A possible “six pointer” as Dunston, in 8th, travelled to Ossett United, in 7th, where a win for Dunston would see them overtake the Yorkshire side, with both sides battling to get their names into the play-off zone.

Dunston have have the more favourable of results between the two sides, but they’ve always been hard fought and close encounters. This game was no different.

Chris Swailes named an unchanged side from the one that had beaten Marske United on New Years Day, and was yet again able to name a strong bench.

The game ebbed and flowed, with both sides having concerted spells of pressure, a final score of 1-1 was a fair reflection on the game.

 Dunston UTS FC Manager Chris Swailes’ thoughts on the game

 “They were on top in the first 20.When we were one nil up, we couldn’t get that second goal when we were on top, and then we’ve gifted them there goal” 

 “I think a draw’s probably a fair result”

On a heavy pitch, Ossett United started the brighter of the two. Walshaw had the ball in the net after 7 minutes, a 3 man move opening the Dunston back line, the linesman’s flag, rightly, ruling the play off side.

Michael Fowler pictured above in red - away shirts (as modelled above) along with a vast array of club merchandise, is available from the club shop and on-line.

Dunston got on top of the game towards the middle of the second half, but in truth, there was little in the way of clear cut chances created by either side, in what was a war of attrition. Ossett changing tactic having started the game with a passing from the back, possession based, flowing based system, discovering quickly in the game that a pitch in Yorkshire, after a full night and morning of heavy rain, is not best suited for such frivolities. The beautiful game is not up for the cold depths of January in the southern part of the former Kingdom of Northumbria, now known as Yorkshire. Long ball you go, it’s the only way.

The visitors having decided early, that they were ready to dig in and fight for points. If you look at the pictures from training, you’ll find evidence of shorts and sliders and t-shirts donned by most Dunston lads. They’d prepared for this, like when Rocky runs through the woods in Russia, before he knocks Drago out in Rocky IV.

Ossett had a bit of an excited flurry during added time of the first half, as the two sides went into the interval level.

With the supporters at Ingfield making a swift dash to escape the cold, into the warm relief of  Pies, Bovril, Pints of gravy and a possible fine selection of Northern foods, possibly chips.

The visitors took the lead 3 minutes into the 2nd half. A goalkeeping blunder savagely punished, Zaniewski fumbling a Thear cross which kindly fell into the path of Michael  Pearson*, the midfielder capitalizing on the error and prodding in from close range.

*Confirmed by Mr Tony Cleugh of Lower Teams, Gateshead. Speak to Clueghy if you ever have any merch, as dem yoot and ting say, based enquiries.

Moments later Zaniewski made up for his error, palming away an effort from Thear from the edge of the box as Dunston came out after the interval firing on all cylinders.

Against the run of play, Ossett equalised on 58 minutes and in strange circumstances. Connell trying to clear a long ball, only for his clearance to deflect off the on-rushing Haswell, who had closed down the long ball, and in the back of the net for the equalizer. 

Dunston had dominated the opening stages of the second half, Ossett seemingly unable to get to grips with their opponents; like the bit in Rocky IV, where machine like, Soviet built, face punching baddy Drago is really punching Rocky, and you’re thinking “Rocky IV is struggling a bit here, Drago is probably going to do this”.

Another solid performance from Terry Galbraith (pictured centre)

Billy Irwin can be found in the club shop, he'll happily answer any questions. Just not ones about him winning The FA The Vase at Wembley Stadium in 2012, he doesn't like talking about it much.

The goal lifted Ossett, who had started the second half under the cosh, as you’d say, minus all of this Rocky IV nonsense.

Charlie Wood had a great chance to extend the home sides lead, a quick move on the break, Wood fluffing his lines as the ball bounced away from him.

Lee Mason was denied from a free kick as Zaniewski tipped over his goal bound effort 

From a Dunston corner, coming from some quick link up play between Thear and Craig Scott, a poor delivery resulted in a rapid break from Ofoegbu, Connell reacting quickly as he raced out to prevent the danger.

It was a scrappy game towards the end, Thear and Green both booked, as Dunston had chances to win the game.  A header put wide from a Craig Baxter free kick whilst a cross fired across the box missed everyone.

Neither side were able to find a winner, but both sides will probably look back on today’s match up as a valuable point, with results around the grounds going their way.

Liam Thear, who made an impact as a sub, said

 “I’ll always take a point away from home when it’s against a team above, but it definitely felt like we dropped a couple of points and I think we deserved to take all 3”  Adding “It’s something to build on though”

Hats off to the groundsmen/women/however you wish to identify at Ossett United for managing to get the game on. They’ll have their work cut out on Monday.  Top club and always fantastic hosts.

Don’t worry, normal match report service will be resumed for the Worksop game. Dom’s back from his School Holiday. Praise Be.

Dunston UTS FC Man of the Match

Terry Galbraith

                                                                                                                    3rd shirt - Trades Needs

Match day Photography Courtesy of Beauty Time Photography 

Training kit - Dunston UTS FC Supporters Club Lamesley Branch.