Match report by: Dan Whalen

Dunston, who started the day in 9th, travelled to 12th placed Pontefract Collieries.

Chris Swailes side were without experienced defender Craig Baxter and top-scorer Michael Fowler, both of whom were serving a 1 game suspension, following dismissals in last weekend’s disappointing defeat at home to Tadcaster Albion. A result which mathematically ended Dunston’s faint hopes of reaching the play-offs. Richard Coulson returned to the starting XI, having recovered from injury.

Dunston’s journey to the delights of The Regional Electrical Services Ltd Stadium were delayed due to roadworks on The A1, however despite having to endure an arduous voyage, the visitors took the lead after 16 minutes. From a Phil Turnbull free kick, Coulson rouse majestically to power his header into the top right hand corner and beyond the reaches of “Colls” keeper Allinson.

Pontefract’s Spencer Clarke was sent off after 38 mins, the centre back shown two yellow cards in the space of 5 minutes for fouls on Jack Elliott.

Coulson further extended Dunston’s lead on 39 minutes, a mistake from the keeper seized upon, with the tricky winger getting to the ball before him, to coolly slot home.

Pictured above, and one for the Ladies, a brace from Dunston UTS FC's Richard Coulson securing all 3 points on the road. (image courtesy of Beauty Time Photography

Dunston lead 2-0 going into the break, however the hosts pulled one back on 46 mins,  Mikey Dunn driving at the visitors defence, he laid his pass off to the edge of the box for Luke Hinsley who fired his shot low past Connell.

Jack Vann somehow managed to only receive a yellow card for a two footed tackle. Pontefract were tempestuous throughout the encounter, their take on the beautiful game strewn with a litany of off the ball challenges and unsavoury tackles.

Connell showed great reactions to deny Pontefract substitute Rob Gilfoyle with a stretching save low down, whilst in the dying embers of the game Lee Mason was denied a goal, having rounded Allinson, and with the goal at his mercy, only to see his effort blocked by Fabian Bailey.

Dom Bingham caught up with to Swaz after the game:

“I thought first half in particular we were very good. We deserved to go in at half time at least 2-0 in front. We should have had another goal, but it was ruled off-side, they went down to ten Men and  I didn’t want half time to come. If I’m being honest, when it did we were totally different; we didn’t get on the ball as much, we didn’t get tight as much, all the things we done well in the 1st half, we didn’t do well in the 2nd half”.

The Dunston Manager continued

“It’s hard to come to places like this, we would’ve taken this win before the game, but it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth that we let them back into the game, but we’ve got a clean bill of health which is important going in Monday’s game against Hebburn Town”

The win now lifts Dunston up to 8th place, as they go into Easter Monday’s local derby against neighbours Hebburn Town at The UTS Stadium.

Dunston UTS FC Man of the match awarded to:

Richard Coulson