Report

Consett picked up a huge three points in their bid to secure Northern Premier League safety with a fully-deserved win over high-flying Dunston at Belle View Stadium.

A season’s best attendance of 515 saw the Steelmen score an early goal to end the second-placed Tynesiders’ nine-game unbeaten run.

Manager Jason Miller gave 17-year-old forward Matty Todd his first start, and he came close to opening the scoring in the 9th minute when he fired just wide from 25 yards.

A minute later Consett got what proved to be the decisive goal of the contest, with a well-worked move. Donny Holdsworth took possession from Charlie Exley’s throw-in on the left, and picked out Isaac Walker’s run from the flank with a lovely backheeled flick.

The striker carried on into the box and beat keeper Dan Lowson at his near post to make it 1-0 with his 17th goal of the season.

Consett wanted a penalty in the 18th minute when Todd crossed from the right for Holdsworth, who went down under challenge from Jude Swailes, but the referee waved away their appeals.

JJ O’Donnell thought he had equalised for Dunston in the 19th minute, but was ruled offside, and the same player then flashed a shot wide when Consett failed to deal with Chris McDonald’s long throw.

But it was the home side who continued to take the game to their visitors. Wil Shaw had one shot charged down for a corner, and then another from the set piece as Consett threatened again.

Their best chance of extending their lead came on the stroke of half-time when great work by the tireless Shaw set up Todd, who fired just over from the edge of the box.

Half-time: Consett 1 Dunston 0

Scott Robson helped Himself to a hat-trick when the sides met at the UTS Stadium back in November, but he was well handled by the Consett back four, and when he got a rare chance two minutes into the second half Harry Moss stood up well to save.

Holdsworth had a shot blocked, Walker hit a tame effort at Lowson and Will Constantin headed wide from Liam Colledge’s cross when a corner was recycled as Consett continued to create the better chances.

Midway through the second half a good move involving Shaw and Holdsworth set up Walker, who was denied by a fine low save by Lowson, diving low to his left.

At the other end, the home side were grateful to keeper Harry Moss when Dunston beat the offside trap in the 78th minute, but the big keeper again stood up well to save superbly from ex-Consett striker Dale Pearson.

A nail-biting end to the game saw eight minutes added after what looked like a serious injury to Consett forward David Allasan, who left the field on a stretcher after dislocating his ankle, but his teammates mounted a fine rearguard action to hold on for a big win.
MATCH REPORT: GARY WELFORD