Match preview:

Dunston FC open 2020 with an away game against Ossett United. United currently sit one place below Chris Swailes’ side in 18th position, although Dunston have six games in hand. A win tomorrow would see the West Yorkshire based outfit rise above Dunston in the league table.

The two sides have played each other twice already this season, a Luke Page goal separated the teams in Dunston’s opening home fixture in the BetVictor NPL N/West Division back in August, with the home side coming out on top in a tightly contested 1-0 game. 

Ossett United returned to The UTS Stadium in October, again losing to a single goal, as Dunston won 3-2 in The FA Trophy Preliminary round; goals coming from Scott Heslop and a Mark Fitzpatrick brace.

Ossett United endured a tough December, failing to collect a single point; although admittedly they had had to face some of the leagues top sides. New Years Day saw them easily overcome West Yorkshire rivals Brighouse Town in a resounding 4-0 away win, the result lifting them out of the relegation play off zone and they will no doubt be looking to build upon this momentum.

Dunston’s New Years Day game against former fellow Northern League members Marske United fell foul to the sub zero temperatures. This may have provided extra recovery time for Chris Swailes’ players, who despite starting well in December with two wins and a draw, along with three consecutive clean sheets, ended the month with two loses away to leaders Workington Town and at home to Pontefract Collieries. 

The visitors will be without the services of midfielder Luke Page who is currently suspended, whilst Michael Pearson returns from his suspension.