FA Vase Sixth Round 8 March 2014

DUNSTON UTS V WEST AUCKLAND TOWN

Dunston’s proximity to Gateshead’s Metro Centre makes parking for big games (like this one) potentially problematic with yellow lines and orange cones aplenty, but it also means the regular train service to the shopping centre can be taken advantage of, leaving just a 15 minute walk to the ground.

It is my first visit to the UTS Stadium on Wellington Road. Tucked away behind the social club is a neat little ground with grass verges all round, a couple of small stands (one of them with seating) and tall trees (not yet in leaf) behind them along the two long sides.

I’m here good and early, courtesy of the train timetable, but already a crowd is building and buzzing with anticipation. These two Northern League rivals have recent history in the Vase with Dunston seeing off West Auckland in the last two seasons, 5-0 in round two last year and 2-0 in the Wembley final the year before, but West are having the better current season. So it will be tight and there may need to be extra time or a replay to decide who goes on to the two-legged semi-final.

The weather is mild and brightening after a grey start. The pitch is flat and well grassed, and there is no more than a breeze to contend with. As the teams come out so does the sun and the now sizeable crowd welcome both; Dunston in blue with white flashes and West in amber and black.

The early sparring sees West threaten with a shot from Campbell (screwed wide) and a slick move down the right that earns no more than a corner. Dunston’s response sees Bulford almost rob last man Green, and then gain a free kick that is disappointingly hammered into the defensive wall.

On the half hour a Dunston attack ends in a scramble in the box, but when the ball is cleared West Auckland move up field and Knight is able to take a shot from distance. It takes a deflection and rolls quietly to keeper Connell’s feet. Connell is called into more impressive action soon after, saving a close range header from Knight, and then tipping a spectacular volley from Moffat onto the bar.

As the half draws to a close Knight has another go, from a free kick well out, that troubles Connell less; in contrast an in-swinging Dunston free kick has West keeper Nixon sweating, but no one gets a touch as it curls beyond the far post.

Nil nil at half time, and not much in it. West Auckland have fashioned two good strikes on goal, both well saved by Connell, who has looked sound. Dunston have created little up front, with star striker Bulford stifled by the close attentions of Galpin. They seem most likely to score from a West Auckland defensive error, with Nixon looking jittery in goal, flapping at a couple of crosses and more than once in dispute with his defence over the responsibility for dealing with through balls.

West will need a good strike to beat Connell, but Dunston may just need something on target.

At the start of the second half Dunston centre forward Goddard does get a shot on target (Dunston’s first) but Nixon shows no nerves in saving comfortably. Minutes later West counter attack up the right and the ball breaks inside kindly for Knight whose left foot daisy-cutter finds the corner of the Dunston net from 25 yards.

The lead suits West, who then pile on the pressure. Substitute Garthwaite (on for Knight) tricks his way into the box but is eventually foiled by Connell; Briggs finds Moffat with a great ball, but he blazes the chance over; Moffat then sets up Campbell who can only poke the ball wide.

For Dunston Bulford finally gets away from Galpin, but it is by running away from goal making his attempted shot hard work and off target. It’s his last action and he is off replaced by Wightman. The change makes little difference and it needs Shaw coming up from left back to produce another shot on target; this one is from wide left and is caught cleanly by the improving Nixon.

With time almost up Dunston get a free kick but the defensive wall does a good job to both block the shot and charge down the follow up attempt. It’s the home team’s last effort and West Auckland see out time with no further worries.

So it was tight, but for Dunston there will be no repeat of 2011-12. West Auckland who deserved victory on the day, still have that option open and have every hope of this campaign going one better.