Progress is the aim after spot-kick woe
DUNSTON BOSS’ PRIDE AMID PLAY-OFF AGONY
JON Mcdonald has vowed to shake off the disappointment of Dunston UTS’ penalty shoot-out heartache against Stockton Town and push the club forwards once again.
The former Ebac Northern League rivals played out a remarkable 120 minutes full of drama, action and tension on Saturday after as they shared an incredible eight goals before the tie was settled by the lottery of penalties.
It was Dunston that made the better start as they took a two-goal lead into half-time as promising forward Jack Maskell produced two stunning finishes inside the opening halfhour.
Stockton hit back after half-time with a goal from Mikey Roberts but Dunston wasted little time in restoring their two-goal lead with a powerful header from midfielder Michael Pearson.
Anchors substitute Michael Sweet came off the bench to score twice in the final seven minutes to force the tie into extra-time but Maskell came to the fore once again as he completed his hat-trick to put his side within touching distance of a first ever promotion into the third tier of non-league.
A wonderful free-kick from Stockton winger Kevin Hayes sent the tie into a shoot-out and a miss from man of the match Maskell allowed Stephen Thompson to fire the winner and ensure his side claimed a historic promotion.
Speaking to The Journal after the game, Mcdonald said: I honestly couldn’t be more proud of my lads for giving everything to get our club promotion after such a tough season.
We are hurting but we will do everything we can to build on this experience and what we have put in place because the support we have received means so much to us all.”
There were contrasting emotions on display from the home faithful as they celebrated taking the next step in their push up the non-league pyramid.
It is just eight years since the Anchors were crowned as Wearside League champions – but next season will see Michael Dunwell’s men mixing it with the likes of Blyth Spartans and FC United of Manchester in non-league’s third tier.
“I wouldn’t swap these players for anyone in the world,” said Dunwell as he tried to sum up the scenes as
Anchors supporters around him.
“We lost on penalties in last year’s final, we lost in the final in the previous season, but we held our nerve.
“Some of the lads are dead on their feet but the composure they showed was outstanding.
“They were down and out – but the character and belief they showed was second to none.” celebrated