Dunston picked up all three points in their first away game of the season in a dogged performance away to Ossett Utd.

In game of few clear cut chances, it was Scott Heslop who opened the scoring with a sublime 40 yard effort on 74 minutes. With the home keeper stranded, having had to race from his line to thwart an on running Jake Stafford, the ball landed into the path of Dunston forward Heslop, a quick look up and the shot, as they say in Basketball was fired “From Downtown”, lofting the ball over the stranded keeper’s head, “All net baby” again to steal a well-worn phrase from a game made famous by Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny in the classic film Space Jam.

Dunston ensured all three points with 8 minutes left. Liam Thear had danced his way past two defenders before being felled close to the corner, Man of the match Jake Stafford fired in a dangerous free kick, which evaded the home sides defence, with a deflection, substitute Mark Fitzpatrick, as all good forwards do, was on hand to ensure the ball found its way into the back of the net.

It was a gritty display, with very little to separate the two sides, particularly in the first half. Both sides guilty of squandering possession with neither keeper significantly tested.

Dunston seemed to show greater energy and fitness levels, particularly in the final 30 minutes of the encounter. Ultimately the game came down to taking chances; Ossett may be left feeling that they did not make the most of the chances they did create, whilst Dunston will be delighted with a well earned 3 points, particularly after the disappointment of Saturday.

As it was last season, and results proved last night, there’s little between the sides in this division, it comes down to fine margins in close encounters and the side that makes the most of their opportunities when presented, more often than not come away with maximum points.

Dunston face another trip down to Yorkshire to face Pickering Town on Saturday. With 6 points from a possible 9, although early in the season, Chris Swailes side now find themselves up to 4th in The Pitching-In Northern Premier North West Division whilst Ossett are now propping up the table.

Dunston UTS FC Supporters Club Man of the Match awarded to Jake Stafford

 Jake Stafford is kindly sponsored by:

Home shirt - Mr Stephen Sibbald

Away shirt - Paul King Heating Components

Training shirt – Currently available