Pitchero Non League

Photo - Andrew Ferguson

....when they beat Dunston UTS 1-0 at the Brewery Field on Monday night.

The title was won thanks to a 19th minute goal by Steve Richardson, when the Dunston defence uncharacteristically hesitated over a long clearance by Robert Dean, and Richardson nipped in and headed over Dunston keeper Liam Connell.

Dunston nearly equalised before half-time when Dean pulled off a good low save from Andy Bulford, and then he pulled off a superb reflex save from a close range flick by Micky Dixon from a Terry Galbraith free kick.

Richardson had two chances to increase the lead in the second half when Connell wandered too far out of his goal, but he couldn't get the ball on target.

Dunston threw men forward for the last 20 minutes, and Dean pulled off another good reaction save from Terry Galbraith that denied Dunston a point, and West Auckland the title. Moors won their last ten games of the season to win the league, and it was the first time they had topped the league all season.

Manager Jason Ainsley said: "Everybody had written us off after the Jarrow Roofing defeat, but since then all the players have shown great character in winning the last ten games.

"I thought our defenders and our keeper were outstanding on the night. Robbie Dean pulled off some excellent saves, especially the one just before half time.

"It got very edgy in the second half, because we couldn't afford a draw. It was the longest 45 minutes I've ever suffered.

"It's a magnificent performance to win the league three years running, and to average 100 points over those three seasons."

Dunston manager Billy Irwin said; "I couldn't fault the players for their efforts, but it was a strange goal we conceded, it was very unlike us.

"I thought the lads put in plenty of effort, and their keeper made three great saves, but congratulations to Spennymoor."

Team Northumbria nearly pulled off a major shock in the Northumberland Senior Cup final against Newcastle United Reserves, losing on penalties after drawing 4-4 after extra-time.

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