REPORT | Dunston UTS 2 Blyth Town 1
Dunston kicked off their pre-season campaign in impressive style recording a 2-1 win against Blyth Town in The St Mary's Inn Cup.
Scott Robson scored his first goal in Dunston colours to send his side into the lead at the break. David Robinson doubled the lead with a chipped finish minutes after the interval before Blyth pulled a late consolation goal back with two minutes remaining.
Jon McDonald handed Dunston debuts to Harvey Neary, Josh Gilchrist and Scott Robson. Gilchrist almost bagged his first goal for the club after just four minutes when he cut inside onto his right foot and forced a saved out of the Blyth shot-stopper.
Neary, who slotted in at right back, then had a golden chance of his own as he took the ball around the 'keeper before seeing his shot blocked on the line by a Blyth defender. Dale Pearson was in fine form down the flank as the Blyth goalkeeper was forced into his second save inside the opening 15 minutes.
Blyth Town then created their first opportunity of the game on 17 minutes. Aaron Steavens was called into action for the first time as he produced a diving stop at the near post before the rebound crashed against the post. Steavens made another save seven minutes later as he denied the Blyth number 11 down the left-hand side.
The breakthrough for Dunston came with 25 minutes on the clock. It was a well-worked goal as Harvey Neary drove down the right before playing a low cross into the box for Scott Robson who made no mistake from close range, rifling the ball into the back of the net.
Two minutes after the quick half-time break, the lead was doubled when David Robinson produced a tidy finish inside the area. The attacking midfielder pinched the ball back in the final third and he delicately lifted the ball over the onrushing Mark Foden.
Dunston continued to look the better side as the game wore on, and Scott Robson almost netted his second of the game with what would have been an early goal of the season contender. The ball dropped for Robson 30-yards out, and the centre forward took aim on the half-volley with his dipping effort thundering against the crossbar.
Neary also came close to adding a third goal as he curled an effort towards goal, but Foden was able to claim the ball comfortably.
In the dying minutes, Blyth managed to pull a goal back against the run of play when a low ball from the right was met in the six-yard box and bundled home. However, it was too little, too late, and Dunston move on to tomorrow's final where they will meet Morpeth Town at 3pm.
Report by Callum Pattison
Image Credit - Beauty Time Photography