WE’RE HEAD OVER HEELS!
Anchors seal a derby thriller
EMOTIONAL Michael Dunwell was left lost for words after Stockton Town secured a historic promotion after a dramatic play-off final win over north-east rivals Dunston UTS.
The duo shared eight goals across an intoxicating 120 minutes at the Map UK Stadium – but it was the Anchors that secured Step 3 football for the first time in their history with a 5-3 win on penalties.
“I wouldn’t swap these players for anyone in the world,” explained Dunwell.
“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.”
After weathering an uncomfortable opening 15 minutes where their hosts wasted two good chances, Dunston grabbed the lead with a stunning strike that marked their first genuine attack in some style.
Young forward Jack Maskell, a real plus point in an already overwhelmingly positive season, came to the forefront of the contest as his powerful drive crashed against the crossbar before nestling in the net.
The striker was at the heart of the action once again just before the halfhour mark as he sent a looping header over the head of Anchors keeper Nathan Harker, who could only watch on as the ball dropped into his far corner.
Stockton’s response before the interval was tepid at best as promising attacks came to a somewhat dispiriting end with poor decision making and, on one occasion, a poor finish from Joshua Baggs and he sent a shot off target.
The mood in both camps and around the supporters could hardly have been different as they left the pitch at half-time as the hosts had left themselves with a mountain to climb during the second 45 minutes.
The Anchors got back into the game just after half-time with a goal from Mikey Roberts – but their visitors reclaimed their two-goal lead with a header from Michael Pearson just moments later.
Dunwell’s introduction of Michael Sweet proved inspirational as the former Consett frontman scored twice in the final eight minutes to force extra-time as remarkable drama unfolded. in Dunston front their when that lead Maskell edged and back secured restored a hat-trick in the eighth minute of the first period of extra-time.
But Stockton would not be denied as the ever dangerous Kevin Hayes came to the fore with a stunning free-kick that lefts Dunston keeper Aaron Steavens grasping at thin air and ensured one of the most memorable games of the season would be settled by the lottery of penalties
That was where the Anchors held their nerve, Stephen Thompson stepped up after Maskell had missed and kept his cool to ensure his side took the next step on their journey up the Non-League pyramid.
“We’ve gone from Step 7 to Step 3...Step 3!” emphasised Dunwell.
“I can’t put it into words how I feel right now. Look at the scenes, I’m just so proud of everyone.”