Dunston secured a home play-off semi final, to be played this Tuesday night against Pontefract Collieries, following a goalless draw at Stocksbridge Park Steels.

In all honesty, it was far from a classic at Bracken Moor with the bulk of the entertainment coming prior to kick-off when one of the assistant referees pulled up with an injury walking down the stairs onto the pitch.

An announcement was made on the PA System in search of a qualified official in the crowd to step up to the plate. Fortunately, Alan Pegram, former Dunston player and dad of Dom Pegram, stepped up and the game began after a 15 minute delay.

It was an even opening ten minutes to the game with both sides cancelling each other out. The hosts then began to get on top and forced Aaron Steavens into a good save on 19 minutes. It was some excellent build-up play by The Steels down the right and Dolman rifled a shot towards the top corner which was clawed away by Steavens.

The hosts were afforded another couple of chances in the space of a few minutes as Alex O’Conner curled an effort wide of the post, before Luke Rawson saw his glancing header flash past the face of goal.

There wasn’t too much in the way of chances in the first half. It took Dunston 43 minutes to muster their first effort on goal as Jude Swailes saw his headed effort easily claimed by Ben Townsend.

The second half followed in a similar pattern to the first half with a serious lack of action in front of goal. Jordan Lamb and Sado Djalo were both brought into the action midway through the half in place of Wayne Phillips and Dale Pearson as Jon McDonald changed things up.

Jack Maskell had a half chance with 20 minutes to go when he hit the ball on the spin, but his effort was blocked by a yellow shirt. On 83 minutes, Jude Swailes climbed highest from a corner routine and his header was blocked however, a goal kick was awarded rather than a corner kick.

Down the other end of the pitch, the hosts had one of the best chances of the game as Tomas Poole almost won the game for his side late on. A cross from the right found Poole at the back post but he blazed his effort well over the target from close range.

With four minutes of stoppage time indicated, Dunston conjured up one final opportunity from a set piece. Craig Baxter swung the ball into the box and Michael Pearson connected with a header, but Townsend had another comfortable save to make with the game finishing deadlocked.

Following 38 league games, and only 11 played at The UTS Stadium, Dunston have remarkably finished 3rd in the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division.

The reward is a home play-off semi-final on Tuesday evening as we host Pontefract Collieries at The UTS Stadium. This team deserves your support, after a turbulent season. Your support would be greatly appreciated on Tuesday evening!

(Unfortunately, season tickets are not valid this Tuesday night. Ticket prices will remain at: Adults (£10), Concessions (£6), U16 (£3)

Report by Callum Pattison

Image Credit - Beauty Time Photography