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Post-Match Reaction | Jon McDonald

Dunston Manager Jon McDonald admitted to being "stunned" following Saturday's league defeat at home to North Ferriby.

It was a first league fixture for almost four weeks after The FA Cup and The FA Trophy had taken priority over the last four games. Dunston came into the game still unbeaten in the league after three wins and a draw from the opening four games. 

However, the unbeaten league start came to an end after two goals in the space of five minutes from North Ferriby's Mason Johnson. Dunston had taken the lead three minutes before half-time courtesy of David Robinson, but were unable to add to their advantage despite seeing much of the ball.

"North Ferriby were missing their two main centre forwards, so they came in with a gameplan to sit in and play on the counterattack. We dominated possession but, like I have said a few times already this season, we didn't threaten their goal enough," McDonald said.

"To be frank about it, we've just gifted them two weak goals which is really frustrating. I'm gobsmacked standing here now. In terms of how we played, I think we played okay, but we've gifted them two goals, so I'm a bit stunned that we have lost that game if I'm honest.

"We worked the ball from our defensive third into the top end of the pitch enough times, but the quality of our movement and the quality of our crosses probably wasn't good enough in the final third. That happens sometimes when you're in control of a game and you're winning one-nil, you just have to be solid.

"The second goal we have conceded from our throw-in where our centre back is taking it, I don't know why, and we've ended up with a big void in the middle of the pitch. It's a weak goal and I am really disappointed," he added.

"The positive thing is that we've only played five games. We still have 37 games left so there is a long, long way to go. Obviously, we want to win our home games and we are usually good at home.

"I actually thought our performance was relatively good. I thought we played quite well, but when you gift teams goals like that, it's going to be a challenge to win any game of football. The goals that we've conceded are embarrassing," McDonald said.

Now Dunston's attention turns to a run of three consecutive away games, starting with Brighouse on Wednesday, where we will rack up over 800 miles in the next ten days.

"Brighouse have started okay. They have a new manager there so I think they're a different side compared to last season.

"Every away fixture on a midweek night is going to be tough so we are going to have to prepare properly and make sure that we are ready for that game. I'm expecting a tough game and then after that we're going to Cleethorpes.

"They are all tough games and if you don't defend properly, you're not going to win many games and unfortunately, we didn't do that well enough today."


Published Sunday 22nd September 2024