Report & Pictures John Hopkins
It was a disappointing day for Warrington Rylands as Dunston UTS were 2 – 1 victors in the FA Trophy third qualifying round.
The journey to Tyne and Wear, the second within a week, was marred by a motorway closure and the typical British roadworks. However, the long trip didn’t hold them back as the match began and from the whistle, Jake Burton was creating concern for the Dunston defence. The pressure on the Fed’s goal paid off and a low shot from Ben Hardcastle was enough to beat the home side’s keeper for the first goal of the game with just minutes on the clock.
Rylands, still without Matt Regan, Guy Hall not available and with Eric Yahaya cup-tied, were low on numbers and losing Burton early in the match after re-injuring his heavily strapped-up knee made a huge impact on the attacking line-up.
Gateshead-based Dunston UTS, managed by Jon McDonald, currently sit 15th in the NPL Division One East, but have already beaten Stocksbridge Park Steels in the 2nd qualifying round of The FA Cup and were only narrowly beaten by Gainsborough Trinity in the 3rd qualifier.
Clearly, their league position is not a reflection of their ability as a team and Warrington were to find this out as the match progressed.
Gradually, Dunston began to take control of the game and the pressure told on Rylands when a high ball was headed past Luke Pilling at the far post to equalise the score.
Dunston continued to push forward and were rewarded with a shot fired in from close range at the near post. This time, Pilling was able to block the initial shot but its momentum was enough to bounce inside the net of the goal for what was to be the winner.
Neil Reynolds brought fresh legs on from the substitutes bench but by then the game was over and Rylands were out of the Cup with the long journey back home ahead of them.
‘Reno’ now has three days to boost the spirits of his squad before an evening trip to Guiseley this coming Tuesday, 7th October.
