North Shields 1 – 1 Dunston
Dan Wilson marked his 200th appearance for the club with a goal but unfortunately it was not enough to ensure that all 3 points stayed on North Tyneside.
Both teams came into the game with good wins at the weekend and from the outset it was going to be a tough battle if the Robins were going to get anything off their neighbors from across the Tyne.
The game had its first caution as soon as the 3rd minute when Dunston’s Carl Finnigan was booked for a tackle deep inside Robin’s territory.
The hosts started the brightest on the attacking front, using the pace of Paterson to cause havoc for the Dunston defence.
Chris McDonald was also on hand to give the Dunston defence something to think about with his long throw.
Regan Paterson swung in a deep cross, which only just marginally evaded the jump of David Robinson flying in at the back post.
Quarter of an hour passed and the Robins were in control and looked the more threatening of the two sides, Dunston were yet to get a foothold in the game.
GOAL 1-0 ‘19 Dan Wilson
Dan Wilson marked his 200th appearance in the only way he knows how, opening the scoring after being the quickest to react from a JJ Chrisp effort which rattled the crossbar from 25 yards, giving Dan Staples no chance between the posts.
The visitors almost responded immediately, registering their first real chance of the game, bringing a great save out of Finlay Hodgson before firing the rebound out of play over the top.
Shields continued to win the midfield battle with David Palmer being instrumental in the middle of the park, giving Dunston no chance of gaining any rhythm.
As well as the constant press from the Robins, the blustery winds were also a thing to consider for the Dunston back line as it was making it difficult for the defence to track the flight of the ball.
Dan Wilson almost doubled the Robins advantage when a Chris McDondald, jumped highest to head back across goal to Wilson who flicked the ball goalwards just wide of the post.
Ursene Mouanda resorted to an effort from distance which was no danger for Hodgson.
Dunston grew into the game and looked for a way back into the game as half time drew nearer. Anthony Myers was on hand with a vital interception on the verge of half time to ensure that the Robins went in 1-0 up at the break.
The Robins with the lead deservedly as they created more opportunities and were more a threat going forward, Dunston could not be written off as they came into the game as the half wore on and showed glimpses of just how dangerous they can be going forward.
The second half got underway and Shields went immediately on the attack, Stephen Forster with a tantalizing cross from the right hand side.
Paul Van Zandvliet almost connected with a Chris McDonald corner but couldn’t find the height required to make contact.
DW battled well to hold off his marker and play in David Robinson, who fired beyond Staples only for the goal to be ruled out by the offside flag.
Paul Van Zandvliet was involved again, smashing a powerful volley off Staples, either side of the keeper and it may have been a different outcome.
Shields continued to press and look for a second to put some breathing space between them and the visitors, who stayed patient.
Dunston were curtailed on the attack by Anth Myers who stood strong to win back possession.
Brad Hird was brought into the action replacing the hard working Regan Paterson with about 25 minutes left on the clock.
Brad Hird almost made an immediate impact setting up David Robinson only to be denied by Staples.
Moments later Hird rounded Staples only to see his effort find the side netting.
GOAL 1-1 73’ Djalo Sado
A goalmouth scramble was turned home by Djalo to draw the visitors level and set up an interesting last quarter of an hour.
Liam Doyle replaced JJ Chrisp before a series of bizarre events occured.
Firstly Dunston were reduced to 10 men, when goalscorer Sado was let down by a heavy touch and went in for a lunging tackle, which earned him his 2nd yellow of the game and the end of his night.
Less than 5 minute later, Dunston were reduced to 9 men, Finnigan involved in an incident in front of the dugouts, after the match officials discussed their thoughts, he was awarded a straight red as was Robins assistant manager Anthony Woodhouse.
Shields looked to take advantage of the multiple man advantage and bag in winner with less than 10 minutes on the clock.
Chris McDonald volleyed an effort goal bound as the Dunston defence struggled to clear their lines.
Paul Van Zandvliet rose highest in the box at a corner but was unable to steer his effort goal bound.
Antonio Agostinho was introduced to the action replacing Brad Hird who picked up a knock inside the penalty area.
The referee indicated 5 minutes added time.
Agostinho went on a mazy run across the cross, skipping past three Dunston players before curling a right footed effort narrowly over the crossbar.
The Dunston defence were able to stay strong and keep the Robins out and almost won it themselves at the death, Jack Elliot drove down the left hand side only to be denied by Hodgson to confirm a share of the spoils with each team picking up a hard fought point.
The Pub & Kitchen MOM was awarded to Anth Myers
North Shields: Hodgson, Forster, Myers, Walker, McDonald, Van Zandvliet, Palmer, Chrisp (Doyle), Robinson, Wilson, Paterson (Hird, Agostinho).
Subs not used: Turner, Heppell
Next game up for the Robins is at home as they host Carlton Town this Saturday at the Daren Persson Stadium with a 3pm kick off.
