Report

Congratulations were in order ahead of the game for manager Dean Nicholson who celebrated his 100th game in charge. The Stan travelled down to Northallerton with threats of a Storm and bad weather, it was a whirlwind first half that helped Stan take a comfortable 3 points back up the A1 with them thankfully with the anticipated Storm not materializing.

A quick fire start to the game saw 2 goals in the first ten minutes, the first coming for the Stan on 5 minutes, Alfie Marriot finishing well following a header across goal from Shepherd. The lead lasted less than 5 minutes as Northallerton hit back on 10 minutes with a tap in from a Brass save. 

This was as good as it got for the home team as Stan took control and after a series of attacks Hopper beat his man, crossed to Reid whose shot was saved unfortunately for Northallerton it was not by the keeper with Hopper slotting in the penalty on 23 minutes. Stan got their 3rd on 36 minutes when Burn flicked on a long ball to Hopper who squared it to Anderson who made no mistake. The fourth came almost instantly, Evans with a brilliant run beating 3 players before crossing for Lamb to finish. A special mention to the Northallerton drummer who despite the wind, rain and score kept on going until the half time whistle.

The second half started as the first ended with Stan in the ascendancy straight from the kickoff and it was on 47 minutes when Stan got their fifth and Anderson his second following a second assist from Shepherd. This was as good as it got in the second half as both teams made changes, all 5 of Stans changes made by the 60th minute. Stan had done what they needed and saw the game out with minimal fuss.

Stan played some great football in tough conditions, dominating from start to finish and limiting the home team to very few chances.  

The travelling fans selecting Louis Anderson as their Man of the Match. In all honestly it could have been a number of players with Evans, Shepherd and Stephenson in the running.

That is 5 goals scored in each of our last 3 games meaning we go into a tough fixture at home to Bishop Auckland on Saturday full of confidence.

Neil Drummond

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