REPORT | Consett AFC 0 Dunston UTS 2
A second half brace from David Robinson secured another vital three points, as Dunston made it six consecutive wins away at Consett.
After a goalless first half, Robinson continued his superb form as he scored both second half goals as Dunston ran out as 2-0 winners at the Belle View Stadium.
Jon McDonald made two changes from the Boxing Day victory against Newton Aycliffe. Both fullbacks, Craig Baxter and Chris McDonald, returned to the starting line-up with Richard Coulson and JJ Chrisp dropping to the bench. Skipper Michael Pearson slotted into the midfield after a stint at right-back last time out.
Dunston began the game very strongly, and with 16 minutes played, Michael Pearson found Jack Maskell with an excellent ball however, former on-loan Dunston goalkeeper, James Anderson, was able to produce the save.
Dunston continued to look the more threatening of the two sides and almost broke the deadlock on 26 minutes when David Robinson hit the post with a header after an excellent cross into the box. Jack Maskell then came close again on 33 minutes as he forced Anderson into another save.
Despite the early chances, Consett had a golden chance of their own after 38 minutes. Jake Orrell looked as if he was going to fire Consett into the lead, but Josh King stepped in with a last-ditch challenge to keep the score level heading into the half-time break.
Into the second half, and Dunston once again looked the most threatening of the two sides and almost took the lead on 52 minutes.
Phil Turnbull delivered a pinpoint corner into the box towards Maskell however, the latter's header was always rising over the crossbar.
Dunston continued to press as Luke Carr took aim from a narrow angle which zipped past the face of goal, and McDonald also had a crack from distance which was well high of the target.
The sheer persistence of Dunston was finally rewarded on 71 minutes as December Player of the Month, David Robinson, hit the back of the net to send Dunston into the lead for the first time.
Dale Pearson on his 29th birthday, broke down the left and played the ball across to Robinson who prodded home his first-time shot.
With the clock running down, and Dunston defending their box expertly, Jon McDonald introduced Sado Djalo, Richard Coulson and JJ Chrisp to the game, with Luke Carr, Jack Maskell and Dale Pearson being replaced.
Five minutes of additional time was indicated on 90 minutes. Consett threw everybody forward for a late corner, including James Anderson. Dunston were able to deal with the danger and launch a counterattack where David Robinson netted his eighth goal of the season, as he slid the ball into the empty net.
Next up for Dunston is another vital clash this Tuesday at The UTS Stadium as we host Sheffield FC.
By Callum Pattison
Image Credit - Beauty Time Photography