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.”
This story is from the May 05, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 05, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SKIP DOUBLES UP FOR REDS!
LYNTON Goss' double earned Leighton a vital victory over Beaconsfield at Holloways Park.
BOSS SINGH NEXT TO QUIT CRISIS CLUB CELTS
MANAGER Pav Singh last night walked out of Farsley Celtic in the wake of a player exodus at the crisis club.
BOWER'S POWERED UP LIONS ASSAULT!
Popular boss is leaving his Mark at Guiseley again
MICHAEL'S MASTERED MARTYRS
MERTHYR Town are enjoying a renaissance under the stewardship of former Yate Town boss Paul Michael - and he is determined to return them to the level that he believes they belong.
TOMKINS' ASCOT ARE CLEARLY AT THE RACES
Yellamen on the bridle for a kick on to the finish
BINGO! CROWS HAVING A BALL
BOSS Chris Watters has revealed the secret behind upwardly-mobile Royston Town's away-day success - bingo!
MAGPIES HOLD FIRM IN WALES
IT'S not often Merthyr Town are stopped from scoring but Dorchester managed to do just that.
PROUD BOSS PENNOCK HAS DARTS BACK ON TARGET!
REJUVINATED Dartford have thrown themselves into the Isthmian Premier League title race.
Fleet heading in the Wright direction
HAVING occupied the bottom two National League spaces for much of the season, Boston and Ebbsfleet both saw leads come and go in unsuccessful pursuit of a rare victory.
CARDS CONTINUE ARDLEY REVIVAL!
WOKING continued their unbeaten start to life under Neal Ardley by securing a point at Yeovil Town in the National League.
