Before this top of the table local derby most Stan fans would have taken a point but, having led until the 94th minute when Dunston were awarded an undeserved & controversial penalty, a draw felt like the grinch, this time dressed in black & not green, had stolen Christmas & the 3 points.
Both teams went into this tie having won their last 4 matches & there was a lot at stake which influenced the competitive nature of this match. There were 2 changes from Saturday’s 4-0 win at Bridlington with Chater & Stephenson replacing injured Evans & Chrisp who was ineligible to play against his parent club.
On a cold & damp but dry evening, the Stan had most of the early pressure & in 9 minutes, an Errington ball into the Dunston box saw their keeper Lowson get down to save before Hopper could get to the ball. 2 minutes later & Gordon also had to get down to save & he did so again 2 minutes later. In 14 minutes, a Stephenson free kick into the Dunston box saw Capewell head back towards Hopper on the edge of the box & his shot went over the bar,
The Stan kept pressing & in 17 minutes from a corner a Capewell header was blocked followed by an overhead kick by Milburn also being blocked. 3 minutes later & the Stan had another shot blocked. In 21 minutes, a Stephenson free kick into the Dunston box missed everyone & went along the goal line. The Stan defence then stood up well to block a sustained Dunston attack.
The Stan kept the pressure on but couldn’t turn it into goals although Hopper had a good effort blocked in the 40th minute. A minute later & a Dunston shot towards the right-hand corner of the Stan goal was put just wide by Gordon who got a hand to the ball. From the resulting corner, Pearson headed clear. Milburn then supplied Pearson who crossed to the advancing Stephenson whose blasting shot from just outside the box forced a great save from Lowson.
Dunston started the 2nd half on the attack & they shot wide in the 47th minute. The Stan then had a period of sustained pressure including 2 corners. In 54 minutes, Walker was hacked down as he was through on goal. From the resulting 30 yard free kick in the 55th minute, Stephenson put the ball through the crowded box & it went under the diving Lowson & into the net to give the Stan a lead.
In 60 minutes Hopper crossed to Errington, but his shot was easily stopped by Lowson. In 65 minutes, an Errington long range effort was caught by Lowson. The Stan were not sitting back as they tried to get a 2nd goal to kill off the tie. In 71 minutes, Gordon caught the ball from a Dunston free kick. Hopper then countered but his ball into the box was cleared. 2 minutes later & a Dunston free kick into the Stan box was headed clear by Shepherd.
In 84 minutes, Gordon caught under pressure, but both teams were basically now cancelling each other out. Pearson then supplied the advancing sub Johnson but Lowson got to the ball 1st. In 88 minutes, a Dunston attack was cleared at the 2nd attempt. 2 minutes later & a joined up Stan attack saw Hopper come close, but he was blocked from taking a shot in the 6 yard box.
There were 4 minutes of added time, & in 92 minutes Lowson sent a long ball up the pitch towards an accelerating Dunston player who got online with Shepherd & ‘stumbled’ & fell in the box as the ball bounced in front of them & into the hands of Gordon. To the shock of most people present but to the delight of the Dunston players who had complained & pestered him all evening, the referee awarded a penalty. McDonald took the penalty & the ball went into the net off the right post. The Stan frantically tried to attack but the match ended with Gordon having to come out to clear.
The Stan deserved to win this match after battling throughout & the team’s passing & pressing was of a high standard. Dunston played well at times but did not deserve to get anything out of this match. The Stan now host league leaders Redcar Athletic on Saturday.
Heaton Stannington: Gordon, Milburn (Beattie 89), Stephenson, Burn, Capewell (C), Shepherd, Hopper, Chater, Pearson, Walker, Errington (Johnson 75).
Subs Not Used: Lamb, Storey, Payne.
Goals: Stephenson 55.
Supporters Man Of The Match: Ryan Chater.
Yellow Cards: Milburn, Shepherd, Hopper.
Referee: Samuel Packer.
Attendance: 391.
Match Photos: Flickr.
Kevin Mochrie