Dunston became the sixth STL Northern League side through to the last 32 of the FA Carlsberg Vase on Saturday – but manager Billy Irwin admitted that they nearly blew their chance in the 2-0 home win over Heather St John.
Dunston improved the league’s chances of more Wembley success thanks to two early second half goals by Andy Bulford, but Irwin admitted that his side could have gone out to their unfancied visitors.
“We were flat in the first half, and we were lucky not to be at least one goal behind at half time,” he said. “That could have been costly, because Heather St John are a decent team.
“But in the second half, we were back to our normal selves, and once we scored, there was only team in it.”
The visitors hit the bar in the first half as they enjoyed the better of the game, but Dunston were much improved after half time, and Bulford scored from a Michael Dixon pass a minute after the break.
And it was 2-0 when Bulford finished off a good move with a header from Lee McAndrew’s cross.
Dunston are now away to Runcorn from the North West Counties League this Saturday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here