Up against a Dunston team under new management and with 6 or 7 quality players just recruited, I knew it wasn’t to be a painless game. But the fantastic attitude of my players was there for everyone to see from the first whistle.
After a nervy start and Tom Orton making a crucial penalty save in first 5 minutes, we finally got into our stride doing what we do best; outworking other sides and not allowing the other side to get into any sort of rhythm. For me, the critical objective of the game was to get that first goal, to frustrate the other team. And before half time we did through Dan Quine, firing home a fantastic free kick from the edge of the box, to take us into half time with a 1- 0 lead.
The 2nd half followed the same pattern; Dunston having plenty of the possession but my lads not letting them settle or create chances and convert. This was a hard ask, for 90 minutes needless to say, and we nearly managed it until an unlucky deflected shot went past sharp Tom with 15 minutes to go. We showed a lot of guts, however, to hold the draw comfortably, with a couple of chances on the counter attack. With the game going to penalties, the pressure was on, but the lads couldn’t have given me or the club more. In my eyes, the performance already felt like a victory. The teams lined up and the atmosphere was electric. Tom was outstanding, saving 2 penalties, and with Steve Turnbull, Dan Quine and Shane Todd coolly slotting theirs away, we sealed the win.
On the pitch and in the Dressing room, we celebrated such an incredible performance and success. I want to say thank you as well to the loyal Brandon fans, who support us to no end. All in all, I’m so proud of the graft and accomplishments of the entire team, not just in this game but with our recent form, and hope to learn and carry it forward to our next match against Blyth.
