery shot was deflected clear by Capewell’s header, from the resulting corner Connell had to palm clear for another corner from which a partial clearance fell to Taylor who shot the ball into the near post of the Dunston goal.

Half time score Benfield 1 Dunston 0

Dunston seemed to be pepped up by the half time break and the introduction of Smith, replacing Guerin. On 48, Dunston equalised as Morien collected a cross at the back post which he controlled and shot home low past Grainger. Benfield rallied and Scott had a shot over the bar from 20 yards out on 50 minutes, 2 minutes later Scott again went on 30 yard run before shooting straight at Connell.

.
Dunston applied pressure on the Benfield goal and on 55 a Shaw cross had to be cleared for a corner, from the corner the ball came out to Shaw 18 yards out, whose shot was blocked. On 56, Taylor got in a header from a Convery cross and Connell saved. A minute later a drastic error between Connell and Capewell on the left edge of the box saw Brayson nip between them and slot a shot into the empty net off the far post, 2-1 to Benfield. Dunston replied on 59 with a Dan Smith shot from 20 yards being saved by Grainger.
.
In an effort to add fresh legs Dunston Manager introduced Halliday for Shaw, but before things settled Benfield scored again as Connell misjudged a looping header by Baptiste which went in just under the cross bar on 62 , a minute later Scorgie got in a header which went just over the bar. On 73 Scott played in a low cross into the box which hit Wilkinson the referee adjudged it to be handball and Brayson duly shot home the penalty kick for 4-1 to Benfield.
.
Dunston Found it hard to rally and Scott again had a strong run on the left wing but this time produced a rare poor cross, in the final 7 minutes Pearson had a shot parried by Grainger who recovered to collect as Richardson raced into the back post, from the corner Capewell put a header over the bar at the front post. In added on time Dunston’s final effort was a Pearson shot which went high over the bar. 
.
Final Score: Newcastle Benfield 4 Dunston UTS 1

Dunston again failed to beat a lower league side who had put in a strong performance on a wet and in places puddled pitch, Dunston failed to impress their supporters who had turned out on a Wintry cold night and were beaten by a better side on the night, prompted by the forward runs of Brayson and Taylor and in the second half the foraging runs into the Dunston area by Scott. Dunston tried just after half time but this was just good enough on the night.

Dunston’s Man of the Match: No Dunston player excelled in this game

Newcastle Benfield: Grainger, Cornish, Heppinstall, Walker, Scorgie, Convery, Riley, Baptiste, Brayson, Walker, Scott. Subs not used Gladstone

Dunston UTS: Connell, Pearson, Liddle (Thear 65), Fisher, Wilkinson, Capewell, Guerin (Smith 45), Luccock, Richardson, Morien, Shaw (Halliday 60). Subs not used: Clark, Gilhespy

Report by T.C.

Next Home Game.
EBAC Northern League -

Dunston UTS vs Morpeth Town on Saturday 30th April 2016 3:00pm KO



Saturday 23 April 2016

Dunston beat Ashington 3-1


Northern League D1
23rd April 2016
Ashington 1
Dunston UTS 3
.

Dunston travelled again to Ashington to play their third EBAC Northern League game in 5 days, in the newly developed stand at Woodhorn Lane. Dunston were again hit by unavailable players, Dale Burrell and Alex Francis injured, Matty Fisher suspended, Gary Shaw and James Luccock away, leaving Manager Billy Irwin a bare 15 players to select his side from. The Ashington side included ex Dunston stalwart players Michael Dixon and Andy Bulford who signed earlier this season

Dunston started with a strengthening wind behind them and on 3 minutes had their first shot when a Smith lay off to Bowey resulted in a shot which forced a save from Conor. Before Ashington could get into their stride and the game they went behind as Malky Morien struck an 18 yard shot into the net after a Richardson shot had rebounded off Conor. Ashington steadied and on 12 Bulford had a shot deflected for a corner. After a failed Dunston attack through Richardson being offside, Ashington went close as Connell had to collect a cross from a free kick by Downey.

On 24, Thear played in Richardson whose shot was parried by Conor and Guerin shot from the rebound was deflected clear of the goal. Ashington got an equaliser on 25 minutes from a Downey corner and was headed by Dixon into the goal despite hitting Wilkinson. Dunston rallied but shots from Liddle and Thear were off target. On 30 minutes, Smith got in a header which Conor collided with Taylor when collecting the ball. On 33, Johnson shot across the Dunston goal which was met by an offside Grieve. On 37, with the Ashington defence trying to clear their lines from a corner, the ball fell to Guerin whose scrambled shot went into the net.

Within a minute, the Dunston defence were scrambling to clear their lines but Ashington failed to take advantage as Wilkinson cleared. Dunston continued to forage forward prompted by the energetic Bowey in midfield and on 41, Thear got in a cross which was cleared by Harmison as Richardson challenged. Just on half time, Downey put in across which Connell claimed well to clear the danger.

Half Time score: Ashington 1 Dunston UTS 2

At the start of the second half Dunston forced a corner as a Bowey cross was headed out of play, but Ashington were soon on the attack as Stevens dribbled into the box only to be tackled and the ball was cleared. On 49, an Ashington free kick from 25 yards out fell to Harvey whose shot went straight into Connell’s arms. On 52, Morien collected a ball on the edge of the box turned and travelled to his right for 5 yards and the played a low right foot shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net for 3-1 to Dunston.

3 minutes later Richardson drove a shot across the Ashington goal and Grieve cleared his lines for a corner, from the corner a Morien glancing header was cleared from the back post. A minute later Dan smith chased a ball into the Ashington box only to see his attempt played out for a corner, from the corner Guerin got in a header which went just wide of the near post. As the wind strengthened and the temperature dropped Ashington went down to 10 men as Dixon limped off with a hamstring injury just after Ashington had used their 3rd substitute. As Dunston took their foot of the pedal Ashington’s 10 men fought on as Stevens turned and shot just wide of the target from 18 yards out.

On 72, Harmison was in the Dunston area to head goalwards but over the bar. Dunston again prompted by Bowey pushed forward and on 82 minutes following a Morien miskick, Guerin had a shot which was parried by Conor who had to race back to his line to prevent the ball crossing the line. Dunston ended strongly and as the game went into added on time, Morien jinxed his way into the box only for his shot to hit Conor and be cleared.

Full-time Score: Ashington 1 Dunston UTS 3

Dunston Man of the Match: Steven Bowey – Steven prompted and probed all game creating chances for the Dunston forwards, showing the energy of youngster in his older legs. Hard working Dan Smith and the forward runs from Richardson and Guerin gave Dunston a good advantage while the defence battled hard to contain the Ashington attacks. Dunston overall played well enough and deserved their victory and 3 points.

Ashington: Conor, Taylor, Dunn, Dixon, Harmison (J), Grieve (Christenson 59), Harvey (Oliver 50), Downey, Stevens, Bulford, Johnson (Scott 50) Subs not used: Bell, Harmison B.

Dunston UTS: Connell, Pearson, Liddle (Gilhespy 78), Bowey, Capewell, Wilkinson, Thear (Haliday 77), Smith, Richardson, Morien, Guerin Bowey.  Subs not used: Clark, Martindale.

Next Dunston home game v Morpeth, Saturday 30 April 2016, 3:00 pm KO



Report by T.C.


Thursday 21 April 2016

0-0 Draw with North Shields


Report by Billy Montague
Thursday 21st April 2016
Ebac Northern League – First Division
Final Score: Dunston UTS 0 North Shields 0


Dunston welcomed North Shields to the UTS Stadium for this Ebac Northern League game less than forty-eight hours after their tough game at Whitley Bay on Tuesday evening. The visitors had the benefit of an extra days’ rest after taking on Morpeth Town the previous night when they secured a 2-1 victory. As well as long-term absentees Dale Burrell and Dan Dan Halliday, Manager Billy Irwin had to reckon with the loss of Adam Wilkinson who was injured at Whitley Bay and the suspended Matty Fisher.

Alex Francis was able to resume with Michael Pearson, Liam Thear and Gary Shaw also in the starting eleven. North Shields included former Dunston players Dan Wilson, Gary Ormston and Brad Brooking in their line-up but were missing Curtis Coppen, Adam Forster and Dean Holmes.
The playing surface of the pitch looked to be very good, considering that the two previous home matches had been postponed due to the waterlogged conditions. The spell of dry weather had seen it dry out quickly and it allowed the game to start at a furious pace with both teams eager to take an early advantage.
.
Despite the end-to-end nature of the early exchanges, it was not until the 17th minute that any serious goal-scoring chances were created. When Michael McKeown sent in a swirling free-kick, the Dunston defence was under pressure to clear on the penalty spot and as the ball bounced up, former Dunston striker Dan Wilson hooked an effort which struck the post before rebounding into the grasp of the grateful Liam Connell.


In the 19th minute Dunston went close at the other end but Malky Morien shot wide after being set up by Alex Francis. The teams were battling hard to create further chances with Shields just edging the possession and on 26 minutes wide-man Lee Mason made a good run on the visitors’ right and when he sent in an angled low cross, Liam Connell had to be sharp to intercept just before prolific scorer Gareth Bainbridge could cash-in. On 29 minutes only some steadfast defending by Dan Capewell prevented another Shields attack from breaking through.

On 35 minutes some good work by Aris Guerin on the Dunston right saw him send Morien through and although the striker’s effort was blocked, the ball fell to Alex Francis who sent a shot flying narrowly past the angle. Dunston were working their way into the game and were now giving a decent account of the themselves but were unable to force the crucial first goal.

Half-time Score: Dunston UTS 0 North Shields 0

The visitors started the second-half in determined mood and seemed to grab the initiative from the off. Strong play by Gary Ormston and Ryan Carr set up a couple of half-chances for Bainbridge but Liam Connell was equal to them.

Dunston were struggling to get out of second gear and on 52 minutes an excellent run by Dan Wilson saw him set up Bainbridge whose shot was brilliantly saved by Connell with the keeper able to recover and prevent the ball running into the net. Two minutes later a blasted free-kick by McKeown was bravely blocked by Scott Martindale. On 56 minutes Alex Francis sent a fizzing shot past keeper Chris Bannon’s post after being set up by Dan Smith. In the 61st minute some good approach play by Ormston and Mason ended with McKeown shooting wide.

Steve Bowey was replaced by ex-North Shields player James Luccock in the 63rd minute and the substitute injected some immediate urgency into the Dunston play. On 71 minutes a Francis corner reached Luccock whose shot was well saved by Bannon. In the 78th minute Malky Morien made a good run past three defenders but his shot flew straight at the keeper.

On 82 minutes Luccock made a determined run at the Shields defence before slipping the ball through to fellow substitute Steven Richardson but as he advanced into the six-yard box, some excellent defending by John Parker denied him a goal. As the game drew to a close, both teams were going for a result and on 90 minutes, Bannon made an excellent take from a dangerous Alex Francis cross. In stoppage time the limping Francis thought he had done the trick when he ran onto a clever flicked header by Richardson but his shot clipped the woodwork before flying over Bannon’s goal.

Full-time Score: Dunston UTS 0 North Shields 0

Dunston Man of the Match: Michael Pearson – As usual, Michael turned in another quietly competetant performance. He always gives his very best for the team and is a great example to others.

Dunston UTS: Connell, Pearson, Shaw, Bowey (Luccock), Martindale (Gilhespy), Capewell, Francis, Smith, Guerin, Morien, Thear (Richardson). Subs not used: Clark, Liddle.

North Shields: Bannon, Donnison, Summerly, McKeown, Parker, Hughes (Brooking), Carr, Ormston, Bainbridge (McGorrigan), Wilson (Devlin), Mason. Subs not used: Richardson, McCafferty.

Tuesday 19 April 2016

Dunston beat Seasiders 5-3


Northern League Div 1
19th April 2016
Whitley Bay 3
Dunston UTS 5


Dunston travelled to Whitley Bay after a good sunny spring day to play their first EBAC Northern League game in 10 days, after the last two games at home had been postponed due to waterlogged pitches. Dunston had only Dale Burrell unavailable due to knee injury giving manager Billy Irwin a good squad of players to make his team selection against a youthful Whitley Bay squad assembled by their returned manager Ian Chandler.

The evening started with a well honoured minute’s silence kick-off in respect Roland Maughan who had passed away after giving a long North East Football service as a referee, Northumberland FA official and the FA representative.

Dunston started strong and almost took the lead on 3 minutes as a Morien 30 yard free kick struck the base of the post and Luccock could only head the rebound into a relieved Flynn’s arms, and then a strong run into the box by Smith with the ball resulted in a Bowey shot which was blocked and fell to Morien, whose shot on target was blocked and cleared. Whitley replied with a header over the bar by Munro from a Patton cross.

On 6 minutes Whitley made a long clearance which fell to the unmarked Shanks who went round the advancing Connell, outside his area, before shooting past the returning Martindale covering on the line. 1-0 to Whitley Bay. Dunston Continued to press with the Bay getting the occasional break forward but it was not until the 23rd minute that Dunston got on level terms as Guerin played into Morien who controlled the ball and slotted it into the far corner of the net from 12 yards out.

Play evened out but on the 30th minute Dunston scored after Smith played Guerin into the 18 yard box as his turn provide space for him to slot the ball past Flynn, 2-1 to Dunston. Dunston now had the edge and Morien and Capewell had chances go wide of the post before McDonald, on 36, had a 25 yard shot go wide of the post for Whitley Bay. Within a minute Dunston went further ahead as First Guerin shot was blocked and rebounded to Morien whose shot was blocked by Flynn and rebounded out to Luccock who deftly chipped the ball into the net over the sprawling Flynn.

Whitley then had a spell of pressure on the Dunston defence an looked particularly dangerous on corners and free kicks, On 40, a Fowler corner found Shanks who turned the ball into the net for Whitley’s second and 2 minutes later another corner was headed home from 2 yards out by Shank’s hat-trick and Whitley Bay’s third which gave a half-time score of Whitley Bay 3 Dunston UTS 3

The second-half started with Dunston creating an opportunity on 55 minutes as Morien Guerin and Luccock all had shots blocked and the ball was eventually cleared before the referee on 57 minutes awarded a penalty to Whitley as Smith was adjudged to trip Patton. Shanks took the penalty but Connell diving to his left pushed the ball clear. Play continued to flow from end to end with Munro firing wide on 58, Patton shooting wide on 65 and Morien had a shot deflected for a corner on 69 before he then blazed a shot over the bar on 70.

On 71 Shaw on for Wilkinson played in a cross which was met by Bowey at the back post and he duly headed home from 4 yards, 4-3 to Dunston. Dunston now with a goal advantage put the pressure on and chances came to Morien twice and Guerin saw Flynn make some good stops until Morien on 79 was played into the near post by Bowey and Morien laced his shot between Flynn and the near post for Dunston’s fifth and a 5 – 3 score line. Dunston almost extended their lead on 82 as Luccock picked up a clearance from a Kempster free kick on the Dunston goal, Luccock, then played a ball into Morien in the area and Morien’s first time chip on target was blocked by an advancing Flynn.

On 84 a Bowey free kick was met by Shaw at the back post but he could not redirect his first time effort on target. A final Whitley effort on 85 came as McFarlane had a 25 yard shot go just wide of the post, before Morien on 89 hit a shot off Flynn and then Bowey drove a shot over the bar. In added on time Substitute Francis had a shot go wide of the near post.

Full-time Score: Whitley Bay 3 Dunston UTS 5

Dunston Man of the Match: James Luccock – James was major force behind this victory all over the field ably assisted by fellow midfielders Steven Bowey and Dan Smith with Aris Guerin and Morien connecting to cause Whitley Bay problems. After a good start for Dunston and then a late first-half blip was realistically decided from a tremendous penalty save by Liam Connell, which then saw a team strengthening and 2 goals to deservedly claim the game.

Whitley Bay: Flynn, McFarlane, McDonald, Bromley, Gibson, Munro, Haley (Anderson 59), Fowler (Davis 70), Shanks, Patton, Kempster. Subs not used: Day, Blake Gladstone

Dunston UTS: Connell, Pearson (Gilhespy 40), Liddle, Capewell, Wilkinson (Shaw 59), Martindale, Luccock, Smith, Guerin, Morien, Bowey. Subs not used:

Report by T.C

Tuesday 5 April 2016

3-0 Win Over Marske United

5th April 2016
Northern League Div 1
Dunston UTS 3
Marske Utd 0
Att 159

Match Report by Billy Montague.

Dunston welcomed Marske United to the UTS Stadium for this Ebac Northern League game which saw Manager Billy Irwin again without the services of the injured Dale Burrell, Dan Smith and Flu-hit Michael Pearson but Gary Shaw was able to return to the starting line-up. Though still carrying various injuries, Luke Gilhespy, Steven Richardson, Michael Liddle, Dan Halliday and Steven Bowey took their places on the bench while Andy Clark and Stephen Harrison were still unavailable. Marske United named a very strong team despite missing top-scorer Jamie Owens and included ex-Dunston player Liam O’Sullivan.
.


Both teams opened strongly in a fast end-to-end start to the game and when Marske won a left-wing corner in the 4th minute, Reece Kelly sent in a vicious flag-kick that Liam Connell punched confidently away with the ball going well away from danger. Two minutes later, Scott Martindale won a good tackle and sent a great ball up the right flank to Alex Francis who squared to Liam Thear 30-yards from goal. Thear wasted no time in beating two challenges before lofting a superb pass through to Malky Morien who drew keeper Robert Dean before chipping a marvelous finish from just outside the box to open the scoring. 1 – 0 to Dunston.

Marske attempted to get back into the game but found the Dunston defence in determined mood and though they built some decent approach play, they were unable to test Connell. The home side went closest to scoring when Morien just failed to get on the end of a James Luccock low cross in the 15th minute. On 20 minutes, Aris Guerin turned past Adam Wheatley and as the Dunston striker sped towards goal, the Marske captain hacked him down to earn a caution. Morien sent the resulant 30-yard free-kick narrowly over Dean’s crossbar. On 24 minutes, Marske were awarded a free-kick out on their left-wing but when Nathan Mulligan sent in a dangerous ball, Martindale was on hand to make a good clearance. Two minutes later the tricky Reece Kelly made a good run on the right but some great defending by Adam Wilkinson saw the winger run out of space and play the ball out for a goal-kick.


On 29 minutes James Luccock made a determined run on the Dunston right and after beating a couple of defenders he squared across the box where Morien just failed to connect in front of goal. In the 33rd minute Luke Bythway looked to have broken through the Dunston back-line but was flagged for off-side as he was about to shoot. Two minutes later, the hard-working Aris Guerin made another good turn to cause havoc outside the visitors’ box and drew a bad foul from centre-half Ryan Grier who was also cautioned. Scott Martindale took the free-kick but his pile-driver struck the defensive wall and was scrambled clear.

Half-time Score: Dunston UTS 1 Marske United 0




Dunston were forced to make a substitution at half-time with Steve Richardson replacing Matty Fisher who had been injured by a heavy tackle at the end of the first period. They came out in the second-half in a confident and determined mood but the visitors were making every effort to get an equaliser. On 53 minutes the strong running Luke Bythway managed to get past Gary Shaw on Dunston’s left but his cross-shot went past the near-post without testing Liam Connell.

Dunston grabbed the decisive second goal on 55 minutes when Liam Thear made a brilliant run to the left bye-line and cut in towards Dean’s goal. His pull-back was deflected across the six-yard box to Alex Francis whose low centre was cleared only as far as James Luccock on the edge of the box. The recent signing from North Shields wasted no time in coming onto the ball and smashed it into the top corner of the net giving keeper Dean no chance. 2 – 0 to Dunston.



Marske were not throwing in the towel and went very close to getting a goal back on 63 minutes when Bythway lofted a good effort narrowly past the angle. The Marske defence was being tested with some excellent runs by Richardson who was working hard to keep them occupied. On 70 minutes he gained possession on half-way and went past his marker with ease before sending Morien through on goal but Dean left his area to avert the danger. Three minutes later Richardson repeated the feat when he took on the Marske defence and almost set up Luccock but again the keeper intervened.

As Dunston kept up the pressure Grier almost put the ball into his own net from a wicked Morien cross but luckily for him the ball flew just outside of the post on 80 minutes. From the resulting Alex Francis corner a Dan Capewell effort was blocked on the goal-line and in the ensuing scramble, the big Dunston central defender just failed to force home. After a Morien shot scraped past the post on 87 minutes, Dunston grabbed a deserved third goal a minute later when Steven Richardson ran onto a Francis through ball only to be blocked by Dean but the ball squirted kindly into the path of Malky Morien who gleefully rammed home. 3 – 0 to Dunston.
As the game petered out Marske almost scored a consolation goal when Danny Brunskill met a Mulligan right-wing corner at the far post but his powerful header just cleared the angle.

Full-time Score: Dunston UTS 3 Marske United 0


Referee, Lindsey Robsinson, Assistants, Ashley Royston, Gavin Scott.

Dunston Man of the Match: The Whole Team – In another excellent all-round team performance, it would be difficult to single out any one individual.

Dunston UTS: Connell, Martindale, Shaw, Fisher (Richardson), Wilkinson, Capewell, Luccock, Francis, Guerin, Morien, Thear. Subs not used: Gilhespy, Liddle, Halliday, Bowey.

Marske United: Dean, Brockbank, O’Sullivan, Seaton, Grier, Wheatley, Hood (Nicholson), Mulligan, Preston, Bythway (Brunskill), Kelly. Subs not used: Briggs, Dixon, Plews.

.
14 Pictures Below...




Next home game, 12th April versus West Auckland, Northern League Fixture. 7:30pm.

Saturday 2 April 2016

Dunston beat the Star 3-1

DUNSTON UTS v SEAHAM RED STAR
Report by Billy Montague

Saturday 2nd April 2016
Ebac Northern League – First Division
Dunston UTS 3

Seaham Red Star 1
Att 159

 Dunston welcomed Seaham Red Star to the UTS Stadium for this Ebac Northern League game that marked the Club’s 1000th Northern League Game since joining the League in 1991. To mark the occasion, League President Mr. George Courtney MBE made the Presentation of an engraved salver prior to the kick-off. (See picture below)




Manager Billy Irwin was again without the services of the injured Dan Halliday, Dale Burrell, Dan Smith, Steve Bowey and Michael Liddle. Though suffering knocks, Luke Gilhespy, Gary Shaw and Steven Richardson were forced to take places on the bench while Andy Clark and Stephen Harrison were unavailable. Seaham were able to include former Dunston players David Scorer and Nicky Kane in their squad but suffered a set-back when Darryl Donnelly was injured in the warm-up.

The early stages of the game saw both sides probing without either keeper being really tested but it was the visitors who looked the more dangerous. On 14 minutes Paul Gardner made a powerful run on the Seaham right and his low cross found Craig Lynch whose shot was well blocked by Adam Wilkinson. In the 18th minute Dunston replied when Seaham keeper Shaun Newbrook made a smart save to parry a Malky Morien shot.


Three minutes later, James Luccock made a great run to the edge of the Seaham box but his cross was cut out by a last-ditch interception by Dan Kirkup at the expense of a corner. On 24 minutes Seaham were awarded a free-kick 25-yards out on their right and David Paul’s pile-driver went over Liam Connell’s bar. Dunston mounted some pressure and forced a couple of corners and from the second in the 27th minute, they grabbed the lead. Alex Francis took the kick from the left and found Adam Wilkinson who headed firmly home, giving Newbrook no chance. 1 – 0 to Dunston.



Seaham were stung into action and mounted some sharp attacks through the lively Robbie Bird and Craig Lynch, with the powerful David Paul also a threat. Dunston held their lead for only four minutes as Scott Martindale did well to deny Gardner at the expense of a right-wing corner. Robbie Bird sent over an accurate flag-kick and when the Dunston defence failed to clear, Dan Kirkup headed back to Craig Lynch who coolly slotted home. 1 – 1.

Despite this set-back, Dunston returned to the attack and threatened the visitors’ back line through Luccock and Morien. On 35 minutes Morien was fouled out wide on the left flank and Alex Francis sent the free-kick over everyone and as the ball looked destined for the top corner of the net, Newbrook somehow kept it out with a brilliant save. From the resultant right-wing Francis corner, Wilkinson almost managed another goal but his header flew just past the post.

Half-time Score: Dunston UTS 1 Seaham Red Star 1


Dunston came out in positive mood and seemed determined to regain the lead and in the 53rd minute Morien made a tricky run but just as he seemed about to score, a good block by Kirkup deflected the ball to Newbrook. The keeper made another great save after 59 minutes after a Francis through-ball had sent Luccock clear. The home side now had the bit between their teeth and forced two corners which Seaham had difficulty in clearing.

When a third flag-kick was awarded, Francis set up Dan Capewell on the penalty spot and the big central defender’s bullet header was brilliantly parried off the line by Newbrook. The ball fell to Liam Thear on the edge of the box and he smashed low into the corner. 2 – 1 to Dunston.
.
Boosted by the goal, Dunston were back only two minutes later and only a great clearance by Kirkup prevented Aris Guerin from adding to the score. From the corner, Thear almost repeated his earlier shot from the edge of the box but this time full-back Darren Reay was able to clear off the goal-line. Seaham were not out of the contest and on 70 minutes the ever-dangerous Lynch shot narrowly past Liam Connell’s left-hand post. In a swift break on 78 minutes, Dunston were almost caught out as Robbie Bird sprinted away in the left channel and though there were two covering defenders, Connell was very fortunate to receive only a caution when he left his goal area and obstructed the Seaham striker.



On 82 minutes the vital next goal came the way of Dunston when substitute Steven Richardson raced onto a Francis ball over the top to draw keeper Newbrook out of his goal. Newbrook did an excellent job to get something on Richardson’s effort but he was helpless as Malky Morien gained possession before calmly beating the keeper and a couple of retreating defenders before slotting home. 3 – 1 to Dunston.

Though Lynch drew a great stop from Connell in the 85th minute and Bird never gave up on getting another goal back, the Dunston defence ensured that a precious three points would be gained at long last. The final chance of the game fell to the home side in the 88th minute when Newbrook was forced into another first-class save to deflect a Morien goal-bound shot.

Full-time Score: Dunston UTS 3 Seaham Red Star 1

Dunston Man of the Match: Dan Capewell – In another excellent all-round team performance, the young central defender deserves special mention for his will to win and determination against a very good opposing forward line.

Dunston UTS: Connell, Pearson, Martindale (Gilhespy), Fisher, Wilkinson, Capewell, Luccock, Francis, Guerin, Morien, Thear (Richardson). Subs not used: Greenwood, Shaw, Clark J.

Seaham Red Star: Newbrook, Reay, Walker (Scott), Gardner, Kirkup, Scorer, Palmer, Kane (Kerr), Paul (McBryde), Lynch, Bird. Subs not used: Galbraith, Fenwick.

.
Referee, S. Sugden.  Assisitants, A. Kitchen and A. Clark

More Match pictures Can be viewed here

Friday 1 April 2016

Dunston Lose 500th Away League Game

BISHOP AUCKLAND v DUNSTON UTS
(500th Away League Game)

Wednesday 30th March 2016
Ebac Northern League – First Division
Bishop Auckland 2

Dunston UTS 1
Att 189

Dunston made the journey to Bishop Auckland to face the in-form South-West Durham side with a team severely weakened by injury. After grabbing a well merited draw with Guisborough Town last Saturday, manager Billy Irwin had to deal with injuries to Luke Gilhespy, Michael Liddle and Steve Bowey as well as long-term absentees Dan Smith, Dale Burrell, Gary Shaw, Craig Hodgson and Dan Halliday. Stephen Harrison and Andy Clark were also missing. New signing Dan Capewell was able to continue after making a very promising debut last weekend with James Luccock and Liam Thear returning to the starting line-up.

Dunston made a very positive start to the game and dominated the opening minutes with some useful possession bringing an early Liam Thear effort when he latched onto a Malky Morien flick-on. Bishops struggled to create and opening until the 8th minute when a dangerous cross by winger Sam Orritt forced a good interception from Dan Capewell who cleared for a fruitless corner.

 
Just two minutes later there seemed to be little danger to the Dunston defence when a loose ball fell to Fred Woodhouse 25-yards from goal, but the striker let fly with a surprise shot which flew over Liam Connell and dipped viciously to go into the net off the underside of the crossbar. 1 – 0 to Bishop Auckland.

Despite conceding the lead against the run of play, Dunston kept plugging away and Morien just ran out of space after taking a good pass by Michael Pearson who had been set up by a tricky run by Steve Richardson on 15 minutes. On 21 minutes Matty Fisher had a shot saved by keeper Edward Wilcynski after being set up by Thear but on 25 minutes a Woodhouse effort was deflected over Connell’s bar when he was set up by the persistant Andrew Johnson.

 
On the half-hour, Johnson had a blistering shot saved by Connell and when the ball fell to Woodhouse his close range effort was brilliantly blocked by the Dunston keeper. In the 38th minute a strong Alex Francis shot was deflected for a corner after the midfielder had been set up by Thear. From the Francis flag-kick Malky Morien sent a close-range header against the post but the ball was scrambled clear.
 
On 41 minutes Dunston went close again after a bad mis-kick by keeper Wilcynski resulted in another corner-kick. Francis sent over an accurate corner that saw substiute Aris Guerin, on for the injured Steve Richardson, see his goal-bound header cleared off the line. As half-time approached Bishops were hanging on and Liam Thear just failed to take advantage of good set-up by Morien but Dunston were not to be denied and in the first minute of added time they grabbed a deserved equaliser as Aris Guerin got on the end of another Francis corner to head home. 1 – 1.

Half-time Score: Bishop Auckland 1 Dunston UTS 1

Boosted by their late equaliser in the first-half, Dunston came out in determined mood and made the first chance after 47 minutes when Guerin got a good flick-on to send Morien through but his shop was blocked. The top-scorer almost provided another goal for the visitors when he made a great run on the left and smashed the ball across Wilcynski for James Luccock to stab narrowly the wrong side of the far post. On 52 minutes Matty Fisher sent a great through ball to release Guerin who was only denied by a last-ditch tackle at the expense of a corner.

 
Bishops replied with a dangerous low cross by the classy Jeff Smith but Connell gathered well. On 55 minutes Guerin was almost in again when he just failed to finish a Morien cross. Two minutes later it took an excellent challenge from Dan Capewell to deny the dangerous Andrew Johnson. In the 62nd minute, good approach play by Guerin saw him set up Morien whose cross fell to Michael Pearson who brought a good save from the Bishops keeper. On 68 minutes it was Morien again whose cross caused chaos in the home defence but the ball was scrambled away from the goal-line. On 73 minutes Bishops almost scored on the break when Priestley Griffiths raced away on the left before cutting in and hitting a right-foot curler just beyond the far-post.
 
Dunston went close in the 76th minute when Wilcynski saved well from Morien but he was beaten a minute later when a great move on the right saw Liam Thear send Michael Pearson in to cross to the near post where Malky Morien thumped a solid header against the post. The game turned in the 85th minute with an extremely poor decision by the referee. When Matty Fisher went for a fifty-fifty ball in the centre of the field, the ball bounced up between him and his opponent. Unbelievably, the official deemed that Fisher’s tackle was worthy of a straight red.
 
The referee was clearly influenced by the Bishop supporters behind the goal who were screaming for every decision during the game. In the remaining time left, Dunston battled hard to hang on to what would have been a deserved point but in the third minute of added time, Andrew Johnson latched onto a pass and, even though he appeared to be offside, went on to slot past Connell. 2 – 1 to Bishop Auckland.

Full-time Score: Bishop Auckland 2 Dunston UTS 1

Dunston Man of the Match: The Whole Team – Under the circumstances it would be wrong to single out any one individual on a night when everybody in the squad did their utmost to get a result despite some abysmal refereeing.

Bishop Auckland: Wilcynski, Thompson, Hoganson, Purewal, Colquhoun, Griffiths, Orritt (Ward), Nicholls, Johnson (Jury), Woodhouse (McCarthy), Smith. Subs not used: Tarling, Lambert.

Dunston UTS: Connell, Pearson, Martindale, Fisher, Wilkinson, Capewell, Luccock, Francis, Richardson (Guerin), Morien (Gilhespy), Thear (Bowey).

Subs not used: Greenwood, Clark J.

Report By Billy Montague