Dunston will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season when they travel to Ashton United this weekend in the FA Cup.

Dunston narrowly lost out to Northern Premier League East leaders Hebburn Town on bank holiday Monday with Amar Purewal grabbing the only goal of the game.

The opposition

Ashton United currently play a division above Dunston in the Northern Premier League, Premier division.

The Robins have had a good start to their season winning four of their first six league matches, with a 100% home record. The home side finished 14th in the league last season on 53 points.

Recent history

The last time the two sides met was in October 2022 with Dunston getting the better of the home side on penalties in the FA Trophy following a goalless draw.

Terry Galbraith, Jon Shaw, and Phil Turnbull scored Dunston’s penalties as they won 3-1 in the shootout. 

The Manager’s view

Dunston Manager Jon McDonald shared his thoughts ahead of the trip to Ashton, he said: “It’s a great test for the squad. Ashton have had a good start and are sitting third in the northern premier division. We go into this game as underdogs but looking forward to the challenge.”

One player that will be missing from the Dunston squad at the weekend will be Chris McDonald, who is starting a three-game suspension on Saturday, the Gaffer said: “Macca will be a miss of course, but we have a squad with great depth and I’m sure the lads who come in will perform and be ready to take their opportunity.”

McDonald believes his squad can repeat last year’s FA Trophy result, he said: “We go into every game believing we can win. Ashton’s squad is different to the one we faced 12 months ago, it will be a tough test, but one we will enjoy. The lads have been excellent so far and I’ve no doubt we will go to Ashton and give a good account of ourselves.

Match information

The match takes place at Hurst Cross Stadium, Surrey Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, OL6 8DY (kick off 3PM).

Tickets for the game are priced at £12 for adults, £8 for Concessions and Under 12s are priced at £1.

The bus to Ashton will leave the UTS Stadium at 10am on Saturday morning. Supporters are advised to arrive in plenty of time before departure.

Written by Callum Jacques

Image Credit - Beauty Time photography