Dunston were held to a draw on the road at Grantham Town in a scrappy affair in Lincolnshire.

James Anderson made the start between the sticks for Chris Swailes’ side, with Michael Fowler partnering Sadó Djaló up front. 

After a relatively easy journey down to Lincolnshire, Dunston fans settled into their surroundings with pints in the warming clubhouse. The media team, who had endured a number of mediocre meals on their travels this season, were pleasantly astounded at the Double cheeseburger offering which included bacon, and it was a particular highlight of the Gingerbreads canteen at £4 - representing great value burger to bun proportions.

The bitterly cold night didn’t stop Dunston grabbing the ascendency from the off, and the game was just ten seconds old when Liam Thear was played through on goal - however he scuffed his shot well wide.

Dunston had two further chances from range shortly after, but Jake Turnbull and Michael Pearson both failed to hit the target.

Plenty of mileage was being undertaken by the ball boys at Grantham, due to the 8 lane running track that separated the pitch and the stands.

On 13 minutes, Grantham had their first chance of the game. Jonathan Wafula, who looked their biggest threat all night long, poked a shot goalbound which drew a smart save from James Anderson down to his left.

Grantham froward Lee Shaw had a golden opportunity to give the hosts the lead midway through the half, but after picking up a cut back in the box, he skewed wide and should have done a lot better.

It was the hosts that should have been ahead at half time. Full back Matt Tootle took a snapshot which hit the near post of Anderson as they finished the half the stronger .

The second half was slow to get going, but copious amounts of burning hot Douwe Egberts kept the 181 in attendance warmed through. Finally, the chances started opening up mid-way through the half, and it was Dunston who had a golden opportunity to take the lead on 62 minutes.

After a mazy run from Liam Thear, the winger shot low forcing Haystead to parry the initial shot. Richard Coulson followed in, and slid the ball across goal to Djaló, but somehow the forward could not convert with the goal at his mercy.

Wafula continued to be Grantham’s main outlet, and blazed over from inside the box as the hosts also looked to grab an important victory. 

Will Jenkins let fly from halfway after catching the keeper off his line, but after Haystead recovered to save it felt like it was going to be one of those evenings for Dunston. 

A scrappy affair which ended goalless, with the final chance of an uneventful game seeing Thear drive towards goal and see his shot pushed wide by a Haystead.

The result does however see Dunston climb into the playoff places, with another tough trip to Sheffield facing the side this weekend.