CHRIS HAS FED CUP HERITAGE INTO DUNSTON

AS A player, three-time FA Vase winner Chris Swailes was known as something of a cup specialist – now the former Morpeth Town centre-back is continuing that trend in management.

Under Swailes’ leadership, Northern League Division One side Dunston UTS have become the only Step 5 club to have guaranteed themselves a place in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Dunston secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Irlam last weekend to set up an enticing home tie against Chester in the next round.

“Everyone at the club is so proud with how far we have come” the 47-year-old told

The NLP. “With the enhanced prize money this year our run has provided a vital injection of cash which has really helped to keep the club afloat.

“To have been drawn against Chester in the next round is absolutely massive. I am not too sure about Dunston’s entire history, but this tie must be up there as one of the club’s biggest ever games.

“Chester have one of the largest followings in NonLeague so hopefully the match will be a great event with a fantastic atmosphere.

“There’s no doubting that we will go into the game as underdogs but we always make it tough for the opposition when we are at home and if Chester are having an off day then anything can happen! That’s the magic of the cup!”

As well as engineering a superb cup run, Swailes has also helped Dunston to a flying start in the league. Up to yesterday, the Fed were unbeaten in Northern League Division One having won five of their six games.

“We have enjoyed every moment of the season so far,” added Swailes, the former Bury and Rotherham defender. “To have gone unbeaten in our first 12 games is something that no one really expected but it is great that we have been able to build on our mid-table finish last season.

“I still played a little bit last season, but it began to take a toll on my body. With the way the team are playing at the moment, I am not sure I would be able to play at this intensity anyway!

“Things can change very quickly in football so we can’t get carried away, but we are certainly enjoying ourselves at the moment.”