Disappointment for Dunston as they slump to a third loss in row.

Match report by Dan Whalen.

Dunston left West Yorkshire empty handed, following a lacklustre and ultimately poor overall performance in a decidedly scrappy looking game bereft of any genuine quality. On the wrong end of a 2-1 score line and conceding twice on the stroke of half time, despite looking the more likely to score prior to that moment of madness, Chris Swailes’ side failed to recover against an opponent who had won only once in their previous five games. 

The result now sees Dunston slip down one place in the table, just above the relegation play-off spot as Ossett United move above them in the table.

Above: Monkhouse opened the scoring for the hosts.

In a fixture viewed as a six pointer, the hosts took the lead through experienced veteran Andy Monkhouse, the big centre half rising above all around him to angle his header from dangerous Brodie Litchfield free kick, beyond the outstretched Karl Dryden, into the bottom corner.

Within moments of the re-start the hosts extended their lead, Dunston gifting possession and losing the ball down the line, a long ball to the opposite channel from the home side allowed Luke Porritt to run in behind Callum Elliott, the youngster having endured a torrid afternoon, and fire an effort at Karl Dryden who initially parried the ball, only to drop to Ossett Utd Captain Tom Greaves, who reacted quickly to knock the ball into the net and give United an unexpected two goal lead on the stroke of half time.

Above: Disaster strikes for Dunston on the stroke of half time as Tom Greaves capitalises.

Dunston had had the Lions’ share of opportunities in the first 40 minutes of play but had so far struggled to take advantage. Heslop had easily looked the most industrious of the three man attack, whilst in the middle of the park Dunston had often appeared overrun and struggled to form any rhythm to their passing, a pattern which was to be to their detriment and failed to show any sign of changing throughout this disappointing encounter.

United thought they had extended their lead further on 66 minutes, Porritt composing himself well against a stretched Dunston defence, to slot past Dryden only to be ruled offside. The likelihood of Ossett claiming a third goal had not come as any real surprise as moments earlier Dan Capewell had reacted superbly to block an effort from Greaves at the near post.

Any revival from the away side failed to materialise after the half time break. Dunston eventually showing signs of a fight back with the introduction of Liam Thear; the winger was instantly in amongst the action, firing a low effort wide of the upright, following a battle of bodies in the middle of the park.

With 12 minutes remaining, Mark Fitzpatrick played the ball square to Scrappy, the winger connected and raced onwards to the Ossett box, looking to unleash a shot, he was blocked, his tenacity, strength and persistence seen him drive at the goal and in an attempt to create an opportunity he was upended, seeing the referee instantly point to the spot. 

Below: Dunston goal scorer Mark Fitzpatrick.

Fitzy confidently stepped up to take the penalty and blasted his shot powerfully into the net, giving Dunston the sense that they could at least salvage a point.

Michael Hall replaced Jake Stafford with Craig Scott moved upfront into a 4 man attack, as caution was thrown to the wind in an attempt to push for the equaliser. However, Ossett United remained steadfast until the final whistle as Dunston slumped to their third loss in a row.

Dunston line-up: Dryden, Callum Elliott (Thear), Jack Elliott (Halliday), Craig Scott, Capewell, Grant-Soulsby, Stafford (Hall), Pearson (C), Fitzpatrick, Heslop, Cedwyn Scott.

Subs not used: Harrison, Marrs.

Dunston UTS FC Supporters Club Man of the Match awarded to: Craig Scott (pictured in action below).

Craig Scott is kindly sponsored by:

Home - Mr Billy Montague.

Away - McDonald Divine Sorbets.

Recovery equipment - Billy Irwin Painter and Decorator.