Dunston FC v Runcorn Linnets - Northern Premier League N/West

Dunston FC v Runcorn Linnets

Northern Premier League N/West

31st August 2019

Match Report by Dan Whalen.

Dunston FC were left feeling disappointed as Runcorn Linnets fought back valiantly to take a share of the spoils at The UTS Stadium. The hosts were three goals up within the first 25 minutes of the game and will possibly feel that it was two points dropped rather than a point gained. Dunston defender Michael Hall made his first start of the season as Chris Swailes started the game in a 3-1-4-2 formation with Hall playing in front of the back three.

The hosts looked to focus on starting positively, having struggled to get going early doors in previous games this season. The opening ten minutes of the game provided few clear cut chances as the wind swirled around the pitch. The best chance during the opening phase of the game saw Linnets winger Ryan Gibson force his way through to the near post following a mistake at the back, his cross and subsequent effort narrowly missing the target. Neither side had managed to assert any dominance on the game with the blustery conditions playing their part.

Dunston took the lead on 17 minutes, a Liam Marrs free kick caused confusion amongst the Runcorn defence as Luke Page reacted quickly to take advantage by sliding in from close range and give the hosts the lead. Mark Fitzpatrick scored his first goal league goal of the season, taking himself to 6 goals this season. Michael Pearson slotted a perfectly timed pass through a gap in the Runcorn defence, Fitzpatrick slid in to turn his marker, an exchange of neat passes between Marrs and Pearson picked out the top scorer who was upended in the box. The referee instantly pointed to the spot and Fitzpatrick made no mistake as his blasted the spot kick straight down the middle to give Dunston a two goal lead. A minute later the home side extended their lead.

From the kick off Fitzpatrick intercepted a misplaced Runcorn pass and found strike partner Cedwyn Scott who danced around defenders with mesmeric foot work to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner. Despite Dunston’s lead, the score line was not a fair reflection of the game. Runcorn pushed to get back into the match. Combining well in and around the box an effort from distance was bravely blocked by Dan Capewell, a fierce shot which knocked the stuffing out of him but prevented Runcorn from pulling one back. Linnets were to grab a goal on 32 minutes. Louis Corrigan curled a free kick into the back post, Declan McGivern rose well at the back stick to glance his header into the back of the net from two yards out.

Dunston had a superb chance to regain their 3 goal cushion five minutes before the break, Cedwyn Scott had his effort blocked by Runcorn keeper Bayleigh Passant having been fed in by Fitzpatrick as Callum Elliott made a excellent supporting run out wide. Runcorn capitalised on Dunston’s indecision at the back. Ryan Gibson latched onto a Kyle Hamid pass from deep, controlling with his chest, Gibson’s first effort was blocked. The ball rebounded to him kindly and he lashed his effort from close range past Dryden and reduce the arrears just before half time.

Although Runcorn trailed they had the impetus going into the second half. Dunston needed to weather the first phase of the second half which to be fair they did. A Paul Shanley looping headed effort from an excellent delivery nearly levelled matters for Runcorn after 10 minutes if the re-start. In an effort to shore up the midfield and restrict Runcorn space in wide arrears, Chris Swailes made changes on the hour.

Dan Wright replaced Michael Hall and Liam Brooks came on in place of Callum Elliott as the hosts changed to a 4-4-2 formation. Dunston were finding the second half conditions difficult as they struggled to form any cohesive passes together.

The wind was against Dunston and Runcorn were dangerous with balls over the top. Connor McCarthy was creating a menace of himself against the home sides back line. The Runcorn forward went close on two separate occasions with curling efforts which narrowly missed the top corner. McCarthy eventually levelled the game on 70 minutes to complete the comeback. Ryan Wade turned well on the left hand side to deliver an excellent cross into the six yard box. The Runcorn Linnets number 9 found space too easily in between two Dunston defenders and firmly planted his header into the bottom corner, much to the jubilation of The Linnets Support behind the goal. Dunston were struggling to win second balls and find passes.

Too many passes were played long against the wind which often resulted in the ball coming back towards theirown half. Cedwyn Scott had two chances at the end only to be thwarted by Passant in the Linnets goal. The former Dundee youngster went close from a Brooks flick on as the keeper reacted quickly to prevent the home side from taking the lead. Luke Page turned well inside the Runcorn box with Scott’s effort just bobbling over. Runcorn spurned a great chance to leave Tyneside with all three points in the closing stages of the game as Ronnie McCarthy put an effort over over Dunston’ s crossbar.

Dunston had a penalty appeal waived away as Cedwyn Scott appeared to be held whilst attempting to turn off his marker. Whilst right at the end Bayleigh Passant ensured the visitors left with a deserved point, closing down Scott’s angle as the ball bobbled up and around the strikers feet as he raced through on goal. As a result of this game Dunston now slip down to 13th position in The BetVictor Northern Premier N/West Division.

The team are still trying to find their feet in this division and adjust to the transition from The Northern League. There has been very little between the sides we’ve faced so far and once Dunston stabilise themselves there is a general feeling that they can push on. The high standard of the league is evident however, If Dunston can get back to doing what they done so well last season they could well be a force to be reckoned with.

Final Score:

Dunston FC - 3. (Page 17’ Fitzpatrick pen 24 ’ Cedwyn Scott 25’)
Runcorn Linnets FC - 3. (McGivern 30 ’ Gibson 42’ C McCarthy 70’).

Dunston FC Line up: Dunston FC Dryden, Marrs, Halliday (C), Hall (Wright) Grant-Soulsby, Capewell, Elliott, (Brooks), Pearson (Heslop), Fitzpatrick, Cedwyn Scott, Page. Subs not used: Lowther, Harrison.

Dunston UTS FC Supporters Club Man of the Match: Liam Marrs.

Match pictures HERE

Marske United v Dunston FC - Northern Premier League N/West

Marske United v Dunston FC
BetVictor Northern Premier League N/West
26th August 2019.
Attendance 366

Match report by Dan Whalen

Dunston FC made the relatively short away trip to face former fellow Northern League members Marske United on a sun drenched bank holiday Monday. The hosts took the spoils with a 2-1 win to go 3rd in The BetVictor Northern Premier N/West Division whilst Dunston drop down to 11th position.

Marske deservedly went into the break leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from captain Adam Wheatley. Dunston levelled through a composed Cedwyn Scott penalty on 77 minutes. Dunston could feel hard done to, in a game with very few clear cut chances for either side and marred by some questionable decisions from the Match Officials. Marske United were to seal the win right at the end of normal time, an Andrew May looping header at the end on normal time secured all three points for the home side as the game seemed to be heading for a draw. Marske came out the more energetic of the two sides, as Lewis Maloney flashed a shot wide in the opening seconds of the game.

Matthew Garbutt should ’ve punished a Dunston mistake but again the effort was off target as the visitors had yet to get to grips with the pace of the game. Marske’ s pressure eventually paid off on 13 minutes, with the Seasiders forcing a series of corners, a close range overhead kick was blocked by Karl Dryden but Adam Wheatley was quickest to follow up and drilled his effort low into the bottom corner. Marske were winning second balls and controlling the game as Dunston looked off the pace. Dunston were struggling to string passes together and form any kind of rhythm as Marske closed down quickly and seemed to win the majority of second balls. So far it had been a scrappy looking contest.

On 22 minutes Dunston defender Craig Scott was forced to leave the field of play, clashing in an aerial challenge he was eventually replaced by Michael Hall. Dunston eventually come into the game, a quick passing game along the deck forcing Marske to chase the ball. As Dunston pushed to get into the game, Marske always posed a threat on the break, attempting to spring balls over the top and into channels Cedwyn Scott ran onto a smart Fitzpatrick through ball, he skilfully dummied and faked his shot numerous times, looking for chance to open up the shot, Jack Norton was at hand for Marske to prevent Dunston scoring in what had been their first real effort on goal.

In the closing stages of the first half, Adam Wheatley narrowlyheaded over from close range for Marske, the home sides delivery from wide areas had caused issues throughout the first half as Dunston were yet to show in wide areas. In the closing minutes, former Dunston keeper Jack Norton flapped at a Callum Elliott cross, a Marske defender then looping his attempted clearance up and out for a corner. As Marske struggled to clear the resulting corner, the ball fell to Michael Pearson who lashed a volley wayward on the edge of the 18 yd box.

Dunston needed to start the second half brighter than they had the first. Cedwyn Scott had the ball in the net in within a minute of the re-start, Luke Page played in a superb pass from deep, a Mark Fitzpatrick flick on was well read by the former Dundee FC youngster, however the referee deemed Fitzy to be offside and had blown before the ball was in the net. Dunston Manager Chris Swailes decided on a tactical change 10 minutes into the second half, replacing Liam Brooks with Scott Heslop and moving to three up top in an attempt to breakthrough what had been an impervious Marske Utd backline.

Cedwyn Scott had an effort blocked by Norton from a narrow angle as the forward shimmied with defenders around him as Dunston pushed for an equaliser. Curtis Round flashed an effort wide of Dunston ’s upright as Marske looked to quickly hit on the break. Callum Elliott with cynically challenged by two Marske defenders, going down under a late challenge as he was seemingly ready to break down the line.

Controversially the Official took no action as the winger was forced from the field of play. As a result Dunston were forced into replacing Elliott with Dan Wright. Cedwyn Scott was fouled and Lewis Maloney blocked his attempt to quickly take the free kick, a tussle ensued between both players with Scott thrown to the ground, with the Official bizarrely deciding to book both players. Dunston levelled on 77 minutes through a Cedwyn Scott penalty, having been dragged down in the box the youngster stepped up to confidently lash the spot kick into the bottom corner as Norton guessed the wrong way.

Dunston pushed for the lead, a Scott Heslop flick on found an on running Fitzpatrick, his strike was saved and the forward was called for off-side. Dunston had done little with their set pieces throughout the game to create any serious issues for the hosts to deal with. In a game of very few clear cut chances the good would be defined by a set piece. Marske substitute Stephenson flashed a ball across goal having been well marshalled by Dan Halliday, however no Marske player was on the end of the ball to take advantage of the situation.

On the break, Marske fans were incensed by a challenge on Louis Johnson, Capewell appeared to be the last man and the forward went down, the referee deciding to play on as the forward made the most of the challenge in a ruse to take an advantage in the game. In the final minutes, and with the game seemingly heading for a draw, Marske were awarded a free kick, the ball was played in to the back post, Andrew May rose the highest above those around him to loop his headed effort over Karl Dryden and into the net to give the home side a 2-1 lead.

The goal coming in controversial circumstances, an earlier foul on Cedwyn Scott had been ignored and the goal scorer had been at the heart of the challenge on Callum Elliott. Dunston were understandably aggrieved at the result however too many players had been off the boil against a side who could be a strong force in this division. The relentless heat was energy sapping and having to play two games in three days would ’ ve maybe taken it
out of a lot of the players.

Dunston FC line up: Dryden, Marrs, Halliday (C), Pearson, Craig Scott (Hall), Capewell, Elliott (Wright), Page, Fitzpatrick, Cedwyn Scott, Liam Brooks (Heslop). Subs not used: Lowther, Harrison.

Dunston UTS FC Supporters Club Man of the Match: Cedwyn Scott.

Dunston FC v Goole AFC - FA Cup Preliminary Round

Dunston FC v Goole AFC
FA Cup Preliminary Round
24th August 2019.
Attendance 291

Report by Tom Clark

Dunston FC were forced to a replay after a tense 2-2 draw a week on Tuesday evening by a competitive performance by Goole AFC of the NCEL Premier League.

Goole came and along with the summer sun, and true to their nickname “The Vikings”, raided and pillaged against a Dunston side who despite taking a lead on 17 minutes though a Mark Fitzpatrick penalty, Dunston never really forced the issue and were pushed and bullied throughout the game. Goole equalised on 47 minutes after losing the ball on the wing outside the box and were punished by a low cross turned in by Devonte Newman-Morton.

Dunston retook the lead on 65 minutes after a long Marrs free kick was met by Michael Pearson who headed home. Goole fought back and stunned Dunston on 80 minutes with a Schofield header from the back post which looped over a stranded Karl Dryden into the corner of the net. Dunston had very little to offer in the closing minutes as Goole who pressed for a winner as Dunston were forced back. The game started on a lush green pitch on a hot summers day at the Dunston UTS stadium and in the opening exchanges Dunston almost took an early lead as Halliday and Fitzpatrick combined and Hallidays’ cross travelled dangerously across the Goole goal, then a minute later Fitzpatrick was played through into the box and slid a shot past the out coming keeper only to see it hit the wrong side of the net.

Goole retaliated on 5 minutes as their centre forward tested Halliday and Scott who were strong and blocked the attempted cross. Dunston were awarded a penalty 16 minutes after Heslop was played into the box by Fitzpatrick only for the out coming keeper to take him out as Heslop tried to go past him. Mark Fitzpatrick firmly slotted the penalty kick past Riches to give Dunston the lead. Goole almost got through in the 21 st minute as Dan Capewell had to clear as Newman-Morton was played through after a long clearance. Play became very scrappy as both sides were giving possession away but Dunston almost went further ahead as Liam Marrs won a ball on the halfway line and attacked the Goole box his through ball to Fitzpatrick enabled a shot which went just over and three minutes later Dan Wright fired over after a Heslop flick on at the near post from a Hallliday long throw in.

Half time Dunston FC 1 Goole AFC 0

Dunston opened the second half with an attack, but within 2 minutes of the restart Goole equalised as a defensive error on the right allowed a low cross which was turned in by Devonte Newman-Morton from 5 yards out. A minute later again Goole attacked and ball went dangerously across the Dunston area but was safely cleared. Dunston had introduced Brooks for Smith at half time and it started to give the Goole defence problems and a Brooks shot on 56, from 40 yards thundered in on Riches who did well to just block the shot, the rebound went over the advancing Pearson.

Dunston regained the lead on 65 minutes as Pearson got on the end of Marrs free kick from the halfway line and headed firmly into the net. Goole were scrapping for their FA cup dream and on 71 Newman- Morton fired in a shot which Dryden saved. On 73, Dunston brought on Michael Hall, returning after almost a year long injury, to bolster the midfield which seemed to work against a resurgent Goole side. However on 80 minutes a defensive error on the right allowed a deep cross from Payne to Schofield at the far post, Schofield rose high and directed his looping header over Dryden and into the opposite corner of the net for what proved to be the final goal of the game.

Goole almost got the winner as they pushed Dunston back and Capewell did well to block a Payne shot. As the game went into added time Dunston had the final chance created from a long ball up to Fitzpatrick which appeared to be handled by Adama and bundled into Fitzpatrick who cleared his feet and shot the ball past Riches into the goal, only for the referee to say that Fitzpatrick had used a hand to control the ball.

The game ended as a 2-2 draw and both sides to meet again in 10 days time at Goole.

Final Score: Dunston FC 2 (Fitzpatrick (pen)17, Pearson 65) Goole AFC 2 (Newton-Morton 47, Schofield 80)

Dunston Supporters Man of the Match: Michael Pearson

Dunston FC: Dryden, Marrs, Halliday, Lowther (Hall 73), Craig Scott, Capewell, Wright (Elliott 82), Pearson, Fitzpatrick, Heslop, Smith (Brooks 45). Subs not used: Ward, Dixon, Grant-Soulsby.

Dunston FC v Ossett United - BetVictor Northern Premier N/Wes

Dunston FC v Ossett United
BetVictor Northern Premier N/West
Tuesday 20th August 2019.
Attendance 403

Dunston FC earned all three points against a very good Ossett United side in a hard earned 1-0 victory at The UTS Stadium on Tuesday night in front of a solid crowd of 403. An exceptional team performance was capped by a wonderful goal from in from Luke Page.

Scott Heslop replaced Dan Wright as Chris Swailes kept with the same formation of 3-5-2 which had been employed to good effect away to Marine last Saturday. Dunston ’ s first chance of the game fell to Heslop, a well timed tackle from Craig Scott on Ossett Utd winger Andrew Ijowole saw the defender pick out the striker who just dragged his shot narrowly wide. The step up in the quality of the opponents was evident. Ossett Utd were looking to close Dunston down quickly and harass the home side at every opportunity.

Liam Brooks had a great chance to put the hosts ahead on 10 minutes, Luke Page sprang a counter attack and his pass was cushioned by the head of Scott Heslop into the path of Mark Fitzpatrick, his shot was blocked and Liam Brooks followed up, however his half volley failed to hit the target. The game had seen plenty of aerial challenges and had been played at a rapid pace, Ossett Utd looking to spring the ball over the top to their on running forwards had been met by an indomitable Dunston defence.

Both sides were evenly matched in the opening 30 minutes. When Dunston kept the ball on the deck with their close and patient passing game, Ossett Utd seemed to be less comfortable. However breaking down the Ossett Utd back line was proving to be an obstacle as the visitors looked to be a well organised defensive unit. The game had seen few clear cut chances, Ossett had their best chance of the game with a close range effort which was seemingly destined for the bottom corner only for Dunston keeper Karl Dryden to impressively stretch down low and palm away the ball A loose pass at the back from Dan Capewell could ’ ve resulted in calamity, as Ijowole picked up the stray ball before curling his effort just shy of the top corner. The winger was to find himself in the referees book moments later for a late and rash challenge, possibly bore from the frustration of having been well marshalled by Craig Scott and Dan Halliday throughout the first half. Dunston had good chances to take the lead going into the break, Craig Scott lofted an excellent ball into the 6 yd box, Heslop went up to challenge as Ossett Utd keeper Brett Souter could only punch the ball away, the ball fell to Michael Pearson on the edge of the box, his rising effort just going over the crossbar.

A Liam Marrs cross picked out Heslop at the back post, his headed effort just wide. Souter was alert to palm away a Mark Fitzpatrick effort just before the break as the two sides went into half time level in what had been an even, engrossing and well fought first half. HT 0-0 After the break Heslop went close with an effort just wide of the post having created the effort himself as Ossett struggled to clear their lines. Luke Page saw his volley go agonisingly wide following a corner as Dunston applied pressure in the opening stages of the second half. Dunston ’ s pressure eventually paid off on 57 minutes; Luke Page went on a marauding run through the middle, unchallenged he played a perfectly weighted pass out wide to Liam Brooks who played a first time ball across the box to find Pages ’ continued run. The midfielder controlled and drilled his effort into the bottom corner to give the home side the lead. Looking to get back into the game Ossett Utd winger Ijowole fired an effort at goal, Dryden easily collecting the ball.

The Dunston keeper needed to be alert moments later to prevent an overhead kick from finding the back of the net. Dan Halliday was to clear a dangerous phase of passing around the Dunston box for a corner as their opponents pushed for an equaliser. Dunston were back in numbers and defending well as a team to prevent Ossett United getting back into the game. Grant- Soulsby, Scott and Capwell forming a impregnable back line. The final stages of the encounter were a fine display of grit and determination from the home side.

Ossett had good chances to draw level with substitute Nicolas Guest flashing an effort just wide of the post and mis-hitting a curling effort wide of the goal. Mark Fitzpatrick saw his well struck shot palmed away by Souter, Luke Page displaying great technique to turn his marker and play the ball down the line to the forward. Ossett pushed as many up as they could in search of the equaliser, Dunston as a defence were in no mood to share points. Right at the end substitute Callum Smith, marked by two Ossett United players, twisted and turned to send in a wonderful cross to Dan Wright, his headed effort going just wide of the upright.

Full time: Dunston FC - 1 (Luke Page 57 ’ ) Ossett United - 0

In a game of full on entertainment, Dunston FC just had the edge over their opponents. The work rate to a man was outstanding. The step up in the quality of this seasons opponents, based on our last two games is evident. Ossett Utd were a well organised side and Dunston had to work hard in all departments to take maximum points.

Dunston UTS FC Supporters Club Man of the Match: Luke Page.

Dunston FC team: Dryden, Marrs, Halliday (C), Pearson, Grant-Soulsby (Wright) Capewell, Craig Scott, Page, Fitzpatrick, Heslop, Brooks (Smith) 

Marine FC vs Dunston FC - BetVictor Northern Premier N/West

Marine FC vs Dunston FC                  
BetVictor Northern Premier N/West
Saturday 17th August 2019.
Attendance 357

Dunston FC earned a credible 1-1 draw away to Marine FC in their maiden game as a step 4 club. Trailing going into half time to a Niall Cummins goal, the visitors levelled on 69 minutes through debutant Cedwyn Scott, the youngster having recently joined the club from Dundee FC. On the balance of play, a draw was a fair result for both sides. Marine FC are celebrating their 125th year anniversary and major ground improvements have been conducted at The Marine Travel Arena.

This is the first time in Marine FC ’ s long history that they have played at this level, having suffered relegation last season by goal difference.

Marine FC are seen by many as one of the favourites for promotion, as are Dunston FC. Dunston FC Manager Chris Swailes handed a debut to former Sunderland AFC and England Under 17 International Dan Wright, who has recently signed for the club having spent last season at South Shields.

Marine FC kicked off as a brief shower struck right on kick off, with some of the impressive Dunston support taking refuge under their flag on the open terrace behind the goal. Dunston FC had the first chance of the game on 3 minutes, Mark Fitzpatrick putting his effort narrowly wide from a superb delivery by Liam Marrs, who had been picked out in a wide position by Dan Wright. The visitors looked the better side in the opening 10 minutes with the back three of Dan Capewell, Andrew Grant-Soulsby and Craig Scott winning all of their aerial battles against an impressive Marine forward line. Marine’ s first effort of the game came on 13 minutes, forcing a series of corners Steven Irwin flashed a headed effort shy of the near post. Former Liverpool player Craig Lindfield glimpsed an effort narrowly wide on 19 minutes having got in behind the Dunston back three.

Last seasons top scorer Mark Fitzpatrick was getting into good positions, an excellent cross from Dan Halliday forced a corner as Fitzpatrick was just unable to connect. Dunston continued to battle and apply pressure with Fitzpatrick as the main threat up top with his strength and hold up play. However despite Dunston's endeavours, it was the hosts who took the lead. A slip from Dan Halliday allowed Marine to cross to Niall Cummins, the forward seized the opportunity with a diving header past Karl Dryden Marine were looking to get the ball out wide, capitalising on the space down the channels. To their credit, having gone a goal down, the visitors did not panic as Dunston looked to control the tempo of the game.

Luke Page in the middle of the park was looking to get on the ball and carve out chances whilst Michael Pearson was looking to hurry and force Marine to make mistakes. Before the interval Karl Dryden prevented Marine from extending their lead with a fine save from Marine ’s Joshua Solomon-Davies. Craig Lindfield curled a long range effort narrowly over for Marine after the re-start, whilst Liam Brooks dragged his effort wide of the post as strike partner Mark Fitzpatrick had done well to dummy his marker and create the opportunity. Craig Lindfield cut out a cross field pass to unleash a screamer of a shot which went just wide of Dunston’ s goal. Chris Swailes decided on a double substitution, replacing Dan Wright and Liam Brooks with Callum Little and Cedwyn Scott. Cedwyn Scott was to have an instantaneous impact upon the game, reacting quickly to a throw in he saw his goal bound half volley superbly blocked by a Marine defender.

Dunston kept up pressure and the debutant got off the mark on 69 minutes. From a corner the youngster bravely threw himself at the back post under a m ê lé e of flying boots and guided his header into the net to give Dunston a deserved equaliser. However the youngster was forced from the field of play having sustained a facial injury and was replaced by Scott Heslop.

The last twenty minutes of the game were a physical encounter as both sides pushed for a winner. Morgan Bacon prevented Fitzpatrick from getting off the mark, saving from a header he reacted quickly to stretch and prevent any follow up. As he had done so many times before last season, Dunston keeper Karl Dryden was to ensure the visitors got something from the game, tipping over a dangerous effort from Marine substitute Brett Mblanda and racing out of his goal to clear the ball as Rumenid Barai went racing through on goal. On the balance of play both sides deserved a point.

A draw was a fair result. It ’ s hard to call how both sides will fair throughout the season, the next few games will give a better idea of the quality in this league. Dunston gave a very good account of themselves against a side viewed by many as one of the top sides in the division.

There is still a sense that Dunston have a lot more to give, and further into the season today’s result could well be seen as an important one.

Final score: Marine FC - 1 (Cummins 13 ’) Dunston FC - 1 (Cedwyn Scott 69’)

Marine FC : Bacon, Solomon-Davies, Ellison, Strickland, Miley, Lycett, Lindfield (Mbalanda), Irwin, Cummins, Antoine (Devine), Barrigan (Barai). Subs not used: Devine, Mendes.

Dunston FC.. Dryden, Marrs, Halliday (C), Wright (Little), Grant-Soulsby, Capewell, Craig Scott, Pearson, Fitzpatrick, Page, Brooks (Cedwyn Scott (Heslop). Subs not used: Lawrence, Lowther.

Dunston UTS FC Supporters Club Man of the match award: Dan Capewell.

Dunston FC v Consett AFC - FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Replay

Dunston FC v Consett AFC                  
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Replay
Tuesday 13th August 2019

 Match report by Danny Whalen.

Dunston FC emerged victorious in a seven goal thriller at The UTS Stadium, down in part to the ruthless finishing ability of hat- trick hero Mark Fitzpatrick. Speaking before the game Dunston FC assistant manager Chris Errington said, “ They had better quality on Saturday and I thought we were poor. Consett done to us what we done to sides last season. At times we were disjointed but I thought Craig Scott changed the game. We need to go out tonight and show our quality ”. 

Dunston certainly done what was asked of them in the first half by starting brightly, Consett keeper Kyle Hayes was forced into a double, firstly from Mark Fitzpatrick and then from Dan Halliday’s follow up.

Consetts first effort saw Karl Dryden tip over a Jake Stafford free kick from a dangerous position. Liam Brooks spurned a good chance to give Dunston the lead, mis-queuing his effort wide having been played in by a Luke Page cushioned header from superb Liam Brooks crossfield ball. Dunston took the lead on 16 minutes; a Dan Halliday ball to the back post was looped back over by Dan Capewell, his effort looking goal bound as Mark Fitzpatrick made sure with a powerful header from close range.

Consett went close to an equaliser as Luke Carr rattled the cross bar with a powerful effort from long range. Jake Stafford saw his effort at the near post turned away well by Karl Dryden as Consett looked for the equaliser. Consett would rue their missed chances as Dunston took a two goal lead on 35 minutes, Mark Fitzpatrick on strike again finishing from close range having received the ball from Luke Page who had done well to hold off his marker from a long Dan Halliday throw in. Shortly after the goal Liam Marrs was forced from the field of play with a hip injury and was to be replaced by Callum Little who has recently returned to Dunston. Dunston extended their lead through Liam Brooks on 39 minutes, collecting a chipped pass from Luke Page, he controlled well to place his shot into the bottom corner.

Three minutes later Dunston struck another to give themselves a four goal lead, Micheal Pearson showed great vision to loft his pass from deep on the halfway line over the Consett defence to an on running Mark Fitzpatrick, who nonchalantly chipped the keeper to complete his hat trick and put Dunston 4-0 to the good going into half time.

Whatever was said in the Consett dressing room at half time had an instant impact. Within the space of 6minutes of the restart the Steelmen scored twice. Both goals coming from set pieces, Purewal unmarked at the back post guided his header past Dryden from a corner.

Two minutes later former Dunston player Calvin Smith flicked his header past Dryden from a Luke Carr free kick to reduce areas. Consett had come out of the blocks for the second half superbly and were in no mood to make it easy for Dunston. They retained the ball well with their intricate passing game, which at times could be accused of overplaying. Dunston eventually got into the game following a nervy opening to the second half.

Callum Little fired just wide of the upright, Dan Lowther forcing a good save from Hayes from long range. However Consett were looking to control the tempo of the game and push for a third goal as the game went end to end. Callum Little went close for the home side with a long range effort from a wide position.

Dunston had defended tightly and deep in order to prevent Consett a third goal. The game was put to bed in the last minute of the game, Liam Brooks picked out Dan Hallidays   run and with Consett pushed on the captain drilled his shot diagonally towards the bottom corner only for the ball to be deflected by a defender with the keeper going the wrong way.

Final score, 

Dunston FC 5 ( Fitzpatrick 17, 36, 42, Brooks 39, Halliday 90)
Consett AFC 2. (Purewal 51, Smith 52)

Dunston UTS Supporters Club Man of the Match awarded to: Mark Fitzpatrick.

Consett AFC vs Dunston FC, FA Cup Extra preliminary Round

Consett AFC vs Dunston FC
FA Cup Extra preliminary Round
Saturday 10th August 2019

Match report by Danny Whalen.


Both sides will need to do it all over again on Tuesday night following a 1-1 draw. A goal in the first half from Consett ’s Luke Carr gave the home side the lead going into the break whilst a second half strike from Mark Fitzpatrick maintains Dunston ’s presence in the competition. Summer conditions in Consett were a mix of ferocious winds, dark clouds and rain showers. The first half seemed to go the way of Consett, the hosts quick to take the game to Dunston, carving out three good chances in the opening 5 minutes with former Dunston midfielder Jake Stafford and Ali Alshabeeb going close for The Steelmen.

Dunston did create chances in the opening stages, Luke Page mis-cueing a shot wide from Mark Fitzpatrick ’s clever lay off. Fitzpatrick again done well to hold-off his marker only for Liam Brooks to see his close range effort saved by the legs of Consett keeper Kyle Hayes.

The home side took the lead on 13 minutes; Jake Stafford ’s cross from wide on the left picking out Ali Alshabeeb with Karl Dryden saving his effort, Luke Carr was the quickest player to react as he slid in to finish.

A goal had been coming given the frantic pace of the opening stages of the game. Dunston went close to levelling the game on 27mins, Andrew Grant-Soulsby attempting an audacious overhead kick from a corner which went wide of the Consett goal. Consett ’ s control of the middle of the park had created issues, a Jake Stafford curling effort on 30 minutes was just wide of the top corner as Dunston survived the scare. Dunston ’s best chances of going into the break level came from a Dan Lowther free kick, his effort having the pace taken off it by the force of the wind. Whilst on the break Kyle Hayes was to deny Luke Page his well drilled low shot saved by the legs of the keeper. Consett had a chance to increase their advantage before the break, however Luke Carr ’s effort was put into the trees at the back of the ground rather than the back of the net. On the balance of play Consett deservedly went into half time leading, albeit with a slender advantage. At half time Chris Swales made changes for Dunston, in a move that may have raised the eyebrows of some supporters, he elected to switch Craig Scott up front in what proved to be a tactical masterstroke. Callum Smith coming off due to injury as his replacement Dan Capewell partnered Andrew Grant-Soulsby in the centre of defence.

Trailing by a single goal at half time and with the conditions more in their favour there was a sense that Dunston could force something from the game. Mark Fitzpatrick thought he had levelled for the away side. Liam Brooks picking out Craig Scott whose pass saw the keeper rushing out to challenge Luke Page’s sliding effort, Hayes fumbled to the feet of Fitzpatrick who lashed a first time shot into the roof of the net. However after much consternation the officials deemed that a foul had occurred on the the keeper and chalked off what seemed to be a legitimate goal. Incised at the decision, this seemed to give Dunston the lift they needed. With the next attack, a deft flick around the defence from Craig Scott played in Fitzpatrick, his first touch was delicate and the forward made no mistake with his finish to draw the two sides level on 60 minutes. Craig Scott got on the end of a Karl Dryden wind assisted pass which was pumped long into Consett ’s half.

From the resulting corner, Dan Capewell rose above his marker at the back post only to see his headed effort narrowly go over the bar. The big defender was up again shortly after from yet another corner as Dunston asserted themselves in the game. Craig Scott was creating serious issues for the Consett defence, winning balls that he had no right to, his strength, presence and ability to hold up the ball against defenders was reminiscent of legendary Dunston forward Steven Preen. Captain Dan Halliday flashed a long range effort in on the Consett goal only to be denied. Consett, although under pressure, looked capable of springing a counter attack on a few occasions, Dan Capewell doing well to block a Luke Carr effort, the forward having got on the end of a Darren Holden cross. Dunston thought they’d taken the lead on 77minutes only for the linesman to flag Mark Fitzpatrick off-side with the forward wheeling away in celebration. The game turned slightly tempestuous, Consett ’s Nick Allen booked for a deliberate foul on Liam Marrs, as the full backs running was halted having done well to knock the ball past him. Michael Pearson received a caution for a dangerous tackle which on other occasions may have merited a red card.

Consett missed a guilt edged chance on 80 minutes, Luke Carr ’s diving header going wide of the near post from close range having found himself unmarked in the six yard box from a Calvin Smith cross. Craig Scott went close for the visitors again, a superb cross field ball from Dan Halliday picking out Michael Pearson only for Kyle Hayes to prevent the big defender from giving Dunston the lead.

With minutes remaining Craig Scott won the ball at the back stick from a corner only for Andrew Grant-Soulsby to put his headed effort from close range agonisingly over the bar. Kyle Hayes ensured the game went to a replay as he bravely collected Craig Scott ’ s effort from yet another corner.

Final Score: Consett AFC - 1 (Carr 14’ ) Dunston FC - 1 (Fitzpatrick 60 ’)

Dunston UTS FC Supporters Club Man of The Match: Craig Scott.

Attendance: 451.

Lines ups:-
Consett AFC - Hayes, Metz, Holden, Slocombe, Purewal (C), Jakab, Alshabeeb (Allen), Smith, Ardealean, Carr, Stafford (Hawkins) Subs not used: Wilkinson, Russell, McGeoch, Sloan, Brown.

Dunston FC: Dryden, Marrs, Halliday (C), Lowther (Da Silva), Scott, Grant-Soulsby, Smith (Capewell), Pearson, Fitzpatrick, Page, Brooks (Elliott). Subs not used: Lawrence, Heslop.


63 Match pictures can be viewed here