Dunston show the Wil to win in historic FA Trophy victory against Hebburn

Dunston UTS manager Jon McDonald hailed match-winner Wil Shaw after his wonder goal saw off Hebburn Town and sent the Northern Premier League East club into the FA Trophy second round for the first time in their history.

There was little to choose between the North East neighbours in a Friday night tie that was played out to a backdrop of heavy rain and strong winds – but a touch of class from Shaw proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Speaking to the NLP after his side created history, McDonald said: “It was a fantastic effort from Wil, he’s caught it perfectly and he’s been threatening to do that for a while.

“It was a goal good enough to win any game of football. I don’t know what the crowd was, but a lot of people have come out in this miserable weather and they’ve seen a good game of football between two sides and it was a good advert for the North East non-league game.”

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Match action

The opening 25 minutes brought half-chances for Hebburn duo Jack Foalle and Robert Briggs – but the first goal of the game went the way of Dunston and it came via a stunning piece of finishing from winger Shaw.

The former Consett man was able to find space around 25 yards from goal and he wasted little time in sending a stunning effort beyond Hornets goalkeeper Dan Cameron and inside his far post.

That allowed McDonald’s side to show their disciplined side to see out the remainder of the opening 45 minutes – although they survived a small scare as Hornets midfielder Ethan Wood crashed a low drive beyond the near post just before the break.

Second half

The early stages of the second-half brought a notable increase in tempo from Hebburn as they looked to force their way back into the game as chances for Jack Donaghy, Olly Martin and Gary Martin all went begging.

An equaliser looked to have arrived with 20 minutes remaining when the latter of that trio headed home at the far post after meeting a free-kick – but an offside flag brought an early end to his celebrations.

That let-off seemed to relieve some pressure on the hosts and they came close to killing off the Hornets when former Newcastle United youngster Josh Donaldson struck the post just minutes after forcing a save out of Hebburn keeper Cameron.

Contemplate

A last push from Hebburn led to openings for defender Donaghy and Robert Briggs – but neither were able to take advantage as their side slipped out of the competition and left Dunston boss McDonald to contemplate what could lie ahead in Monday’s draw.

“Anybody at home would do for us,” he replied when asked who he wanted to be paired with in the second round draw.

“A big tie would be nice, as long as it’s at home, because if it is, I would fancy us to give anyone a game at home.”

Teams, ratings and more

Dunston UTS: Lowson, Neary, McDonald, Turnbull (Turner), Pearson, Devitt, O’Donnell (Donaldson), Edwards (Chrisp), Djalo (Neary), Robinson, Shaw Subs: Baxter

Hebburn Town: Cameron, Heywood, Oliver, Donaghy (Turner), Elsdon, Wood (Thompson), Foalle (Taylor), Briggs, Martin, Murray, Martin (Charlton) Subs: Moore

Star Man: Wil Shaw (Dunston UTS)

Attendance: 533

Entertainment: ★★★

Referee: Nick Vincent

READ MORE: Dunston UTS and Hebburn Town relishing all-North East FA Trophy tie