A crowd of just under 400, watched Dunston start 2022 in fine style with an impressive 2-0 win against high flying Marske United at The UTS Stadium. The result bringing an end to a 5 game losing streak.

Goals in the second half from Dunston new boy Michael Fowler and substitute Jack Elliott were the difference. Defensively the home side were resolute against a side who have scored goals at will throughout this season.

Craig Baxter tried an effort from distance for Dunston, his effort blocked by a Marske defender. Phil Turnbull picked out Jake Stafford with a precise pass, his effort on goal from 20 yards out went high and wide.

Liam Connell had the post to thank on 18 minutes, as Craig Gott saw his free-kick from 25 yards thundering against the frame of the goal, the rebound falling to a Markse player who could only drag his shot wide.

Curtis Round took advantage of a rare Dunston defensive mistake on 28 minutes but dragged his effort on goal wide.

Dunston debutant Michael Fowler was creating a nuisance of himself and went close to opening the scoring, a surging and powerful run getting the better of the visitors defence, his resulting effort just shy of goal.

The two sides went into the break goalless in what had been a tightly contested, hard fought and entertaining first half.

Marske keeper Ryan Catterick was eventually substituted at half time, to be replaced by Liam Watson, the former Hartlepool United man unable to continue following a collision with Michael Fowler earlier in the 1st half.

Jake Stafford had a great chance to give his side the lead, the midfielder getting the better of Adam Wheatley but his shot across goal went narrowly wide of the far post.

Terry Galbraith, who was superb at the back throughout the game, having to contend with the threat of the league’s top scorer Adam Boyes, denied a dangerous move and effort on goal with a brave last ditch block.

The Seasiders were increasing the pressure and should have made more from the chance created by Round and Hopson down the left hand side, Hopson dragging his shot past Connell’s goal.

Connell pulled off a fine reaction save to deny Boyes inside the area as the game somehow still remained scoreless. There was a sense that whichever side opened the scoring would be the one to go on to take all three points, as there had been little to separate the two.

It was the hosts who would eventually open the scoring on 70 minutes through debutant Michael Fowler. From an Ursene Mounda cross, he sidestepped a yellow shirt and viciously dispatched the ball into the top right hand corner.

Dunston went close to extending their lead through substitute Richard Coulson, his deflected shot clipping the crossbar, the hosts roared on by the Dunston supporters gathered behind the goal at the Clubhouse End.

With the home side now looking to increase the pressure, it was substitute Jack Elliott who secured the second goal on 79 minutes. The opportunity had stemmed from Michael Pearson’s tenacity and bravery, closing down a Marske defender high up the pitch, he received the clearance directly to his nether region, a unified grimace echoing round the ground. Undeterred by his palpable sense of agony, he recovered to link up with Jack Elliott as he slipped a return pass into the path of the winger, who from an acute angle, smashed a rising effort into the back of the net, cannoning off the inside of the post as it went in.

Dunston UTS FC Man of the match awarded to Terry Galbraith.

Terry Galbraith is kindly sponsored by:

Home shirt - Players of Dunston UTS FC’s F.A. Vase winning team of 2012

Away shirt - Players of Dunston UTS FC’s F.A. Vase winning team of 2012

3rd shirt - Trades Needs

Training kit - Dunston UTS FC Supporters Club Lamesley Branch.