Dunston UTS FC vs Pontefract Collieries. Match report
Dunston went into the game minus the services of Captain Craig Scott, Lee Mason, Phil Turnbull and Eddie Thomas, with Chris Swailes forced into naming himself on the bench.
Terry Galbraith returned from injury to make his first start of the season which meant Callum Elliott moved to the bench. Matty Pattison made his first start of the season in place of Turnbull.
Early doors in the game and Jack Elliott was denied from giving Dunston the lead. The winger’s effort from a quick break away, headed clear.
Ryan Musslewhite pulled off two good stops to keep the visitors level, as Dunston had pressured the away sides goal during the opening phase of the game. A Michael Pearson header was tipped over, with Musslewhite reacting well to deny Stafford from the resulting corner
Pontefract’s first effort of the game came through Lazenby. His long range effort was comfortably collected by Connell.
Jack Elliott was once again on the attack, however with the keeper to beat, he flashed his effort wide.
Mikey Dunn opened the scoring for Collieries after 26 minutes; a break-away goal with Scott Smith the architect. Running at the defence, rather than electing to shoot, he squared the ball to Dunn who made it 0-1
Dunston levelled on 34 minutes. A Matty Pattison free kick on the left hand side was delightfully floated into the far post, up rose Galbraith to head down, a melee in the box ensued and in amongst the created chaos, Pearson bravely stooped in low to head the ball beyond Musslewhite.
Whilst the first half had been a close encounter, Dunston took full control of the game in the second half.
Craig Baxter had gone close to giving Dunston the lead, his effort a Walruses’ whisker shy of the post.
Dunston deservedly took the lead on 61 minutes through Scott Heslop. The forward, with his first of the season, pushed the ball into the bottom corner and beyond Musselwhite, from Pearson's cross.
An injury to Pearson, who had been superb throughout, meant he was forced from play and was replaced by Ursene Mounda.
Dunston further extended their lead on 74 minutes. Luke Porritt, with the mazy equine skills of a horse, fed on the type of silky chocolate you only ever buy for your lass on her Birthday, he galloped beyond his markers to deliver a cross to Jack Elliot. He made no mistake this time round. 3-1
The game was put to bed as a contest, like a toddler after a heavy Calpol bender, on 77 minutes. From a Jack Elliott corner, Pontefract defender Callum Brook, like a catwalk Super model with Wasps in her shoes, somehow contrived to bundle the ball into his own net.
Dunston now travel to Marske United on Monday with momentum behind them. Today’s victory the most convincing performance of their season so far.
Todays Match day Sponsors, Belle Vue FC, have awarded todays Dunston UTS FC Man of The Match to:
Jake Stafford
Jake Stafford is kindly sponsored by:
Home shirt - Mr Stephen Sibbald
Away shirt - Paul King Heating Components
3rd shirt - Available
Training kit - Mr Dave Boldon