Dunston UTS claimed a valuable point against league champions Worksop Town to nudge themselves closer to the playoff positions.

A first half goal from Richard Coulson gave Dunston the lead, but they were pegged back by the Tigers when the leagues top scorer Liam Hughes fired home to salvage his side a point.

Dunston made six changes to the side that drew with Grantham Town on Tuesday night, and there was a welcome return for Will Jenkins after a three game suspension.

Dunston started superbly and almost had the lead on 8 minutes when Phil Tunrbull’s free-kick cannoned off the post before being cleared.

But Chris Swailes’ side did not have to wait long for a goal and they were in the lead just four minutes later when Coulson fired home after a neat corner routine.

It was almost 2-0 on 20 minutes when a Turnbull free-kick was turned goalwards by Jenkins, but Harvey Giles was able to tip wide in the Worksop goal.

Dunston continued to apply pressure to the already promoted Tigers, and Coulson again came close- this turn curling an effort wide from range after a good counter attack.

Worksop began to assert themselves more in the second half, and their quality was showing. Craig Scott was the first to put his body on the line to deny Deegan Atherton.

After Luke Hall had dinked an effort over on 58 minutes, the visitors equalised with just over 20 minutes to play. Hughes was in the right place at the right time at the back post to turn home a cross and level the game.

Both teams pushed for a winner, and despite Worksop going down to 10 men with 10 minutes to play when Jack Broadhead was sent off, Dunston were unable to get that elusive winner.

In the dying moments, Ursene Mouanda had to block a shot on the line to save Dunston a point.

None the less, a brilliant performance from Dunston meant a point was gained, and with other teams also dropping points in and around the playoffs, the result nudged Dunston closer to the top 5, with four games to play.