Dunston’s recent struggles on the pitch continued, as they were handed a third defeat in their last five games against a relegation-scrapping Brighouse Town side.

Jon McDonald made just one change from the side that picked up a crucial 3-2 win against Bridlington on Saturday, as Jude Swailes was forced out the squad with a quad injury. His replacement was Richard Coulson, who slotted in next to Phil Turnbull in midfield, pushing the skipper Michael Pearson back to centre-half.

An early long-range goal from Rhys Plater allowed Brighouse to secure all three points, despite the Blues having several huge chances to get a goal of their own.

The game started slowly, with neither side able to gain a tangible advantage early on. Dunston came close to scoring after thirteen minutes, with Sado Djalo’s close range effort being met with a good save from Brighouse ‘keeper Shea Callister. 

However, Dunston’s efforts were to be without reward as Brighouse took the lead minutes later through a well struck effort from distance by Rhys Plater. 

The rest of the first half passed in a similar fashion, with both teams battling to gain a real foothold in the game. Half-chances fell to both teams, but they remained just that as the half drew to a close. 

After the interval, it was Dunston who took the initiative and started the half on the front foot. Chances fell the way of Michael Pearson and Dale Pearson, the latter of whom having taken the ball round the ‘keeper, but not being able to get a shot off. 

Chances continued to come the way of Dunston, and it seemed they’d finally get the chance to make the most of their pressure after a late challenge on David Robinson in the Brighouse penalty area on 65 minutes, but that was controversially waved away by referee Mark Reeves. 

Not to be deterred, Dunston continued to create chances as the aforementioned David Robinson had a shot cleared off the line in the 89th minute. However, after an astonishing seven minutes of injury time and a determined defensive display from the hosts, it was Brighouse who left the Heffernan Utilities Stadium with all three points.

Dunston return to action on Saturday 22nd February, in their second of three long-distance away games. They travel to 20th placed Sherwood Colliery, looking to bounce back from recent results.

Brighouse Town: Callister, Tootle, Egginton, Robson, Nebard, Tarangadzo (Coates 75’), Payne, Grant (C), Edwards (Gibbons 83’), Gray, Plater (Acquah 90’)

Unused subs: Mooney, Peters

Bookings: Tarangadzo (35’), Edwards (82’), Payne (89’), Callister (90’), Payne (90’),

Goals: Plater (17’)

Dunston UTS: Lowson, Neary, McDonald, P. Turnbull, M. Pearson (C), Devitt, O’Donnell, Coulson (Baxter 70’), D. Pearson (A. Turnbull 86’), Robinson, Djalo (Thear 79’)

Unused subs: Turner, Anderson

Bookings: P. Turnbull (27’), Robinson (66’), D. Pearson (73’), Devitt (75’), O’Donnell (90’)

HT: 1-0

FT: 1-0

Venue: The UTS Stadium

Attendance: 135

Written by Liam Foggin

Photo by Eric Murphy Photography