Consett battled well but went down to League Champions Dunston Fed who in the process maintained their unbeaten record in the league this season. The game at Federation Park was a 12.30 kick off so as to avoid a clash with the England v Wales World Cup qualifier, and as a consequence there was a good sized crowd at Dunston.

Consett appeals for a penalty are turned down

The first half was something of a disappointment with neither side playing fluently. Manager Ray Lish had reverted to a 4-4-2 formation, playing Johnny Brown in the centre of midfield and this had the effect of nullifying much of Dunston’s forward play. A couple of efforts from distance that passed safely by the Consett goal were as much as the champions could manage in the opening half an hour.

Johnny Brown challenges for a header

Consett for their part were a danger at set plays forcing a fair number of corners in the opening half, and although a 20th minute Andrew Thompson free kick threatened to break the deadlock, the Dunston keeper Dawson wasn’t troubled.

The nearest either side came to a goal in a drab first half was when Fed’s Armstrong played in Southern on the left corner of the penalty area who fired in a shot that struck the foot of the post. The rebound came straight back to him but his follow up shot was deflected wide for a corner. On the stroke of half time, Steelman Craig Tate saw his 18 yard shot also deflected wide for a flag kick.

Half Time: Dunston 0-0 Consett

The second half was a much livelier affair and as Dunston stepped up a gear they started to find a way through the Consett rearguard. Nine minutes into the second period they took the lead when Armstrong’s through ball found Benn Thompson and his falling shot slid past Platten and into the bottom corner.

Consett almost struck back immediately when Andrew Thompson went on a long solo run, skipping past two defenders before striking a left foot shot which Dawson got down well to hold.

Around the three quarter mark of the game Dunston threatened to run away with things. First Thompson set up Armstrong who rounded Platten, but the Consett stopper recovered well to block his effort. On 66 minutes Southern tried his luck from distance forcing Platten to fumble the ball away for a corner. Then three minutes later Richie Pitt fired across the Consett goal and Armstrong reacted well to jab the ball goalwards, but again Platten was equal to it.

Thompson tries his luck from a free kick

Consett started to steady the ship after that as first Tate dragged a shot wide from 20 yards, then a fine strike by Thompson forced Dawson to fumble the ball but no-one was on hand to apply the finishing touch.

Douglas goes in for a tackle

The Steelmen certainly seemed to be finishing the stronger, with new signing Mick Ford looking busy, however the Fed struck the killer blow five minutes from time. Full back Steven Pickering latched onto a ball down the left channel and as he surged into the area the advancing Platten brought him down. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and Fed’s top scorer Graeme Armstrong stepped up convert for his 12th goal of the season.

Deep into stoppage time the home side were unfortunate not to add a third when Platten tipped a tremendous 20 yard drive from substitute Paul Hogg against the bar. Nevertheless though Consett can take pride in a performance which saw them match their hosts, who look very good bets to retain their title, for large sections of this game.

Full Time: Dunston 2-0 Consett

JPH