Afternoon all. Yes, yes I know it’s March, but only just. Due to a number of things I’ve not had a chance to do February’s newsletter but I don’t want to deny you a February edition of what in a just-world would be a Pulitzer Prize winning newsletter.

Just a few quick things to mention, but we’ll be back on course later in the month.

Football Update

Well as I write this I should be in the turnstile hut awaiting a barrage of £20 notes from concession entrants, but the weather has put paid to us all watching the lads again.

As it did the expected friendly match against Temecula who were over on a pre-season tour from Southern California. We’ll just have to go over there, the weather is more reliable.

That said, we’ve had plenty of matches to enjoy recently.

I mean I say enjoy but first up having re-mortgaged houses, raided the kids piggy banks and smashed open the giant Bells Whiskey bottle (i’m assuming this was a common thing in the 70’s and 80’s but stay with me if not) we made the short trip to the coast to take on Whitley Bay.

I seem to recall the day itself not being too bad, but having done everything they could to get the game on, the pitch looked like it had hosted a speedway.  We lost by a single goal and that’s all i’ve got to say about that day.

The following Saturday saw West Auckland Town pay a visit to us, always a tough game, despite going a goal down early doors, that man Leighton Hopper worked his magic and got us level not long before half time. Deep into injury time a penalty dispatched by Leighton saw us take the points.

On the following Tuesday we travelled in great numbers to Birtley Town who we always have a good game against. There were a couple of ex Stan players in their line up including former fans favourite James Proctor but it was another Stan alumni Matty Ward who gave the home side the lead. Sean Reid got us level in first half injury time and then yes, you guess it, Leighton Hopper got us the winner in the second half. Sadly we have to report that the chips have taken a nosedive in quality at Birtley. Very disappointing.

Next up was an away match at Bishop Auckland where we were deafened by the public address system pre match but they do have a an excellent play list. It was always going to be a tough game and we fell to a 3-1 defeat, but Jordan Lashley’s goal, described as a consolation goal by the announcer much to the displeasure of the Stan Army, was by far the best goal of the game. The curry and chips was top draw too and Paul Borsberry crowned them the best since West Auckland. Always important to take a positive away from a game.

Next up was the first of two home games as we sought revenge against Whitley Bay. A goal down from the 28th minute Nick Cassidy scored one of the best goals you’ll ever see at Grounsell Park and despite the naysayers, it was definitely a shot as he curled the ball from by the side-line over the keeper and under the bar.

Last Saturday we welcomed our great mates up from Redcar Athletic for the afternoon. The big spending Redcar were no match for the lads and a masterclass from the Far Corners favourite Andy Burn saw us take the points as he scored a  high quality hat-trick.

The final match of the month had a huge Stan contingent crossing the Coast Road for the second part of El Classicoastroad. What must have been well over 200 of he faithful witnessed a tough, hard fought game, particularly in the second half when a young and pacey Benfield chucked everything at us, but we came home with the points courtesy of a composed Jordan Lashley goal very early in the game.

Next up if the blooming rain gives us a break we welcome West Allotment to Grounsell Park on wednesday night, when one member of the Far Corner will be looking to resume his flirting with a local resident.

Our other upcoming fixtures are below, please come along and support the lads if you can.

09/03 Crook Town at home. 15:00 Kick Off

12/03 Whickham away. 19:30 Kick Off

16/03 Shildon away. 15:00 Kick Off

20/03 Guisborough Town at home. 19:30 Kick Off

22/03 Sunderland RCA at home. 19:30 Kick Off

26/03 Tow Law Town away. 19:30 Kick Off

29/03 Sunderland RCA away. 19:30 Kick Off

Following their excellent win to make it to the Amateur Cup final, the A Team spanked title contenders Amble 6-0 to complete the double over them.

The following game saw them some how draw 1-1 against Morpeth in a game were the ball otherwise refused to go in the net. A frustrating game that should have seen the game out of sight for Morpeth but the woodwork thwarted the A team.

The lads more than made up for it next time out as they put 8 past Cullercoats, with 3 coming late in the game.

They currently sit top of the league by 3 points and with 2 games in hand.

The date has been announced for the Amateur Cup final, his will be played at North Shields home ground on Wednesday 13th March 19:00 kick off. The first team pay the night before so please come along and support the lads if you can.

Volunteers Needed

We are looking to fill two roles behind the scenes at the Club. You can read more here.

If you are interested, don’t be shy! Get in touch for a further chat about how you could help.

Comedy Night

Thursday night saw a sold out crowd watch the second of our comedy nights. Like the first one it was a roaring success, literally if you mean roaring laughing, with 3 top notch comedians from the circuit keeping the audience in laughs.

We will be hosting another one in the near future so keep your eyes pealed as they sell out quickly.

On that note I will leave you to enjoy your weekend, assuming the rain clears off, unless of course you like the rain, in which case enjoy.

We’ll be back in a couple of weeks with March’s newsletter and more content including a juniors round up.