Dunston suffered their first defeat of the season at home to league leaders Hebburn Town with Amar Purewal scoring the only goal of the game.

Dunston dominated the ball in the first half but neither side could find an opener before half time.

Hebburn took the lead in the 61st minute through Purewal before Sado Djalo came close with two late attempts for Dunston.

Prior to kick off the two sides occupied the top two spots in the division with 456 people in attendance to watch the top of the table clash.

The first chance of the game fell to Hebburn in the third minute when Robbie Spence blazed over from close range.

Dunston’s first chance fell to Jack Elliott in the sixth minute who was free at the back post, but his effort was high and wide. Moments later Dunston captain Michael Pearson had an attempt following a corner, but it was over the bar.

UTS top scorer Dale Pearson almost got in behind when Sado Djalo played a ball through to him, but the striker went down under the challenge from Matthew Elsdon, but no foul was given.

Dunston Man of the Match Terry Galbraith tried to take matters into his own hands when he went on a run from his own half before his attempt was blocked. He was then booked a minute later for a foul on the edge of the box, from which Spence hit the post.

Hebburn went close again in the 22nd minute when Spence struck the other post with an attempt from the edge of the box.

Dunston had dominated the possession of the ball in the opening 45 but had yet to test Hebburn keeper Shaun Newbrook and that pattern continued when Galbraith’s 45th minute free kick whistled past the post.

Hebburn saw more of the ball to begin the second half but the first chance following the break fell to Phil Turnbull when his 52nd minute free kick from the left was fired over the bar.

Liam Murray had Hebburn’s first chance of the second half when his shot from the edge of the area rolled past Dan Staples left-hand post.

The away side took the lead in the 61st minute when Hornets striker Amar Purewal headed home from six yards out.

Dunston looked for a reply following the goal with JJ Chrisp trying his luck from 25 yards out, but his effort was straight at the goalkeeper.

Djalo came close to equalising for Dunston on two occasions, firstly, in the 71st minute when his header went just wide from a free kick before he had another opportunity in the 83rd minute but failed to hit the target from inside the area with Newbrook nowhere to be seen.

Hebburn saw out the game with Dunston unable to find an equaliser. The result leaves Dunston in fifth place in the league with league leaders Hebburn stretching their winning run to five games.

The home side’s attentions will now turn to cup action as they travel to Ashton United in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Written by Callum Jacques

Image Credit: Beauty Time Photography