Category: Club News

Northumberland Senior Cup Final 2026

Heaton Stan look ahead to the Newcastle Flooring Company Northumberland Senior Cup 25/26 final, as we look to defend the trophy we won at St James’ Park last season.

Details for the day

⚽ Heaton Stannington vs Whitley Bay
🏆 Northumberland Senior Cup Final
📅 Tuesday 5th May, 2026
🕘  7.30pm kick-off
📍 St James’ Park, Newcastle
🎫  £8 Adults, £4 Concessions (0ver 60s), £2 U18s
💵 Cash payments only – pay on the gate
🚪 Entry through East Stand turnstiles 39-47

 

Thanks to our Match Sponsor

 

The road to St James’ Park

The path to the final has been a shorter one this year, entering the competition at the Quarter Final stage thanks to our win over Morpeth Town last year to win the cup.

We started this year’s campaign as we ended the last, with a penalty shoot-out win, this time after a 1-1 draw at home to Blyth Town on Tue 3 February 2026. Dale Pearson scored our goal in normal time, with goals from the penalty spot by Leighton Hopper, Pearson, and Max Storey and a save from Alfie Gordon securing our passage to the next round.

In the Semi Finals we met Newcastle University back at The Willow Park on Wed 15 April 2026. Despite an early scare from the Uni, scoring in the 11th minute, The Stan ran out 5-1 winners, with goals from Joe Robson, Max Storey, Leighton Hopper, and a brace from Dale Pearson completing the scoring.

 

The opposition lowdown

We face Whitley Bay in the final, after a strong season in Northern League Division 1 earned a 3rd place finish, losing their play-off Semi Final against West Auckland Town 1-3 on Sat 25th April 2026.

Their Senior Cup run started back in October, with a 2-0 win over West Allotment Celtic seeing them through to the Quarter Final stage.

That Quarter Final match seemed like it would never happen at one point, after the fixture against North Shields was postponed three times, first in January, then February and again in March, before finally being played in April where Whitley Bay ran out 2-1 winners against their El Coastico derby rivals.

Just 17 days later, Newcastle Benfield hosted Whitley Bay for the Semi-Finals, where a 0-1 win resulted in them being confirmed as our opponents for the St James’ Park clash.

 

Words from the gaffer

Heaton Stan manager, Dean Nicholson, speaking after the Semi-Final win said:

“The Senior Cup was always going to be a tough one to go and re-enact, so to be in the final again is a massive achievement, it’ll be a huge night…”

 

Remembering last May

While we wait for Tuesday night, you can whet your appetite for Final action by reading the match report from the win over Morpeth last year or watch the video capturing the events and reactions of the day below:

Tom Flynn leaving the club

Heaton Stannington are sad to announce that player-goalkeeping coach Tom Flynn is leaving the club at the end of the season.

Flynn joined the club in 2021 and although he only made two appearances in his first season, he made a big impact behind the scenes as the club secured promotion to Northern League Division One.

In our first game of this season, Flynn started in goal and kept a clean sheet, making several important saves to secure a 1-0 win in the FA Cup at Whitley Bay.

Flynn has been part of two promotions and our Northumberland Senior Cup final win, and will be in the dugout one final time when we return to St. James’ Park on May 5th.

Tom Flynn says:

“It’s been a brilliant five years, and I’m just proud of what the club has achieved, and proud to be part of it, be it as coach or as a player. I’ve always tried to help where I can. It’s a shame to leave it, but life, things happen and you have to prioritise elsewhere.”

 

 

Manager Dean Nicholson says:

“I want to say a huge thank you to Tom. He came to this club on day one of me taking over and has been amazing. His positivity is something which I will miss. He’s a top guy and someone I am happy to say is a friend. We wish him and the family all the best and he will always be a member of the Stan Army.”

Heaton Stannington joint chairman Scott Lyndon says:

“On behalf of everyone at the Club, I would like to thank Tom for his service over the last five years. Tom has been an ever present in the management team since Dean and Andy’s arrival and has played many pivotal roles – player, goalkeeper coach and a good mate to many. You won’t find a nicer bloke in non-league football. I’d like to wish Tom, Charlotte and their family all the very best for the future. Tom is always welcome at The Willow Park!”

Stan Fan Monthly Draw March 2026 Results

Stan Fan Monthly Draw

MARCH

Drawn: 27th March 2026
Participants: 90
Prize Fund: £450

1st Prize £365 Number 34 Gary Davison
2nd Prize £50 Number 1 Helyn Bulman
3rd Prize £25 Number 45 William Miller
4th Prize £10 Number 81 Nicky Cassidy

Numbers were verified and drawn by Martha.

Huge thank you to all participants as you are providing valuable funds to the club. If you want to join for future draws contact George Clark on Treasurerheatonstan@gmail.com

Entry is £10 per month, the more participants the higher the prize fund and the higher the prizes.

Next Draw will be Friday 1st May 2026.

Heaton Stan Comedy Night – 23 April 2026

We are delighted to confirm our next instalment of the popular Heaton Stan Comedy Night will take place on Thursday 23 April 2026 and tickets are now on sale!

<< CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS >>

The line up features:

MC David Hadingham

David Hadingham is a seasoned comedian known for his sharp wit and hilarious insights into everyday life. With a career spanning several decades, Hadingham has established himself as a stalwart in the world of stand-up comedy. His unique style combines clever wordplay, observational humour, and a touch of self-deprecation, creating a comedic experience that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. Whether he’s poking fun at the quirks of human behaviour or sharing personal anecdotes, David Hadingham’s performances are a rollercoaster of laughter that leave audiences in stitches. His charismatic stage presence and impeccable timing have earned him a great reputation in the UK.

Chris Cairns

The smiling assassin, Chris is a fearless, rock solid headliner. A friend to audiences but deadly foe to anyone thinking of chipping in with a heckle, Chris is adored for his charm, joyfully near-the-knuckle jokes, and nanosecond response time. Chris has grown into a comedian hugely admired by audiences and peers both in his native Liverpool and around the country.

Anthony J Brown

Clad in a sartorially edifying manner, like a dapper and dandy funeral director, Anthony cuts a unique on-stage presence with humour blacker than a raven that’s slammed its claw in a coffin lid. And not the merest hint of profanity. The overall effect is both perversely hypnotic and wholly original, leaving the audience zealously hanging on to every syllable like turncoat lemmings on a rockface.

Victoria Kirk

Victoria dreamed of being a dancer until she realised she had no natural ability and below average flexibility, when she turned to comedy instead. Known for her dry wit and easy conversational style, Victoria has the ability to tell everyday stories in ways that you’ve never heard before. Whether it’s motherhood, adulting or just why you shouldn’t hide dead bodies in wheelie bins, Victoria finds shards of humour through the lens of her own life. She’s confused, she’s pale, and she really needs to stretch more.

James Smith

‘One of the best gigs of the night, both the writing and performance were spot on. There was absolutely nothing to dislike. It was splendid’ – Notts Comedy Review.

‘A refreshingly dry delivery with nicely honed material’ – Stagefright Comedy.

Lewis Brass returns

We’re delighted to welcome goalkeeper Lewis Brass back to Heaton Stannington for a second spell at the Club.

The 29-year-old first joined the club in July 2023, going on to make 77 appearances, including the 2025 Northumberland Senior Cup Final victory over Morpeth Town at St. James’ Park where he saved two penalties to help the Stan win the shoot-out.

On his return to the club, manager Dean Nicholson said:

“We have had chats with Lewis and we feel now is the right time to bring him back. We have a strong goalkeeping department which Lewis was the spearhead of for many years. I’m happy to bring him back in as he’s another one who knows what it means to play for this football club.”

Stan Fan Monthly Draw February 2026 Results

Stan Fan Monthly Draw

February

Drawn: 27th Feb 2026
Participants: 90
Prize Fund: £450

1st Prize £365 Number 88 Max Storey
2nd Prize £50 Number 81 Nick Cassidy
3rd Prize £25 Number 89 Tom Flynn
4th Prize £10 Number 6 Nicola Wall

Numbers were verified and drawn by Paul Farrell.

Huge thank you to all participants as you are providing valuable funds to the club. If you want to join for future draws contact George Clark on Treasurerheatonstan@gmail.com

Entry is £10 per month, the more participants the higher the prize fund and the higher the prizes.

Next Draw will be Friday 27th March 2026.

Jay Hornsby rejoins the Stan

We are delighted to confirm the return of Jay Hornsby to the Club!

Jay was one of Dean & Andy’s first signings in 2021, departing at the end of last season after making 142 appearances (including 109 starts and 4 goals). He joined his home town Club, Ashington, in the Northern Premier League East. We are pleased to welcome Jay, a no-nonsense defender and fans favourite, back to the Stan.

Dean Nicholson had this to say:

I’m delighted to get Jay back into the club. He was one of the first signings me and Andy made at the club and we were gutted to lose him.

Once we heard we could get the deal done, we jumped at it. His attitude and desire is second to none and a hugely popular character in the dressing room.

I’m sure it’s one for the Stan Army to be cheering tonight!

Chairman Thanks

I wanted to take a moment this morning to share my thanks to everyone involved in last night’s long trip to Lincoln.

Thank you to the 14 players who took time off work, arranged early finishes and after a 4 hour journey gave it their all on the pitch. Playing at this level is challenging at the best of times, but nights like that make it even more challenging. Whilst the result did not go our way, the commitment we are known for was never in doubt and for that I thank you.

Thank you to Dean, Andy and Cass for leading the lads and showing the same levels of commitment and doing the best they can for our Club.

Thank you to James for standing in as our qualified medic/physio – again, taking time off work to support the Club.

Thank you to Joanne and Liam – two valued club volunteers – who made the trip to support as matchday secretary, kit manager and media. The behind the scenes heroes.

And finally a HUGE thank you to the 15 or so fans who travelled all that way to support us. We have a special group of supporters and your dedication last night was appreciated more than you realise.

We look forward to a summer Saturday trip to Lincoln next season please!

Scott Lyndon
Joint Chairman, Heaton Stan

Evan Blaney Returns to The Stan

We are pleased to announce the signing of young full back Evan Blaney from South Shields.

The teenager links back up with Heaton Stannington after starting out as part of our Under-18 set-up, and making six appearances for Stan A before moving to South Shields academy.

Having graduated from their academy, Blaney made his first team debut for The Mariners as a substitute in their 6-2 FA Trophy 2nd Round match against Dunston in November 2025 – he’s made two further sub appearances since, including his National League North debut in their 2-1 win away to Darlington in December 2025.

Manager Dean Nicholson says:

“I’m happy to get Evan into the group. He’s a lad we have watched since playing for our Juniors, which just shows how the progression at the club can work. We look forward to now bringing him into the first team and seeing how he progresses further.”

Everyone at Heaton Stan are delighted to welcome Stan Juniors alumni Evan back to the club and look forward to seeing him pulling on the black and white stripes again – this time for the First Team.