Non-league Day return to League Action For Bridlington Town

Saturday, 25 March 2023 07:00

By Ben Edwards

After two games away from Queensgate, Bridlington Town will return to home action on Saturday, welcoming Dunston to the Hudgell Solicitor Stadium.

The visitors have become a familiar side for Bridlington Town in the last 12 months - having already faced each other twice this season. In the league, the Seasiders picked up a 1-1 draw in Tyne and Wear, thanks to an injury time equaliser from substitute Joe Norton.

This came over two months after the two sides battled it out in the FA Cup Preliminary Round at Queensgate. Bridlington Town beat Whitley Bay 3-1 to get to that stage, but were beaten 3-0 by a dominant Dunston.

Of course, the final game of the last season was between these two sides, and went down as one of the most memorable and important games in Bridlington Town's recent history. Three points were required to secure their Northern Premier League East status.

The game was tied at 2-2 until the 90th minute when Andy Norfolk won a penalty. Up stepped Lewis Dennison, who showed nerves of steel to slot the spot-kick into the top right corner, saving his side from the drop.

In their last league game, Bridlington Town picked up a brilliant 1-1 draw thanks to Mackenzie Warne's 78th minute equaliser, despite having to name a reduced squad of just 13 players. The draw saw Bridlington Town remain 11th in the Northern Premier League.

The Seasiders had a break from league action midweek with an East Riding Senior Cup Semi-Final against Hessle Sporting Club of the Humber Premier League.

Adrian Costello stuck to his promise and named an unchanged starting lineup, with Jake Martindale and Jack Bulless returning to the bench.

The game ended in a convincing 4-0 win at the Roy West, with Martindale and Bulless both making a good impact as substitutes and scoring, adding to Dennison’s first-half brace.

Bridlington Town will now take on Hedon Rangers in the final, with the date and venue of the game still to be confirmed.

Dunston also took to the football field midweek, though it was Northern Premier League East action for them against Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Going into the game Dunston occupied 6th position, whilst Stocksbridge sat one position and three points higher in the final playoff spot. A real six pointer, of which Dunston would have risen into the playoffs had they picked up three points.

Liam Thear’s brace put Dunston 2-0 ahead with an hour played, however a late collapse saw Charlie Wood net in the 87th and 94th minute for Stocksbridge, keeping Dunston outside the playoffs going into Saturday’s game.

To celebrate Non League Day, anybody who is a season ticket holder of a professional club will be admitted entry for half-price, whilst the club's Under 12s Go Free offer will be running as always.