Dunston exited the Emirates FA Cup after a valiant effort in a 3-2 defeat at National League North side Scarborough Athletic.

It was a competitive game and Dunston certainly gave the home side plenty to think about early on. Both sides cancelled each other out and Dunston looked more than comfortable against the side two divisions higher.

After no clear-cut chances in the first 25 minutes, the first proper chance fell to The Seadogs on 29 minutes and they obliged to take the lead.

Dunston managed to clear a Scarborough corner however, the ball was floated back into the box and Bradley Plant made a direct run in-behind the Dunston back line and guided a header past Staples.

Dunston looked to equalise just minutes later as we created our first opportunity. A Phil Turnbull free kick was met by Sado Djalo but unfortunately, his header dropped inches wide of the post.

On 35 minutes, Dan Staples was called into action as he dived down to his left to stop a header which looked to be heading straight for the back of the net.

Dunston suffered a real sucker-punch right on the stroke of half-time. The hosts were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position and Michael Coulson’s effort cannoned off the crossbar and off the back of Staples and trickled over the line.

Despite the setback before half-time, Dunston rallied and started the second-half on top. Jack Elliott powered down the left-hand side and looked up before sliding the ball to Liam Thear who kept his composure and halved the deficit on 58 minutes.

Four minutes later, Thear almost grabbed his second as he created some space for himself in the box and had an effort saved my Cracknell.

Scarborough restored their two-goal lead against the run of play on 65 minutes. Dunston failed to properly clear their lines from a set-piece and the ball fell to Brad Plant who drilled a half-volley low into the bottom corner from distance.

Once again, Dunston showed their grit and determination and continued to give absolutely everything. This time, Elliott went close as he forced another save from Cracknell.

With 18 minutes left to go, Will Jenkins gave Scarborough something to think about as he grabbed a deserved goal. He picked up the ball outside the box and curled a long-range effort into the top corner from 25 yards out. A special, special goal from the South Shields’ loanee.

Jenkins almost produced another remarkable goal inside the last ten minutes. A Dunston corner dropped to Jenkins outside the box and he drove a volleyed-effort just wide of the post.

It was almost a dream finish for Dunston in the closing moments but it just wasn’t meant to be. Thear got in on goal and had his effort saved and the rebound fell to Fowler who ballooned the rebound over the bar only for the linesman to raise his flag for offside.

Despite the phenomenal effort from the lads, Scarborough managed to just about hold on and advance to the next round.