Written by Liam Price, photos by Jonathan White
Nantwich Town defeated Dunston of the NPL East 2-1 to win through to the Third Qualifying Round in the FA Trophy.
There were 2 changes in the Dabbers line-up, both injury enforced, with Joel Connolly and Kai Evans in for Connor Heath and Callum Saunders. Dunston sprung a surprise by including top scorer Dale Pearson in the XI after several weeks out injured,.
The home side made the perfect start, winning the ball high and Steven Hewitt playing in Kai Evans who scored just 9 minutes in, comfortably finishing past Daniel Staples. That was yet another assist for Hewitt who had now set up 4 of the Dabbers’ last 6 goals.
A couple of important Scott Butler clearances signified Dunston starting to get a foothold in the tie but they weren’t threatening Scott Moloney’s goal.
Paddy Kay is never shy to shoot from outside the box and had a couple of tries in the first half, one blocked and one off target. This was followed by a two-pronged attack from Evans and Byron Harrison that saw Staples have to smartly palm away from the goal.
It was becoming a bit attritional but Nantwich should have increased their lead. Evans spurned a big opportunity just on half time when firing over from a good position after being found by the tireless Joel Connolly.
And Dunston took advantage of the Dabbers’ missed chances early in the second half. A mix of miscommunication and pinball saw the ball ricochet in for an own goal off Perry Bircumshaw after Moloney failed to hold a low cross.
At that point Dunston had not had a discernible shot on target and yet they were level. This could have shook Nantwich but they responded well and quickly.
9 minutes after conceding, Nantwich led again. Evans, on yet another direct run, was bundled over in the box for a penalty. After discussion with the usual taker Harrison, Evans took the ball and slotted it away, Staples went the right way but was still getting nowhere near it.
After that it again became a bit of a scrappy game. Connolly was busy at both ends, stopping a dangerous counter and setting up a chance up top via his high pressing. Jack Walker flashed a header wide as the clock ran down.
Troy Bourne headed straight at Staples, before Birucmshaw made up for his unfortunate own goal with a great defensive header at the back post as Dunston looked to overload that area.
The visitors continued to pile the pressure on but had nothing to show for it, and Nantwich made it 4 wins on the bounce, all in cups.
Nantwich’s next guaranteed home game is on 10th October at 7.45pm against Runcorn Linnets, but a draw against Chester in the FA Cup would mean a replay at home on 3rd October.
Teams
Nantwich Town: Scott Moloney, Joel Connolly (Mohamud Ali, 87), Perry Bircumshaw, Nathan Okome, Troy Bourne, Scott Butler, Paddy Kay, Ahmed Ali, Byron Harrison (Dylan Thompson, 90), Steven Hewitt, Kai Evans (Jacob Edwards, 77)
Subs not used: James Speare, Lewis Sinnott
Goals: Evans (9, 59 (pen))
Dunston UTS: Dan Staples, Craig Baxter, Chris McDonald, Michael Pearson, Jude Swailes (Richard Coulson, 40), Jack Walker, Sado Djalo, Jonathon Chrisp, Jack Maskell (Liam Thear, 79), David Robinson, Dale Pearson (Luke Carr, 70)
Subs not used: Jordan Lamb, Matthew Cassap, Jack Elliott, Jack Camarda
Goal: Bircumshaw (OG, 50)
Attendance: 307