Colne’s run of misfortune continued when they lost out to a goal in added time against Dunston at the Sovereign Play Stadium on Tuesday night. The Reds struggled to find their form in difficult conditions throughout the game and were reduced to ten men by injury in the closing stages which culminated in a late winner for the visitors.
In the opening stages, Dunston took advantage of the strong wind, pushing forward with some direct attacking play. Colne keeper Hakan Burton needed to race from his area to clear the ball from Scott Heslop’s feet as the Dunston striker broke clear. And Burton was again in action diving at feet in his goalmouth to save a low cross by Jack Elliott following a penetrating run through the Reds defence.
Colne worked hard to build attacks through Connor Hughes and Aidan Chippendale in midfield and Hughes’ free kick just eluded Andy Hollins for a far post header after 26 minutes. Four minutes later, a good build-up on the left wing found Eli Hey in the visitors’ area but a good defensive tackle denied him a scoring opportunity.
But as play swung to the other end, Elliott again made a good run into the Colne area from the right wing and his left foot shot brought a great save from Burton to push the ball away from his goalmouth.
After 41 minutes, a diagonal free kick by Hughes fell to Hollins at the far post and his shot was blocked at the expense of a corner by a resolute Dunston defence. And as the corner was half cleared, Lee Pugh’s cross just eluded Chippendale in front of goal. On the stroke of half time, Chippendale’s well struck 25 yard free kick was headed clear by a defender in the Dunston wall to keep the scoresheet blank.
Early in the second half, Colne forced a series of corners but found the Dunston keeper Karl Dryden in good form as he plucked the ball out of the air from the high crosses. And at the other end, Dunston had loud claims for a penalty waved away after Michael Pearson’s shot was blocked in the Reds penalty area.
The play became scrappy with neither side looking like breaking the deadlock and Colne used all three substitutes in an effort to liven up their attack. But when Pugh was injured and had to leave the field after 77 minutes, Colne were reduced to ten men.
Dunston pushed forward with some strong attacks and Elliott looked to be about to score until Burton saved his low shot with his outstretched foot and Alex Coleman cleared the ball from the six yard box. And Coleman made further clearances as the visitors continued to press. But after 91minutes, a cross from the right wing was headed home by Pearson for a late winner for Dunston and once again Colne had fallen to a goal in stoppage time.
Colne Team:
Hakan Burton
Billy Hasler-Cregg
Lee Pugh
Alex Coleman (C)
Matty Makinson
Andy Hollins
Brad Knox
Marcus Poscha
Eli Hey
Connor Hughes
Aidan Chippendale
Waqas Azam
X
Tony Donaldson
Joe Coveney
X
Rio Wilson-Heyes