Dunston UTS FC score last gasp winner in play-off semi final

Dunston UTS FC 1-0 Emley AFC

It was heartbreak for Emley AFC on Tuesday night in the Pitching In Northern Premier League east division play-off semi final after Dunston UTS FC scored in the dying moments of the game.

It was a 94th minute winner from substitute Dan Turner that was enough to send Dunston into the play-off final.

Duston’s impressive league campaign allowed them to gain a spot in the play-offs with one game to spare. A 1-0 win against Newton Aycliffe on the 21st April secured them a second place finish in the league.

It came down to the final game of the season for Emley, other results going their way and them winning 2-1 against Consett meant the Pewits would finish fifth in the league.

Only a minute into the game, a brilliant bicycle kick attempt from Dunston’s JJ O’Donnell was cleared off the line. This was the first of many chances for Dunston in the first half of play.

As both sides grew into the game, a long throw-in from Chris McDonald wasn’t dealt with by Emley and an own goal was nearly turned into the net.

There were chances for both teams in the second half but the best came for Emley’s Amir Berchil, he went one-on-one with the goalkeeper and was denied by a tremendous block by Jude Swailes.

Dunston had a huge chance to win the game in the final moments, a Swailes header was cleared off the line by Emley for the second time of the game.

The deadlock was finally broken with the last kick of the game, a great low strike from Turner was smashed in off the post to send Dunston into the play-off final.

A home tie against Stocksbridge Park Steels awaits Dunston in the final on Saturday 3rd May at 3pm.

Attendance – 903