A single second half goal from Amar Purewal was the difference, with Dunston unable to find the net despite a number of good chances.

There was a boost for Dunston pre-game as Jon Shaw returned to the match-day squad following a long period out injured, and Chris Swailes named an unchanged 11 from the side that beat Stockton Town 3-1 in the Durham FA County Cup on Wednesday night.

Dunston had the better of the opening quarter, with Liam Thear seeing a shot blocked wide after striking from range and Will Jenkins hooking over and effort from a neat corner routine.

Hebburn captain Liam Henderson had his sides first chances, racing onto a long ball only to see his effort go well over the bar. 

After Will Jenkins had fired a free-kick just over the bar on 18 minutes, Hebburn had a glorious chance as Olly Martin capitalised on some miscommunication in the Dunston back line to drive towards goal - but his cut back was poor and cut off easily by Craig Baxter.

Just like Wednesday night, Craig Scott had to be alert to thwart another Hebburn effort midway through the half as Purewal miscued a shot towards goal after receiving a Henderson flick on.

In a quiet first half overall with both teams, it could have been Dunston ahead at the break. After Carl Finnigan was flicked on, the forward charged in on goal but his low cross towards Jack Elliott did not have enough on it and was cut out by Hebburn goalkeeper Shaun Newbrook.

Dunston came out with much of the same endeavour in the second half, and Liam Thear had a good opportunity on 53 minutes a teasing run gave him a sight of goal, but he could not keep his effort down.

Chances were few and far between in the second half and it was a tale of who would blink first between the two sides who both occupied play-off positions. Hebburn substitute James Harrison rifled a strike over the bar after picking up possession in the middle, and a deep free kick swung just past the back post as the Hornets looked to gain ascendancy going into the final 20 minutes.

And with the sense that if either side were to score they would probably win it, Hebburn's Purewal put the away side ahead as he tapped home an effort from a yard out after Hebburn's initial effort had skewed into his path in the six yard box.

And that was to be the decisive goal, as Hebburn held on for a big win as Dunston dropped out of the play-offs places. All eyes now turn on another local game after the turn of the New Year as Dunston travel south to face Consett AFC. 

Match Report by Dom Bingham

Great North Eastern Brewing Company Man of the Match, as selected by today’s Match Ball sponsor Gaz Watson, is awarded to Liam Thear.