Season: 2023-24

Guisborough Town vs Heaton Stannington

A comfortable but relatively uneventful 0-0 draw at sunny Guisborough, in front of a huge number of vocal members of the Stan Army, saw the Stan secure a play-off place with 2 games to spare. This was the 4th game in 7 days & the Stan remained undefeated gaining 2 wins & 2 draws. There was delight at the final whistle after Dean Nicholson’s squad achieved a play-off place after only 2 seasons in Division 1. There were 2 changes from Wednesday night’s win over Shildon with Stephenson & Sayer replacing Palmer & Slaughter.

There was a relatively quiet start to the match & although both teams were trying to advance there was very little end product with both defences easily dealing with any attacks. In 6 minutes, Lashley supplied Sayer whose header & rebound header were blocked. By the 10th minute it was mainly Stan pressure but without any real threat. Guisborough had their 1st advance for a while in 15 minutes although it was cleared by Evans. There was not much happening although Hopper broke in 18 minutes but sliced his shot as he was tackled as he went to take it. In 25 minutes, a Guisborough free kick into the Stan box was easily caught by Brass. Neither defence were being penetrated & another home free kick was cleared by Hopper. In 28 minutes, Lashley supplied the advancing Hopper who was brought down just to the side of the home box. The resulting Stephenson free kick was headed over the bar by Reid. In 32 minutes, a Stan attack was blocked by the home keeper followed by a Guisborough shot being sliced wide. 4 minutes later & the home side had another attack cleared. The 1st proper chance for Guisborough came in 37 minutes when Brass had to get down to save. In 42 minutes, the home keeper easily caught a Stan effort followed at the other end by a home attack which eventually ended with the ball being headed wide. In the 45th minute, from a throw in, Sayer entered the box, but his effort was headed clear. Guisborough attacked soon after with the move ending with Brass getting down to catch. A very quiet 1st half ended 0-0.

The 2nd half immediately started more livelier than the 1st with Hopper crossing from the right to Sayer, who was advancing into the box, but the keeper managed to put his close range shot just wide for a corner. In 49 minutes, the home side attacked but shot well over. In 53 minutes, Hopper advanced into the home box, but the ball was deflected for a corner, from which the ball was headed clear. Stephenson sent a high ball back in but it was easily caught by the home keeper. A minute later & Hopper was sandwiched in the box by the keeper & a defender, but nothing was given. Soon after, Hopper broke again with the ball & passed 2 players, but the home keeper collected the ball before he could shoot. In 57 minutes, Brass caught a speculative high ball from Guisborough. 2 minutes later & Stephenson cleared the ball from a Guisborough corner & he did the same thing after another 2 minutes. There was a quieter period before Reid was brought down in 66 minutes. The resulting 40-yard free kick by Stephenson saw the ball initially spilled by the keeper before he caught it just before Hopper got to it. A Guisborough corner was then cleared followed by the ball going back into the Stan box & being easily caught by Brass. Both teams were trying to attack but without really threatening although Guisborough shot over from a dangerous position in 74 minutes. In 79 minutes, Lashley broke & was brought down for a free kick. From it, Stephenson sent the ball into the box to Reid who headed down towards goal but the home keeper got down to save. 2 minutes later, & Brass got up to easily catch. There was then a good opportunity for the Stan when Hopper supplied Reid who passed to the advancing sub Anderson in the home box but he lost the ball to a defender. Scott replaced Lashley to strengthen up the defence in 84 minutes although the Stan were also still seeking a winning goal & in 86 minutes Hornsby supplied Burn whose long-range effort, through a number of players, forced a great save from the home keeper. In 88 minutes, Anderson shot wide. Into 3 minutes of added time & Brass had to catch a high ball into the Stan box. In 92 minutes, Burn passed to Anderson, but he lost the ball allowing Guisborough to counter, but Brass got out to block. Stephenson cleared the ball from the resulting corner followed by Evans sending a long ball to Lamb but the home keeper got out to clear. Despite a slightly livelier 2nd half, the match ended 0-0.

Both teams in the end seemed happy with the draw & Guisborough still have a chance of achieving a play-off place. For the Stan though, there was a party atmosphere when the 2 coaches returned to Grounsell Park full of singing players, coaching staff & fans. Congratulations must also go to Heaton Stannington A who secured promotion today to Northern Alliance Division 1, with 3 games to spare, after beating North Sunderland 4-0. With a 3rd place finish still possible, & therefore a home advantage in the play offs, the Stan have 2 remaining league matches starting with Bora Rangers at home on Thursday followed by a trip to Crook Town on Saturday.

Kevin Mochrie

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Heaton Stannington vs Shildon

Playing their 3rd game in 5 days, the Stan hosted league leaders Shildon for the 1st time since in 72 years. It was a hard fought, attacking & competitive match. After an even 1st half, 2 early Stan goals rattled Shildon but by full time the visitors were back in contention & threatening an equaliser, but the hard-working Stan held on for a deserved & important win. There were 3 changes from the draw at Whickham 2 nights earlier, with Palmer, Slaughter & Lashley replacing Scott, Stephenson & Sayer.

On a dry but cold Wednesday evening, both teams started by trying to attack. The Stan were disadvantaged early on as they were shooting into a low but bright sun until it set behind the houses at the Holy & Far Corners end. In 4 minutes, a Shildon free kick into the Stan box was headed clear by Turnbull. Reid & Hopper then advanced but Reid was offside. Soon after, there was a great joined up effort involving Hornsby, Hopper, Palmer & Reid & which ended with Lashley’s shot hitting the side netting. A Shildon attacker then fell in the Stan box followed by a Stan attack which ended with Hopper trying to supply Burn who could not get to the ball. Both teams were trying to attack but were cancelling each other out. In 22 minutes, Hopper forced a corner from which the Shildon keeper caught the ball from Reid’s header. Hopper especially was keeping the pressure on the visiting defence as he worked his socks off. In 28 minutes, a speculative Lashley shot from just outside the box went just wide. 2 minutes later & a ball from a Shildon corner went just wide. In 32 minutes, Hopper rounded 2 defenders but was then blocked as he entered the Shildon box. As both teams continued their positive approach, in 40 minutes the diving Brass had to punch clear an effort from a Shildon free kick which went round the wall. 3 minutes later & an injured Palmer had to be replaced by Sayer. The Stan then then had 3 corners, but the half ended in stalemate.

There was excitement early in the 2nd half as the Stan got 2 quick goals. In 48 minutes, a Lashley free kick from the right was sent into a busy box & hit the bar before being headed into the net by Shepherd. 2 minutes later & a long ball to Hopper resulted in him breaking forward & he advanced towards the Shildon goal comfortably slotting the ball past their keeper for 2-0. What a start to the 2nd half. The goals were followed by more Stan pressure as a free kick was cleared & another Stan shot went wide. With 30 minutes still to go, Shildon pulled a goal back when, from a free kick, the ball was headed into the Stan net in a crowded box by Greulich-Smith for his 200th competitive goal for Shildon. Soon after, Burn headed clear. Turnbull then supplied Hopper who advanced to the edge of the Shildon box, but the keeper made himself big & managed to get a hand to Hopper’s shot. Both teams were trying to attack when they could, but the Stan defence especially were having to work hard to stop Shildon advances. Shildon shot wide in 71 minutes followed by a great block by Evans. In 74 minutes, Hopper & Reid joined up to supply Sayer who shot just wide. There was then another great defensive tackle by Evans who thoroughly deserved his man of the match award. In 76 minutes, a Shildon free kick was headed clear by Reid with the long range rebound shot hitting the underside of the Stan bar before Brass caught the ball to the relive of the Stan Army. There was more Shildon pressure resulting in 2 more clearances by Evans. In 80 minutes, a Hopper run into the Shildon box ended in a corner which was then cleared. Then it was back to pressure from Shildon with Evans blocking & then heading clear from a corner followed by Brass punching clear. There were 2 more Shildon corners with the 2nd in 85 minutes being headed clear by Turnbull. Evans then cleared again followed by Brass punching clear a long-range effort. The Shildon pressure continued with Evans clearing in 87 minutes before a Shildon player headed well wide of the Stan goal. Into 4 minutes of added time & a high ball was sent towards the advancing Hooper but the Shildon keeper got to it 1st. Hopper attacked again but was blocked. Both teams were still positive, but the match ended with the Stan winning 2-1 & Shildon dropping down to 2nd place behind Bishop Auckland who won.

Unlike on Monday night at Whickham, the Stan resisted the late pressure & did not concede an equaliser. They were encouraged by the support of the vocal Stan Army especially through the Junior Ultra section who sang throughout the match. This was a crucial 3 points, & against top opposition, in the race for a play off spot & also for hopefully securing home advantage. The Stan jump from 5th to 4th & are now only 1 point behind 3rd place West Auckland with 3 games to play compared to their 1. Next up on Saturday, the Stan & 2 coaches of supporters travel to 6th place, & fellow play-off contenders, Guisborough.

Kevin Mochrie

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Whickham vs Heaton Stannington

No On a sunny but windy & very cold Monday evening, the Stan travelled across the Tyne & up the hill to play Whickham for the 2nd of 4 matches in 8 days. It was a hard-fought match with relatively few clear chances for either team & although it looked like the Stan were going to hold on for a 2-1 win, Whickham got the late equaliser that they were trying for. There was 1 change from Saturday’s win over North Shields with Shepherd replacing the suspended Slaughter.

The Stan started positively with a a curving ball from the advancing Hopper going over the Whickham bar. Both teams were trying to attack but with no end product as both defences were working hard. The Stan forward line of Hopper & Reid were trying to break when they could & although much of the early action was in the Whickham half, the home defence worked hard to prevent the dynamic duo getting into their penalty box very often. In 11 minutes, Hopper broke but was offside & soon after he was blocked while advancing again before being caught just offside again. In 14 minutes, a ball from Whickham went very wide & another ball from a free kick was easily cleared by the Stan defence. In 22 minutes, Hopper got round 1 player & was then blocked as the home defence continued to prevent any clear Stan efforts on goal. In 23 minutes, the 1st clear effort of the match actually came from Whickham as a deflected shot through a crowded Stan box saw Brass pull off a great stretching save. From the resulting corner, Brass caught the Whickham shot. The 1st Stan effort came in 25 minutes when Burn headed wide from a cross. A Stephenson free kick into the home box was then cleared. In 28 minutes, a Whickham free kick went well over the Stan bar. In 33 minutes, the stalemate was broken by the Stan when, from a Stephenson corner, Reid blasted the ball through a busy box without it touching the ground & into the net for 1-0 to the Stan. There was then a period of mainly Whickham possession but with the ball mainly in their own half although in 39 minutes a speculative low long-range effort by Whickham forced Brass to get down to catch the ball. The half ended after 3 minutes of added time with a Stan attack being blocked.

The 2nd half saw early pressure from the Stan, & especially through Hopper, as they started positively. In 51 minutes, Hopper advanced & beat 3 players before shooting past the Whickham keeper from the edge of the 6-yard box to make it 2-0 to the Stan. What a great solo goal. The Stan kept trying to attack but the next goal scoring opportunity came from a Whickham free kick in 61 minutes when Brass had to punch the ball clear. Both teams were trying to attack & it was Whickham who scored in 66 minutes from a penalty awarded for an infringement on a player. Whickham started to put more pressure on the Stan defence although Burn shot wide at the other end in 72 minutes. A minute later, there was great opportunity for the Stan as Hopper won the ball from a 1 to 1 tussle near the  bye line & passed to sub Anderson who shot just wide. There was some more Stan pressure as the home keeper blocked the advancing Scott just outside the 6-yard box. In 76 minutes, Brass had to get down to catch a Whickham ball. A long high ball into the Whickham box saw the keeper catch it before Hopper could get to it. In 79 minutes, a long range Whickham effort saw Brass get down to catch the ball. Both teams were trying to attack & the Stan refreshed their efforts in 79 minutes when Lamb replaced hard working Hopper. There were a couple of minutes of Whickham pressure before Anderson supplied the advancing Lamb who shot just wide. 2 long balls to Lamb then saw him blocked on both occasions. The last 5 minutes of normal time saw pressure from Whickham as they sought an equaliser although the Stan still tried to break when they could. The Whickham pressure resulted in 2 headed clearances by the Stan followed by another 2 clearances by them. In the 90th minute, a Whickham free kick into the Stan box was headed into the net at the far post for 2-2. The Stan sought an equaliser during the 5 minutes of added time but the match ended with a draw.

There was disappointment in the Stan Army ranks at full time as what looked like 3 points won changed to only 1 point although a draw was probably a fair result overall The Stan remain in 4th place but have 3 games in hand over 3rd placed West Auckland who are 4 points ahead. The next match on Wednesday night sees the Stan host joint league leaders Shildon.

Kevin Mochrie

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Heaton Stannington vs North Shields

The battle for a play off position resumed against North Shields with Stan eventually running out winners and look to be on course to claim a top 5 position in the League table, but it is 3rd position that guarantees a home tie in the NL 1 Play offs at the end of the season.

One change from previous match, Richie Slaughter back for Louis Anderson, and a welcome return, after missing 14 weeks through injury, Konner Lamb on the bench in place of Adam Lennox

A close and tough match with a strong wind blowing down the pitch, in the faces of Stan.

But it was another early goal for Stan, on 3 minutes Andy Burn set up Sean Reid in space in the area and he made no mistake, giving Callum Dobson no chance, smashing the ball home from around 15 yards.

North Shields hit back and equalised on 5 minutes, when Kane Evans did well to head behind for a corner on the left, denying Ben Harmison a chance. However, Yeon Kwak put in an inswinging corner, which Harmison headed into the net. 1-1

One minute later Will McCamley fouled Slaughter, and in his hurry to take the free kick he foolishly responded and was red carded. Down the sink went the plans to get in front and give some players a rest for the upcoming games.

Remarkably Stan went back in front, a free kick taken by Stephenson with Craig Scott effort pushed away by Dobson, only for Hopper at the back post to hit into the roof of the net. 2-1

Good work by Danny Sayer coming back to help out the defence, with an intelligent tackle with the ball going back for Brass to collect.

However NS got another equaliser on 22 minutes. A very long throw in from Jaidon Odle found McCamley at the back post and he drilled the ball low into the net. 2-2.

A decent long ball from Stephenson was held up in the wind with Hopper unable to gain control and the chance was gone.

Towards the interval the visitors gained a couple of corners, both Scott and then Reid heading away the danger.

HT 2-2

Jordan Lashley came on for Stephenson. Finally Darryll Donnelly got a yellow card for constant fouls on Hopper. Reid got in a header from the free kick but Dobson saved comfortably.

Rain swept over the ground, oh dear, when will we see the last of this kind of weather?

But out of the gloom, a bright ray of sunshine as Jay Hornsby made it 3-2, hitting spectacularly (from 30 around yards) past a helpless Dobson. 3-2. That is Stan’s 300th goal in cup and league since Dean and Andy took over as managers. It has been a special time for all who have witnessed the amazing rise of the club under the managers.

Reid was shocked to be booked for a tackle which I and he thought was a good tackle and winning the ball. A couple of mutes later Reid needed treatment on a facial injury, he was able to carry on.

75 minutes, and what Stan fans had been waiting for, the return of Konner Lamb, after not being involved for 14 weeks due to injury. He replaced Hopper. It took him only 11 minutes, when Burn played the ball down the left for Lamb to collect and get to the byline, cut inside and fire low into the net. 4-2

7 added on minutes, but the game was over, Stan had moved up one place to 4th and seek another win on Monday evening at Whickham

FT 4-2

Andy McBryde said after the game, “It was a tough match. Relieved, and really proud and happy after that. Over the moon with them. We went down to 10 men, but I always fancy us at home. We are where we are in the league because of what has been built in the dressing room. The shift that they have just put in has been unbelievable.”

Brian Pratt

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Heaton Stannington vs Birtley Town

Usually, you would be called an April Fool to go out in torrential rain on April 1st but there were no fools among the 502 crowd who sensibly turned up to watch this important clash between 2 play-off rivals with 3 points at stake & potentially a home play-off advantage for the winners. In the end, despite both teams positively trying to win, the match ended in stalemate. There were 3 changes from Friday’s 4-2 win at Sunderland RCA with Evans, Sayer & Anderson replacing Shepherd, Doyle & Lashley.

The Stan started positively from the kick off with Hopper almost immediately running in on the Birtley goal, but the flag was up. Anderson had a shot saved in 5 minutes & 2 minutes later the Stan had 2 make 2 clearances as Birtley also tried to attack. The Stan then had to head clear another Birtley effort before a visiting player shot just wide when they looked like scoring. Birtley had another corner cleared in 10 minutes while 3 minutes later Stephenson sent a free kick over the bar at the other end. Anderson then won the ball & advanced but was blocked for a corner. On an increasingly heavy pitch, both teams were trying to attack but both defences were also working well. In 27 minutes, a long range Birtley effort saw Brass punch the ball over the bar. From the resulting corner, Brass got down to make a great save. It was end to end with Hopper looking particularly dangerous. In 34 minutes, Burn & Sayer had shots blocked followed by Hopper having a shot saved. In 37 minutes, Sayer shot just over under pressure. Birtley then had 2 corners that were cleared. A Stepheson free kick went wide in 40 minutes followed b ymore end to end action including Brass punching out for a corner. The half ended with another Birtley corner which Reid headed clear.

The 2nd half started slightly quieter as both teams had to deal with the increasingly wet & muddy conditions. Brass had to save in 49 minutes but there was then action at both ends. In 57 minutes, a Hornsby ball into the Birtley box was headed over by Burn. Soon after Hornsby sent a diagonal ball into the visitor’s box & although it went past the diving keeper it also went just wide of the post. In 60 minutes, Reid won the ball & passed to Hooper who shot just wide. In 63 minutes, from a Stephenson corner, Turnbull was blocked twice before a Birtley counter attack was cleared. It was mainly Stan now although Brass had to save in 67 minutes. 2 minutes later & Birtley shot well over the bar. Just after coming on as a sub, Lashley was supplied by Reid but the keeper got out to block his shot. In 76 minutes, Birtley headed just wide of the Stan goal. Things were more even now between the 2 teams with conditions getting more slippy. In 78 minutes, a ball from Horsnby was cleared & Birtley counter attacked with Scott clearing before a rebound shot went just over. In 81 minutes Birtley shot wide under pressure. In 82 minutes, Sayer was cynically brought down as he was about to enter the Birtley box & the resulting Reid free kick hit the wall. Twice the Birtley keeper got to the ball before the advancing Hopper before Brass easily caught from a long-range effort in 88 minutes. Both teams were still trying to attack as the match entered 3 minutes of added time. In 92 minutes, Reid headed clear from a Birtley corner & the ball went back into the Stan box & went just wide of the post although the Stan were given a free kick for a push. Lashley then broke & supplied Hornsby who headed the ball into Reid whose header was easily caught by the Birtley keeper as the match ended 0-0.

Both teams dealt well with the poor conditions underfoot & remained positive as the pitch got soggier. The draw meant that Birtley remained in 3rd place with the Stan in 5th 2 points behind but with a game in hand which if won would take them back to 3rd place. The Stan are now away on Saturday at Crook Town.

Kevin Mochrie

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Sunderland RCA vs Heaton Stannington

The Stan faced Sunderland RCA for the 2nd time in 7 days & although Good Friday kept up to its name with the the Stan deservedly winning & moving up to 3rd in the league, the win was not as by as many goals & didn’t involve a clean sheet on Wearside as it had at Grounsell Park. There were 3 changes from the 4-0 win 3 nights previously at Tow Law with Hornsby, Shepherd & Hopper replacing Sayer, Marriott & Anderson.

By kick off, the heavy rain had stopped & the match was played under relatively pleasant conditions as the Stan Army descended on Wearside on mass to support their black & white team against red & white opposition. After 2 minutes, Hopper advanced & was brought down just outside the RCA box but only a corner was given. From it, taken by Stepheson in the 3rd minute, Scott headed the ball over the keeper & into the net to make it 1-0 for the Stan. Hopper then shot just wide followed by Lashley being flagged for offside. The Stan Army only had to wait until the 8th minute for the expected 2nd goal when a long ball to the advancing Reid saw him head it into the net. It was all mainly Stan & in 14 minutes a solo run by Hopper saw him pass 2 RCA players & shoot just wide of the post. It was 3-0 in 18 minutes when Reid supplied Hopper who broke again &, keeping on-side, slotted the ball past the home keeper. The Stan kept attacking & RCA did not have their 1st shot on target until 24 minutes but Brass easily saved. RCA were not giving up but it was the Stan who nearly scored again in 29 minutes when Lashley, supplied by Hopper, slid in & his shot went just wide. A ball into Lashley saw him head sideways to Reid whose header went just wide. RCA counter attacked but Brass cleared although the offside flag was also up. The home keeper then had to get down to catch followed by another offside RCA counter attack. In 35 minutes, Lashley advanced with the ball, but the RCA keeper bravely got down to catch it. He then stopped a Lashley long range effort. Burn also tried a long range shot but it went over. A joined-up Stan attack in 40 minutes ended with Stephenson shooting just wide. 2 minutes later, & a Hopper ball into the box was headed clear & Stephenson’s follow up long range effort went over the bar. The Stan kept attacking although the half ended against the run of play with Brass getting down to save an RCA shot.

The Stan made 3 changes at half time & started the 2nd half positively, hitting the post in 48 minutes It was RCA though who scored, in 51 minutes, when a player counter attacked & shot past Brass. 2 minutes later & Hornsby sent a ball into the RCA box but Burn headed just wide. Lashley shot just wide in 55 minutes followed by Brass having to punch clear at the other end. Sub Lennox then shot just wide from a tight angle when he looked like scoring. Both teams were trying to attack although RCA were getting increasingly physical in their approach to tackling. This was reflected in 62 minutes when a dreadful tackle on Doyle by RCA number 14 saw him having to leave the pitch injured. The RCA player, who already had a yellow card, did not receive another card & the Stan were down to 10 minutes as they had used all their subs. The Stan kept attacking though & sub Sayer had a good shot blocked by the home keeper in 67 minutes. Brass had to save from an RCA shot in 71 minutes & soon after he had to catch the ball which had bounced awkwardly from a long-range effort. The Stan though sealed the win in 72 minutes when Hornsby sent the ball into the RCA box for Anderson to head it into the net. Both teams kept trying to attack but it was only RCA who got another goal when a cross from the right into the Stan box was initially blocked but the ball was then put past Brass in 83 minutes. In 88 minutes, Lennox put the ball over the RCA bar & 2 minutes later he won the ball, avoided a tackle but somehow the ball well wide of the net when he only had the keeper to beat. In 91 minutes, a RCA counter attack saw the ball deflected over the bar for a corner. The match was getting more edgy but ended with the Stan winning 4-2.

The Stan always looked like winning but had to resist some challenging play from RCA & played the last 30 minutes with only 10 men due to injury.

Kevin Mochrie

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Tow Law Town vs Heaton Stannington

The Stan climbed up the misty & cold hills to Tow Law to play one of their games in hand & because of winning 4-0 there also climbed back up the league table to 4th. There were 5 changes from last Friday night’s win against Sunderland RCA with Brass, Turnbull, Scott, Stephenson & Anderson replacing Corkhill, Shepherd, Palmer, Slaughter & Hopper.

The Stan started on the attack & the 1st 20 minutes saw 1 way traffic as the Stan, & especially Lashley, continually attacked the home goal. In 3 minutes Lashley supplied Marriott but the home keeper manged to get to the ball. 2 minutes later, & Anderson’s shot was put over by the keeper. The ball from the resulting corner was initially cleared before a high ball was sent back into the box & headed down by Marriott but the keeper got to it. There was nearly an own goal when a backwards flick by a home defender was intercepted by the keeper. A joined up Stan attack in 10 minutes saw Sayer supply Doyle with a great chance but he put the ball just over the bar with the keeper just in front of him. Lashley then supplied Reid who flicked the ball wide of goal, but the flag was up for offside anyway. A bad tackle on Stephenson in 14 minutes saw a free kick cleared. Tow Law tried to counter but were blocked. The Stan pressure continued & Stephenson shot over from a free kick in 19 minutes. The expected Stan goal came in 21 minutes when a Stephenson ball to the advancing Lashleysaw him blast it into the top left-hand corner of the net from just inside the box. It was a great goal. The 1st proper advance by Tow Law came in the 23rd minute resulting in 2 attacks cleared. Anderson then countered but the move ended with Reid blasting over the bar. In 27 minutes, Tow Law had their 1st shot when they shot well over the Stan bar. In 29 minutes, the advancing Lashleyreceived the ball & confidently shot & although the home keeper got his hand to it he couldn’t stop the ball going into the back of the net for 2-0 to the Stan. Almost immediately. Sayer sent the ball into the box but Lashley put it over the home bar. In 34 minutes, an injury to Doyle, who had been playing well, led to him being replaced by Cassidy. In 40 minutes, a deflected Tow Law shot was easily caught by Brass. In 41 minutes, a joined-up attack by the Stan saw 2 shots blocked before Anderson put the ball in the net but the offside flag went up. Lashley then broke forward & his diagonal shot hit off a defender for a corner. In 43 minutes, the home keeper had to save from a Turnbull effort as the Stan attacks continued. This was followed by a rare home attack which resulted in Brass getting down to catch the ball. The half ended with a Cassidy corner from which the ball was initially blocked but he sent it back into the box only for Anderson’s overhead kick to go over the bar.

The 2nd half started on similar lines to the 1st with Reid hitting the outside of the post in 47 minutes. The Stan were 3-0 up after 49 minutes from a corner which saw the ball headed across goal then sent back into a crowded 6 yard box with Scott managing to get the ball into the net at the far post. In 52 minutes it was 4-0 when Burn, after being supplied by Anderson, sent a diagonal ball into the box & it went into the net off the far post. In 56 minutes, a sub Lennox rebound shot after a blocked Cassidy free kick resulted in the ball going in the Tow Law net again but a player was offside. A minute later Lennox supplied Reid whose blasted shot was well saved by the home keeper. In 60 minutes, a ball from a Stan corner was cleared off the line. 2 minutes later & the home keeper blocked an Anderson shot. The resulting corner saw the ball sent across the home goal. Soon after Cassidy was brought down just outside the box & Lennox’s free kick saw the keeper tip the ball over the bar. The Stan kept attacking although Tow Law had 3 rare attacks in 76, 78 & 80 minutes. 2 minutes later & a long ball to sub Palmer saw him shoot just wide as the keeper advanced to narrow the angle. Burn then shot wide & in 88 minutes a header from a Stan corner was blocked on the line. In 89 minutes, Burn shot wide & this was followed by the advancing Stephenson being brought down in the home box but nothing was given. As the mist set in & the rain increased, the Stan kept pressing until the final whistle with Burn having a long range shot saved followed by him shooting just over the home bar.

It was a comfortable win for the Stan as they accumulated more points than in the whole of last season & with 8 games still to play. Credit though must be given to the home keeper who made some great saves & blocks. The Stan are now away on Easter Friday night at Sunderland RCA so cross over the Wear & hop down to Ryhope to show your support.

Kevin Mochrie

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Heaton Stannington vs Sunderland RCA

On a bitterly cold Friday night, the singing Stan Army were warmed up by watching the Stan move up to 4th, & a promotion play off place, after a convincing 4-0 win in the Tyne-Wear derby with Sunderland RCA. There were 5 changes from the win 2 nights previously against Guisborough with Corkhill, Sayer, Marriott, Shepherd & Palmer replacing Brass, Evans, Hornsby, Scott & Turnbull.

The Stan were 1-0 up after 3 minutes when a ball from their 1st corner was cleared off the line & the ball went back into the box to Hopper who scored. In 6 minutes, a good shot by Lashley was saved by the visiting keeper. From the resulting corner, Marriott headed against the bar. 2 minutes later & Hopper broke through, but the keeper got down to catch the ball. It was all one-way traffic as the Stan kept attacking & RCA didn’t have a shot until the 12th minute when Corkhill got down to save.  In 18 minutes, Reid had a shot blocked followed by Lashley shooting over. In 21 minutes, Burn advanced into the RCA box & the ball was eventually cleared but out to Palmer who sent the ball back into the box & it was headed into the net by Reid for 2-0. It was all Stan now & a Hopper shot was blocked in 24 minutes. In 31 minutes, Hopper was injured after a tackle on him & he had to be replaced by Anderson. In 33 minutes, a ball from a Stan corner was headed clear. Although the RCA defence was doing its best to stop the Stan attacks, it was 3-0 in 40 minutes. Burn tried a speculative shot from 35 yards & his Barnoldswickesque strike went straight into the back of the net. What a goal! The 1st half finished with more Stan attacks on the visitor’s goal.

The 1st minute of the 2nd half saw the Stan go 4-0 up when, after balls from the Stan had been blocked twice in the RCA box, Reid slid in on goal & put the ball in the net. In 54 minutes, Shepherd headed clear a rare RCA effort followed by Lashley counterattacking & although he was brought down nothing was given. In 56 minutes, a ball from a Stan corner was cleared off the line. In 61 minutes, another rare RCA attack saw a ball from a free kick being cleared in the 6 yard box by Sayer. In 63 minutes, a shot by Palmer looked like it was going in but the RCA keeper pulled off a good save. From the resulting corner, Sayer got up to head but t the ball was cleared & then cleared again after Doyle had sent the ball back in. From the resulting corner Marriott headed just over. The Stan kept pressing for a 5th goal & the RCA defence had to work hard to stop them. Corkhill did though have to make 2 rare saves at the other end in 72 minutes. The Stan kept attacking & Sayer came close in 90 minutes when he put the ball just over the RCA bar. The match ended with Doyle, who had worked hard all night, sending the ball across the RCA gaol but Reid could not connect with it.

The Stan advanced 2 places up the table after a comfortable win which featured some good goals including an excellent one from man of the match Andy Burn. The Stan are now away on Tuesday & Friday at Tow Law & Sunderland RCA respectively.

Kevin Mochrie

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Heaton Stannington vs Guisborough Town

The Stan were back to winning ways, at the 4th attempt, when they beat promotion rivals Guisborough. The match was action packed & competitive although the performance given by all the Stan player deserved the win. There were 5 changes from Saturday’s defeat at Shildon with Brass, Hornsby, Scott, Doyle & Reid replacing Corkhill, Shepherd, Marriott, Palmer & Stephenson. There were home debuts from the bench for Lennox & Palmer.

The Stan started on the attack & their 2nd one saw them win a free kick, taken by Doyle in the 2nd minute, which saw Lashley confidently get up to head the ball into the back of the net for 1-0 Most of the play was from the Stan who started very positively. Unfortunately, in the 12th minute, Guisborough scored from their 1st attack. They won a corner from which Reid cleared with the rebound shot being blocked by Brass but the 2nd rebound shot was put in the net for 1-1. There was another attack by the visitors in 15 minutes, but it was still mainly the Stan. A minute later & Reid broke through on goal & was pushed just outside the box but surprisingly nothing was given. An advancing Guisborough forward then had a great opportunity to score when he turned & shot but Brass made a great save. After 22 minutes, there was some sustained pressure from the Stan with shots by Hopper & Lashley being blocked. Both teams were trying to attack & it was the Stan who scored in 28 minutes when a great move then shot by Lashley saw the ball go into the net off the post. In 30 minutes, a Guisborough free kick into the Stan box was headed out for a corner. 2 minutes later & the Stan were 3-1 up when, after 2 blocked attempts in a crowded Guisborough box, Scott sent the ball into the net. Both teams were trying to attack but the Stan defence in particular were working well & as a result Brass was rarely threatened. He did though have to get down to save from a free kick in 38 minutes. In 40 minutes, Lashley passed to the advancing Hopper whose shot was blocked for a corner. The Stan kept the pressure on the Guisborough defence but there were no more goals & the half ended 3-1 to the Stan.

Although the 2nd half was goalless, it was not a dull affair & both teams, but especially the Stan, tried to add to the goal tally. In 48 minutes, a Stan corner saw the ball being punched clear before the visiting keeper had to make a save. From the resulting corner the keeper punched the ball clear & from the 2nd corner Doyle sent the ball into the side netting. Guisborough then blocked the ball from a 3rd corner. In 57 minutes, a Guisborough player broke through & sent the ball diagonally to Brass’s right but it hit the left post before going across the goal & out when it looked like it was going into the net. This was followed at the other end by a Doyle free kick being punched clear then Hopper forced a corner. The resulting Doyle corner was cleared before the ball came back to him & he shot well over. In 62 minutes, Doyle supplied Evans who crossed to Reid in the box & his header went just wide. The action was end to end as both teams continued to attack when they could. In 67 minutes, there was a great run by Burn although he eventually shot over. 3 minutes later & Hopper won the ball but was blocked in the Guisborough box. In 76 minutes, Hopper made a great turn & passed to Doyle who crossed into the box towards sub Lennox but the ball was headed out for a corner. From it, the keeper punched the ball clear. The Stan kept pressing & the traffic was now mainly one way. In 82 minutes, a long ball to Lennox saw the Guisborough keeper make a good save from his great shot. Guisborough had a couple of attacks cleared before it was back to the Stan & the match ended 3-1 to the Stan.

The Stan Army were delighted after witnessing an important win over good opposition which saw the Stan go back up to 6th place & level on points with Guisborough in 5th. The hard-working Stan now only have a 2 day break before they host Sunderland RCA on Friday night.

Kevin Mochrie

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Shildon vs Heaton Stannington

Due to this seasons fine English weather this was the first meeting of the season between the two clubs, it was also a big day for the hosts Billy Greulich‐ Smith who was playing his 400th game. It was also great to see Adam Lennox on the field for Stan after a long period of injury.

The Stan arrived at the game knowing it would be a difficult ask against a team second in the league and on a good run, however the Spring Sunshine and warm welcome gave cause for optimism. The opening exchanges were pretty even with both teams creating some half chances in the first 15 minutes of the game. The brightest moment of the game for Stan came in the 18th minute with a lovely goal, Jordan Lashley picking the ball up on the half way line and playing a long cross field pass to Andrew Burn who controlled it and drilled a low cross from the left edge of the box into Leighton Hopper who controlled it and volleyed home for a lovely opening goal. Sadly along with the Sunshine this was as bright as it got for the Stan as Shildon came back into the game with the Sun disappearing.

The next 10 minutes saw Shildon grow into the game and put Stan under increasing pressure, they got their rewards on 35 minutes when Billy Greulich-Smith got his first goal of the game heading past Callum following a cross from the left wing. Shildon continued to press, intent on using the wings with the industrious Kane Evans doing well to stop multiple attacks. On 40 minutes Shildon took the lead through a thunderous shot from the Shildon right back, he picked the ball up on the half way line ran into space and let a shot fly from 40 yards out the ball hitting the back of the net with Callum rooted to the spot. The sunshine had well and truly gone, replaced by light drizzle and Stan went into the break with it all to do second half.

Stan came out of the second half knowing they had to come out of the traps fast and get the next goal unfortunately Shildon got the third on 50 minutes. Conceding a soft third as Turnbull was beaten to a speculative ball into the box by Billy who took it down and bobbled the ball past a stranded Callum. On the 56th minute Dean and Andy made a double change trying to change the direction of the game with Stephenson and Palmer replaced with Sayer and Doyle. From this point the game became broken and scrappy with a number of stoppages for injury and more substitutions Lennox and Reid coming on for Burn and Lashley in the 64th minute, Jay for Leighton in the 80th minute.

Stan tried their best to push following Shildon’s third but not really threating the opposition goal with Shildon continuing to look dangerous. Shildon got their forth on 77 minutes as the Shildon winger cut through the back line, firing a shot at goal from the edge of the box that was saved by Callum, the ball rebounding off his legs straight back to the winger who made no mistake tucking into the top corner. On 87 minutes the Stan could have had a consolation with Lennox turning brightly in the box but firing wide with the goal at this mercy.

The Stan started brightly but ultimately Shildon ran out worthy winners, stifling our attack and being clinical at the other end of the pitch. We will meet again soon and look forward to welcoming Shildon to Grounsell Park in what is sure to be a good game. Special mention to Kane Evans who was voted MOM by the travelling Stan Army, solid throughout and never took a backward step.

Neil Drummond

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