Stockton Town advanced into the semi-finals of the Durham Challenge Cup thanks to an unbelievable strike from Adam Nicholson.
The Anchors captain struck from distance 77 minutes into the game, which ended as the only goal of the clash with Dunston.
Michael Dunwell was forced into a change with Josh Scott unavailable. Michael Sweet was in from the off as well as Cameron Painter who stepped in for Jamie Bramwell who was rested. Kevin Hayes also returned after missing Saturday.
Hayes had a good chance within the opening five minutes, when his right-footed strike dipped just over the crossbar.
Tom Coulthard, two minutes later, fizzed a dangerous looking strike which only just missed the top corner.
Amar Purewal found the target for Stockton in the 29th minute with a powered strike, but the linesman was quick to raise his flag.
Jake Petitjean nearly gave Stockton a lead in added-time of the first-half, after finding space in the box, but his shot was well saved by goalkeeper Dan Lowson.
Half-time: Dunston 0-0 Stockton Town
After a quiet opening to the second half, Dunston very nearly found the first goal in the 68th minute when Nathan Harker had to be at full stretch to tip away a great effort by Wil Shaw.
It wasn’t until the 77th minute when the deadlock was broken, with Adam Nicholson driving from defence, and after spending time looking for a pass, he opted to shoot himself – finding the top corner from over 30 yards away. Certainly one of the best of his 129 goals for the club.
Sado Djalo went close to an equaliser for the hosts when he looped an effort over Nathan Harker, but from a tight angle it bounced wide, and Stockton kept the Fed away from goal to secure a first clean sheet since early October, and a place in the semi-finals!
Full-time: Dunston 0-1 Stockton Town
The Anchors return home for league action on Saturday, when Whitby Town make the short trip to the MAP Group UK Stadium.
