Michael Sweet scored a late goal as ten-men Stockton Town earned a valuable point against Dunston UTS. 

Dale Pearson gave Dunston the lead shortly before half time from the penalty spot and things became more promising for the visitors when Dan McWilliams saw red with nine minutes remaining.

However Stockton remained resilient and pushed for an equaliser which they found via Sweet.

Manager Michael Dunwell named the same starting XI that faced Grimsby Borough last Saturday. Kev Hayes was in for his 250th appearance as an Anchor, while Michael Fowler was back in squad for the first time since early September in time to face his former team.

The opening exchanges of the game saw little goal action as both sides cancelled each other out.

The first real opening came when a ball from Stephen Thompson found Glen Butteworth through on goal but goalkeeper Dan Staples was sharp to keep him out.

Minutes before half time Dunston had the chance to take the lead when they awarded a penalty after Jordan Lamb cut inside the box and was brought down. Dale Pearson confidently stepped up and converted to give Dunston the lead.

Half Time: Stockton Town 0-1 Dunston UTS

Early in the second half Dunston had a golden opportunity to double their advantage when Lamb broke forward and he played across to an open Dale Pearson but he could only strike the crossbar from close range. It was a huge let off for the Anchors.

In the 57th minute, Fowler replaced Mikey Roberts for his appearance since he was sent off in the FA Trophy against Pontefract Collieries.

He was involved instantly and made opportunity which he laid off for Sweet who fired over.

Fowler continued to be involved as Stockton pushed. First he created space and struck over from the edge of the box. Then he was played through by Hayes but Staples was out to thwart him. Finally he tested Staples again who palmed out his low shot and they survived as the rebound just missed Sweet.

Just as the momentum seemed to be all in Stockton’s favour they were reduced to ten-men when McWilliams saw red for a 50/50 challenge on Richard Coulson.

Dunston then had the chance to put the game to bed when Dale Pearson was played through on goal but he could only drag his effort wide.

The visitors were made to rue that when Stockton got their equaliser. A long free-kick bobbled around the box before Coulthard fired an effort at goal which was turned home by Sweet.

In the dying moments Sweet almost won it for Stockton but his header went into the side netting.

Full Time: Stockton Town 1-1 Dunston UTS