STOCKTON TOWN manager Micky Dunwell gave huge praise to his team’s character after they beat Dunston in Saturday's NPL East play-off final.
The Anchors were 2-0, 3-1 and 4-3 down before they fought back to equalise with a top class free-kick by Kevin Hayes, and then played the last 12 minutes with ten men before winning a heart-stopping penalty shoot-out.
“Whenever we went behind, the players showed outstanding character to get back into the game,” said Dunwell, who was celebrating his fourth promotion with the club after they were beaten in the last two play-off finals.
“That’s just what we’ve been like throughout this season, we never know when to give in. I was so proud of them and the club, and to do it in front of nearly 2,000 people was extra special.
“Dunston were really good, and Jack Maskell up front was the best player on the park. But we kept going, got back to 4-4, and then we had to play the last 12 minutes with ten men after Tom Portas went off injured when he celebrated the fourth goal. And then our keeper, Nathan Harker, pulled off two good saves in the last minute and saved the first penalty in the shoot-out.
“We were maybe a little bit lucky as well. Dunston could have had a penalty when it was 3-2 to them, and instead we went down the other end and scored for 3-3. But we’ve been missing that little bit of luck in recent games.
“It’s only eight years ago that we were promoted from the Wearside League, and now next season, we’re going to be playing in the same league as Blyth Spartans, FC United and Whitby.
“I’m delighted for the players and the club. After the heartache of missing out in the play-offs in the last two seasons, we’ve got something to celebrate. It is a great achievement.”
Dunston got off to a flyer when Maskell scored with a superb long-range effort into the top corner, then he made it 2-0 with a powerful header.
Stockton pulled a goal back with a great effort by Mikey Roberts soon after half-time, but then Micky Pearson made it 3-1 from a cross by former Darlington player Phil Turnbull just before the hour.
There were chances at both ends in a hugely enjoyable game until nine minutes from the end when Michael Sweet headed in, and then in the dying seconds, he equalised with almost the last kick of the game.
In the eighth minute of extra-time, the outstanding Maskell completed his hat-trick, but in the second period, Hayes pulled his side level with a peach of a free-kick from 25 yards.
After using all their subs, Stockton were reduced to ten men, but they held on for the penalty shoot-out.
Harker saved the first penalty from Maskell, and the four Stockton’s takers kept their nerve until Stephen Thompson – who won promotion with Darlington – kept his cool for the winning fifth penalty.
Stockton join champions Hebburn in the NPL Premier Division, and the North-East contingent will now be increased to five with Blyth, Morpeth and Whitby also competing.
Meanwhile, the Northern League play-off final takes place tomorrow, with Heaton Stannington taking on West Auckland. Heaton beat Birtley by the only goal of the game in their semi final, as did West Auckland, through Josh Scott, in their semi- final at Shildon last Wednesday.
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