Dunston UTS FC welcomed near neighbours Gateshead FC to the UTS Stadium for their opening game of pre-season.

Going into the game “The Heed” were already 2 games into pre-season, with 2 wins from 2 against Hebburn Town and Billingham Town respectively, whilst the hosts start to pre-season had been delayed due to Sunderland RCA having to withdraw from last Saturdays planned opener.

With the exciting signings Phil Turnbull and Craig Baxter, along with the addition of forward Lee Mason, there is a belief amongst many this season that should see Dunston pushing for promotion. 

With all three making their debuts, along with a few trialists, Dunston put on a good performance in front of a crowd of 464, however it would be the visitors who’d leave with the win.

Former Dunston man Cedwyn Scott opened the scoring for Gateshead on 16 minutes, drilling his shot low past Connell from inside the box.

Dunston levelled 4 minutes later through trialist, a sweetly caught volley at the back post, from a superb Luke Porritt delivery, lashed beyond the reach of Gateshead keeper Adam Cameron.

Dunston‘s defence had looked composed and organised throughout the first half, limiting Gateshead to a few half chances.

With the scores level at half-time, the visitors opted to make several changes. Substitute Ed Thomas putting Gateshead ahead on 67, intercepting a loose ball to slot past Connell.

Michael Hall prevented Gateshead from extending their lead moments later, his strength and intelligent reading of the threat used to great effect as a Gateshead forward bore down on goal.

The hosts had the better opportunities of the last 10 minutes, Luke Porritt creating a fine chance playing Ryan Leonard in only for him to drag the chance to equalise narrowly wide of the post

That chance seemed to spur Dunston on, a corner moments later delivered in by Porritt,  saw Galbraith rising supremely above the Gateshead defence, only to see his powerfully headed effort cannon against the crossbar.

Speaking Chris Swailes after the game “I had a few missing tonight, but performance wise I thought we created some good chances to get something from the game” he continued “Gateshead are a full-time side, and obviously they’ve had a few games already, but I wanted to start the season off with a win, friendly or not, it all comes down to winning games”.

Match day photography courtesy of Beauty Time Photography

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