Dunston continued with their impressive winning streak, to make in four wins in a row and secure their place in the 3rd qualifying round of The Buildbase FA Trophy, thanks in part to a Terry Galbraith penalty 10 minutes into the 2nd half, in what was a well-deserved and hard fought 1-0 victory away to current Pitching-In Northern Premier League West Division leaders Workington AFC.

Chris Swailes was forced into making plenty of changes for this game; Terry Galbraith returned to the starting XI in place of Captain Craig Scott, who was unavailable. Michael Pearson started in place of the suspended Phil Turnbull and captained the side. September’s player of the Month Jack Elliott regained his starting place ahead of the injured Luke Porritt and with Scott Heslop picking up a knock in training during the week, Lee Mason was named on the bench.

Dunston started the game positively, however it was Workington who were denied from taking an early lead, thanks to Ursene Mouanda who timed his outstanding tackle perfectly to prevent Charlie Bowman from pulling the trigger.

Dunston registered their first effort on goal with 17 minutes gone on the clock, Liam “Scrappy” Thear spinning away from a red shirt like a skilled contestant in the later rounds of Strictly, his resulting effort fired into the side netting from a tight angle.

Reds keeper Dan Eccles was called into action on the 25th minute, tipping a Pearson effort round the post as Scrappy and Sadó combined well to create the chance. Scrappy’s headed effort was deflected for another corner as the visitors pressed to take the lead.

Sadó acrobatically flashed an effort wide of the Workington goal from a Jack Elliott cross on 31 minutes. With 38 minutes gone Sado connected well with a Galbraith corner, his headed effort desperately scythed away inside the box by a red shirt.  

Just before the half time interval, and with the West Cumbrian rain lashing down, from a Conor Gaul corner, an effort from Donae Lawrence zipped across goal as the scoreline remained level going into half-time.

Liam Connell was called into action 3 minutes after the re-start, The Dunston keeper with a comfortable save from Robert Bowman.

Scrappy was again creating problems for the home side’s defence, his angled effort forcing Eccles to claw the winger’s effort round the post.

The socks and sliders wing wizard was fouled not once but twice inside the box, with the Workington defenders struggling to contain his trickery. The referee pointed to the spot and up stepped Galbraith, with the confidence of a seasoned matador, to fire the spot kick beyond Eccles and give Dunston a deserved lead 10 minutes into the 2nd half.

Workington’s Tom Skinner had an excellent chance to level on the hour mark, his shot hit wide from a Rowan Roche free kick.

Dunston could and should have extended their lead on 70 minutes through Sadó Djaló, the forward hitting his effort over the bar from inside the 6 yard box.

The second half had certainly come to life, Dunston rarely gave their opponents time on the ball. The hosts rode their luck as a Jack Elliott cross was nearly diverted into the net by a home defender.

Dunston continued to press for a second, substitute Lee Mason, on in place of Sadó, picking out Jack Elliott. His low effort pushed away in the wet conditions by Eccles.

In the final minute of the game Craig Baxter had an opportunity to put the game to bed, his shot fired well over the cross bar as substitute Matty Pattison showed superb vision to pick out his run.

With some key players missing and in difficult conditions, Dunston were well worth their win. They pressed and harassed their opponents, rarely allowing them time to create attacks. Their defence wise miserly and gave nothing away, acting like homeowners who pretend they’re out when the “Trick or Treaters” come round. They carved out the Lion’s share of goal mouth chances against a tough opponent and considering the score-line last time Chris Swailes’ side visited Brough Park, this result just goes to show how much his side have progressed on the pitch.

 Dunston UTS FC Man of the Match:

Dan Capewell.

Dan Capewell is kindly sponsored by:

Home shirt - Jimmy Souley

Away shirt - Billy Irwin Painter and Decorator

3rd shirt -Dunston UTS FC Supporters Club - Youth Section.

Training shirt: Christina Shell.

Match photography courtesy of Beauty Time Photography

All photography from yesterday’s game available to view by clicking the below link:

Match day Photography