EMOTIONAL Michael Dunwell was left lost for words after Stockton Town secured a historic promotion after a dramatic play-off final win over north-east rivals Dunston UTS.
The duo shared eight goals across an intoxicating 120 minutes at the Map UK Stadium – but it was the Anchors that secured Step 3 football for the first time in their history with a 5-3 win on penalties.
“I wouldn’t swap these players for anyone in the world,” explained Dunwell.
“We lost on penalties in last year’s final, we lost in the final in the previous season, but we held our nerve.
“Some of the lads are dead on their feet but the composure they showed was outstanding.
“They were down and out – but the character and belief they showed was second to none.”
Denne historien er fra May 05, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra May 05, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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MARTYRS MARCH ON UP TO THE TOP
MERTHYR TOWN showcased their title credentials at the AEI Stadium as they emerged victorious over Gosport Borough on Saturday afternoon.
WARD FIRES A WARNING!
KEATON Ward's early strike took Boston United took within two points of safety at the expense of Braintree Town, who themselves are still looking over their shoulders.
DAN JUST THE MAN TO BREAK BRACKLEY
BUXTON followed up successive wins with victory at St James Park as Brackley Town failed to notch a tenth successive home win, going down to Dan Ogwuru's 25th-minute goal.
BEES KEEP TICKING OFF WINS
Runaway leaders Barnet edged ever closer to the National League title with a slender win over in-form Woking.
HOPE FOR MURATTI MINNOWS
THE shop windows in Alderney are already decorated in blue and white as excitement builds ahead of one of football's longest-running underdog stories.
TOP EURO TRIP BUILT BRICKS A FIRM BASE
Summer friendly helped shape us, says Hadley ace
O'GRADY SNR LYING IN WAIT
CHRIS O’Grady has an extra motivation in Mickleover’s relegation battle – the chance to play against his sons!
ANDY'S STREETS AHEAD!
Williams adding to Bulls legacy
SAINTS' POWER SHIFT IS INTACT
A PIVOTAL sliding doors moment of Gwyneth Paltrow proportions impacted Non-League circles in the Merseyside town of St Helens three years ago.
KEV'S BOYS DIG IN DEEP
PROUD boss Kevin Maher saw his Southend United side twice peg back high-flying Forest Green Rovers at the New Lawn and claimed 'We could have won all three points'.
