Goalkeeper Liam Connell was the hero for Dunston as he saved two penalties to knock higher opposition Bamber Bridge out of the Buildbase FA Trophy, sending the hosts into the hat for the first round draw. 

Dunston flew out of the blocks and were ahead on just four minutes with the first attack of the game. A long ball forward flicked on by Jake Stafford allowed Sado Djalo to poke the ball home through the legs of Bamber Bridge Keeper MateuseHewalt for 1-0. On fifteen minutes, the visitors nearly hit back, a goal bound shot from midfielder Carney was blocked by his own man on the line, keeping Dunston’s lead in tact. Lee Mason then went close for Dunston, a superb cross in from the right evaded everyone bar Mason, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Hewalt, and his follow up was blocked. 

Winning the physical battle, Dunston doubled their lead on the stroke of half time. Against the run of play and with Bamber Bridge growing into the game, Jake Stafford brought the ball forward, laid of Djalo who teased three defenders, before laying off Baxter to drill in a low shot through the legs of Hewalt at a tight angle. 2-0 to Dunston at half time and superb value for it.

Bamber Bridge came on strong in the second half, first substitute Apter hit the post with a low shot and then Connell saved weak shot straight at him. Djalo also went close on the counter attack, but his snapshot from 25 yards out was just over the bar. Connell was called into action again, this time making an outstanding save for Dunston, a low cross in from the left found Carney with the goal at his mercy, but somehow Connell got down to save and keep Dunston’s cushion in tact.

Michael Pearson and Lee Mason again pulled fine saves from Bamber Bridge keeper Hewalt, and he was rewarded for his heorics when his team got back into it. A cross in from the right found ex-football league centre half Nathan Pond who nodded home unchallenged to give his side a lifeline. Minutes later, their Captain Wilson was sent off for a second yellow card, but this didn’t stop them pushing on, and they got their equaliser with five minutes to play. A corner swung in from the right was headed in by Callum Spooner and only a penalty shoot out could settle the sides.

Liam Connell made a great save to his left to keep out Ewan Bange, before Matty Pattison scored for Dunston. Despite Dan Capewell having his penalty saved, Sinclair blazed over the bar and nearly hit the Bamber Bridge team bus. Lee Mason and Sado Djalo both score, and Connell was the hero, saving from Sinclair-Smith to send Dunston through 3-2 on penalties. A thoroughly deserved victory against higher tier opposition sees Dunston march on.

Dunston UTS FC Man of the Match: Sado Djalo.

Sado Djaló is kindly sponsored by:

Home shirt - Mr Jonathan Davies

Away shirt - Dunston UTS FC Supporters Club

3rd shirt - Mr Tom Etherington

Training kit - Mr Tom Etherington

Match day photography courtesy of Beauty Time Photography

Match Day Photography