The defeat sees Dunston drop down one place in the division down to 4th. Stockton Town remain top of the league after a 89th minute winner from Adam Nicholson saw The Anchors win 1-0 at North Ferriby. They are 13 points ahead of Dunston, and Dunston have four games in hand.

Belper Town and Pontefract Collieries are 2nd and 3rd as they both also recorded 1-0 wins against Consett and Grantham Town. Belper go seven points ahead of Dunston having played five more games, whereas Pontefract go one point ahead having played two more games.

"I thought a draw would have been a fair result. I don't recall Dan [Staples] having to make a save in the whole game. The first goal was poor and needless, and after working hard to get back into the game, we concede minutes later from a set play.

"Their goalkeeper made some good saves throughout the game, in particular from Jack Maskell in the first half down to his left." He said.

The defensive record so far this season has been one of the main strengths, and one of the reasons Dunston find themselves competing at the top-end of the league however, the two goals conceded yesterday can be considered as very uncharacteristic from the standards set so far this season.

"Our defensive record is very good season. A lack of concentration has cost us both goals in a game that we deserved something from. Give credit to Liversedge, they are effective and they have some good players. I think most teams will find it a difficult fixture. 

"I am very proud of the run that we have been on, but it's gone now. Our full focus is on starting another run." McDonald added.

Next for Dunston is another away trip for the 330 mile-round trip to Grantham Town on Tuesday night. Since the Gingerbreads were relegated to the Northern Premier League East Division in 2022, Dunston have been unable to get the better of them with three draws in three games.

"The key in football is to move onto the next game. The lads have been terrific in difficult circumstances with postponements. We are now looking forward to Tuesday.

"Grantham are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the division, so we know it will be a tough game, compounded by the long travel on a Tuesday. But, our focus is on us, and how we can perform, and we will do our best to win the game." McDonald said.

By Callum Pattison

Image Credit - Beauty Time Photography