MATCH PREVIEW | Dunston v Stockton Town

DUNSTON UTS v STOCKTON TOWN

COMPETITION: PitchingIn Northern Premier League East Division

DATE: Saturday 27^th January, 2024

KICK-OFF: 3:00PM

ENTRY: £10 Adult, £6 Concession, £3 Under-16

GROUND: UTS Stadium, Wellington Rd, Dunston, NE11 9JL

LIVE UPDATES: @stockton_townfc – Twitter

LIVE COMMENTARY:

Stockton Town face a huge clash as they head to North East rivals Dunston UTS.

The Anchors are unbeaten in their last 11 games although they have drawn their last two outings. Last time out they were held to a goalless draw by Liversedge. Michael Fowler went closest with a one-on-one chance close to half time which goalkeeper Jordan Porter saved.

In the second half they pushed for a winner but could not get past a stubborn Liversedge defence.

Stockton Town have signed Joshua Baggs to replace the injured Dan McWilliams.

As well as the signing of Baggs, the Anchors have been boosted by the recent return of Tom Portas and Elliott Beddow’s return to the side is imminent.

Captain Adam Nicholson will be back after serving his one-game suspension.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Stockton and Dunston have faced off nine times previously, having spent two seasons in the Northern League promotion before Dunston were promoted, with Stockton following two years later.

Here are the results from the previous five matchups:

19th February 2022 – Dunston 2-1 Stockton Town – Northern Premier League East

15th October 2022 – Stockton Town 1-2 Dunston – Northern Premier League East

21st December 2022 – Stockton Town 1-3 Dunston – Durham Challenge Cup Quarter Final

19^th February 2023- Dunston 1-1 Stockton Town- Northern Premier League East

14^th October 2023- Stockton Town 1-1 Dunston- Northern Premier League East

FORM GUIDE

Stockton Town: W W W D D

Last Game: Stockton Town 0-0 Liversedge

Dunston: W W W W W

Last Game: Cleethorpes Town 1-3 Dunston

THE OPPOSITION

Dunston’s win at Cleethorpes Town on Wednesday night saw them move into third in the NPL East. They made a fast start in the game and were 3-0 up inside 20 minutes thanks to goals from Richard Coulson, Josh King and Jack Maskell. They conceded a consolation late on from Josh Walker but held on for a vital three points.

That made it seven wins in a row for Dunston and has moved them within ten points of Stockton with four games in hand. Due to the weather they have played sporadically and all of those victories have come since the pair drew 1-1 in October.

Striker Dale Pearson is the club’s top scorer with 12 for the season that includes a penalty in that aforementioned 1-1 draw. The aforementioned Maskell has also hit double figures with ten for the season. He has made the step up from Northern League Division Two Horden seamlessly.

WHAT THE OPPOSITION ARE SAYING

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game, Dunston coach Mark Scott said:

“Stockton are a good side. We went down there earlier in the season, played really well and possibly could have won the game.

“We always expect a tough game against Stockton they play the right way but we fear nobody at the moment.”

PRE-MATCH QUOTES

Anchors manager Michael Dunwell spoke ahead of Saturday’s game and said:

“It’s a big game like all the local games. Everybody knows each other and they have a few games in hand on us so it’s an important fixture and we’ll be going there looking to win like every game.”

“We know it will be a tough game, Dunston are physical but they are a bit different this year. I know they like to get the ball down and play. Jon McDonald has got them playing really well.”