Dunston recorded back-to-back wins and climbed up to 7th in the Northern Premier League East table with a 3-0 win at Winterton Rangers.

A first-half stoppage time strike from Chris McDonald put Dunston ahead after Nathan Popple was sent off for Winterton after wiping out Dale Pearson who was in on goal.

Jack Maskell and Dale Pearson then finished the game off as Dunston ran out as comfortable 3-0 winners.

There was one change to the starting XI from the game at Grimsby two weeks ago. Dale Pearson came in for Josh King with Michael Pearson slotting into the back four.

Dunston began the game in bright fashion and almost took the lead on ten minutes as Richard Coulson back-heeled the ball on the volley however, Nathan Popple tipped the ball over the bar denying a spectacular goal.

The game took a big turn with 23 minutes played as Popple was dismissed with a straight red card. The Rangers goalkeeper wiped out Dale Pearson who was clean-through on goal, denying a clear goal scoring opportunity.

After the red card, Dunston continued to dominate the possession and the territory and once again came close as Pearson flicked a glancing header wide of the post following a Phil Turnbull cross.

One of the few Winterton chances came on the half-hour mark as Ilesanmi drilled a powerful effort off target.

Dunston continued to push on and created a golden chance five minutes before the break. Jordan Lamb did excellently down the right to beat his man and pulled the ball back for David Robinson who skied his effort over the crossbar. 

The breakthrough eventually came in the first half stoppage time. The ball fell to Chris McDonald outside the box who drilled a ruthless effort into the back of the net with his first goal for the club.

Winterton made things trickier for Dunston in the second half, sitting deep and frustrating the visitors. Dunston were limited to only a few half chances until Jack Maskell doubled the lead on 74 minutes.

A well-weighted through ball from Phil Turnbull carved open the Winterton defence, and Jack Maskell finished well slotting the ball past Collins, who was the home side's reserve goalkeeper.

Jon McDonald made changes in the second half giving minutes to Luke Carr, JJ Chrisp and Jack Camarda. Chrisp almost made an instant impact as he lashed a long-range effort over the bar.

There was then a late scare for Dunston as Dan Staples was caught off his line. Scott Matthews took aim from the halfway line, but his effort dropped agonisingly wide of the post.

The three points were sealed with what was essentially the last kick of the game. Jack Camarda picked up the ball just outside the Dunston penalty area and drove forwards, beating multiple men, and pinged a beautiful long ball over to Dale Pearson who held his nerve, and wrapped up the win.

Report by Callum Pattison

Image Credit -  Beauty Time Photography