Dunston’s superb run of home form came to a disappointing end following a 2-1 defeat to strugglers Bridlington Town at the UTS Stadium. Second half goals from Brett Agnew and substitute Declan Parker were enough to give the away side their first win on the road this season.

It was a first half of little drama and very few clear cut chances. Liam Thear drilled in a shot which failed to trouble Bridlington keeper James Hitchcock, and Jake Stafford glanced a header wide of the up-right, with the visitors stayingorganised at the back and standing firm. Bridlington almost took the lead on the stroke of half time, but William Allan was only able to shoot into the arms of Dunston keeper Liam Connell form a few yards out.

A lack-lustre showing in the first half meant Dunston boss Chris Swailes did not hesitate to make the half time changes. Richard Coulson, signed in the week following the departure of Sado Djalo to Blyth Spartans, was brought on for his debut along with Terry Galbraith. 

The first chance of the half came for the hosts, with Scott Heslop showing good strength against his marker, only for his shot to fly wide. On 51 minutes, Bridlington took the lead. A pass that split the Dunston defence found forward Brett Agnew who’s shot flashed across goal and was put beyond Connell with help from the inside of the post. 

The visitors were buoyed by that goal and extended their lead through substitute Parker. Jaz Goundry drove at the Dunston backline, and the ball managed to find it’s way to Parker, who drove a low shot which was fumbled by Connell and found it’s way into the net.

In what was looking like an increasingly disappointing day for the hosts, they were handed a lifeline when Craig Baxter’s cross was handled in the box. Galbraith stepped up and smashed the ball down the middle to give the home side hope.

With Dunston struggling to find the desired creativity and final ball in attack, all hope of a comeback was put to bed in injury time when centre back Dan Capewell was shown a straight red for a challenge on Bridlington keeper Hitchcock. A first home defeat in eight games for Chris Swailes’ men, with The Seasiders picking up a priceless first away of the season.

Report by Dominic Bingham