Will Jenkins scored a beauty to put Dunston ahead midway through the half, before a mix up at the back on 80 minutes allowed Stockton to level. With a draw looking ever more likely, a injury time corner was headed home by Jon Shaw to give Dunston a massive three points and lift Dunston up to third in the league table. 

Dunston started brightly and the in-form Will Jenkins had the first chance of the game, taking aim from range but striking over the bar on eight minutes. 

The midfielder was hungry for another goal to add to his already impressive tally, and on 17 minutes he put Dunston ahead with a beautiful curling strike which beat Stockton goalkeeper Callum Roberts all ends up.

The hosts were top of the league for a reason however, and on 29 minutes almost got back into it when Nathan Mulligan delivered a teasing free kick which ended up with Stephen Thompson, but his goal bound effort was kept out well by Dan Staples in the Dunston net.

Dunston almost had a second as the half drew to a close through Carl Finnigan, who drew Roberts into a fine save in injury time having seen a shot deflect into his palms moments earlier. It was an excellent first half from Dunston, who may have felt that they should have had a couple more goals to their name.

Following a scrappy opening period in the second half, the game came to life with 25 minutes remaining. Jack Elliott had a glorious mazy run down the right, and his cross gave Sadó Djaló a chance to give Dunston breathing space, but his header went just wide of the target.

Stockton pushed for an equaliser and substitute Cameron Painter had a glorious chance to level the game, but blazed over.

Elliott Beddow did equalise for the hosts on 81 minutes, beating Dan Staples to a ball to slot the ball into an empty net.

Both sides may have been happy for a point as the game came to it’s fruition, but Dunston stole it deep in injury time to claim a monumental three points away at the league leaders, who had dropped just 2 points in their 9 games so far this season.

After Finnigan and Djaló were halted by a brilliant save from Roberts just moments before, a free-kick 40 yards out was floated in and a flick on from Phil Turnbull saw Jon Shaw peel off from his marker a head home from 6 yards out to send the Dunston faithful absolutely bonkers as they saw their side rise to third in the table.

A performance full of heart, desire and fight from Chris Swailes’ side, who travel to North Shields on Wednesday evening looking to make it 9 unbeaten.