Manager Jon McDonald has discussed Saturday's draw as the point sees Dunston climb back into the play-off places, albeit having played an extra game or two than other sides.

"Before the game, you'd regard a point at Stockton as a good result. They're in good form and unbeaten at home this season but, having been in front and conceding so late, we'd expect to see the game out for three points.

"Overall, I thought it was an excellent away performance." McDonald said.

Including yesterday, Dunston have now been leading in their last three league games but have failed to win, picking up two points in the process. Something that the McDonald and the Management Team have taken note of, but aren't overly concerned by.

"I'm not concerned about it but, it is something that we are aware of. The goal we conceded on Saturday, and the goal at Pontefract, are both balls into the box and it's fell kindly for the opposition rather than us being undone by good play.

"We were in a position to deal with the situation and we didn't. In truth, we had good opportunities to kill the game before that." McDonald added.

Dunston were however handed a major boost yesterday as David Robinson, Josh King and Dan Staples all started the game after short spells away from the starting XI through injuries.

"I thought all three players were excellent. I thought all of the lads delivered a great away performance and executed exactly what we asked of them.

"On reflection, we restricted Stockton to very few opportunities and we created clear chances on the counterattack. I thought the lads were superb yesterday."

Dunston now enter a vitally important period in the season with two huge home games coming up at The UTS Stadium over the next two Saturdays.

"It is really important. We need to take full advantage but also, we can't lose sight of the fact that there are 27 games still to play. There's a long way to go yet. 

"We've had a decent start and I don't yet feel that we have played to our optimum. There's more to come from this group." McDonald added.

Next up for Dunston is a home fixture against Grantham Town on Saturday October 28th. We drew both games with Grantham last season and we need your support, the twelfth man, as we welcome the Gingerbreads to NE11 this coming Saturday.

Tickets are priced at Adults (£10), Concessions (£6), U16 (£3). Tickets can be purchased on the gates via either cash or card. Get behind the lads!

By Callum Pattison

Image Credit - Beauty Time Photography