Welcome once more to the members newsletter, I hope it finds you in good health.

You may have noticed we skipped last month as it was a bit of a slow news time, it’s a shorter one again this month but hopefully we’ll have more news for you next month.

Football Update

This will doubtless be the biggest feature in the newsletter, as despite their having been more postponements, I know who would believe it, there have been plenty of games to update you on.

First up we had the yes you guessed it much postponed Northumberland Senior Cup Quarter Final against Ashington. Having beaten them at their place and drawn at home in the league, confidence was high for a result and rightly so it turned out. On the night the lads turned on the style to run out 3-1 victors, eventually discovering we would face Blyth Spartans at home.on the Semi Final. More of this later.

Two days later we made the short trip over two Whickham in the league. After a great first half which saw us go in at half time 1 up  Whickham turned the game on its head after the break to run out 4-1 winner.

We then had two home games on the run where we faced Crook and Tow Law Town losing 0-3 and 1-2 respectively.

On the 10th February we travelled to Newton Aycliffe were a very healthy Stan Army contingent saw the lads go down 5-3 in what ended up being a good old end to end game, Aycliffe’s 5th goal coming with the virtually the last kick of the game shortly after we had almost equalised.

The following Saturday we hosted Sunderland RCA, a much depleted RCA it’s fair to say and a very professional performance from the Stan saw us put 13 past them with no return.

On the Friday Newton Aycliffe were the visitors as we looked to avenge our recent close defeat and boy did we.

What must be one of out best performances of the season so far saw Aycliffe swept aside by 4 goals to nil.

We ended February with the longest away trip in the league and that to (yes you guessed it) another postponement we had to do it on a Tuesday night. Whilst it was a great away day and a fantastic set up it’s fair to say it was a very tired Stan Army that arrived back at Grounsell Park following a 3-1 defeat.

To be fair some of us were tired when we got there, some even fell asleep on the way. I’m looking at you Kevin Mochrie.

Once again the lads bounced right back though and followed this up with two 2-1 home wins against Seaham and Northallerton. The Northallerton one was particularly good for the true grit and spirit shown to come back from 1 down late in the game. The crowd really enjoyed that one.

Next up and bringing us up to date was the big one, the Northumberland Senior Cup Semi.

The match day organisers put lots of thought in and plans were put in place for how to best handle what we anticipated being a bigger than normal crowd, but nothing could prepare us for what was to come. We’ve seen some big queues outside Grounsell Park before but as at least one person said, we’d never seen anything like it in NE7.

Over 1300 people turned up to watch what by all accounts was a close game against National League opposition and whilst we couldn’t quite get the result we hoped for, the lads were absolutely fantastic and have quite rightly taken the plaudits.

For out loyal and of volunteers it was a very busy night and our thanks and gratitude goes out to them all.

The A team have also been hit by the odd postponement but 28th January saw a quite a few taking advantage of a 1st team postponement to take in the replayed Minor Cup Quarter Final v Alnwick Development. Unlike the very close first game Stan A absolutely dominated the game and easily ran out winners. We also got to witness a bizarre hand ball for the second game running.

Next up saw the A team away at Cullercoats, the game ended 4-3 with the Stan having taken the lead 3 times and the referees performance being described as unusual.

The A Teams next game saw them back in cup action against Cramlington. Plenty of supporters made the short trip up to cheer the lads on and were rewarded with a brilliant performance against a team two divisions higher losing 3-2.

Next up was a return to league action at Coach Lane against Ellington. An entertaining game, saw Stan narrowly lose to the odd goal in 3. A draw might have been the fair result but a late goal saw the A team of after and absolute worldy of an equaliser as the kids say. A definite first in this game was seeing a linesman sent off. Doubt I’ll see that again. Also the return of Russ to the pitch at centre back.

The final match of the round up saw the A team traveling to Ponteland United Reserves where a very young team suffered the heartbreak of a late goal losing 0-1 against one of the best sides in the division.

We’re getting towards the end of the season now, already, can you believe that with just the below fixtures to go for the first team.

01/04/23 – Guisborough (A)

05/04/23 – Newcastle Benfield (H)

08/04/23 – Bishop Auckland (A)

15/04/23 – Whitley Bay (A)

18/04/23 – Pentith (A)

22/04/23 – Carlisle City (H)

There is a coach going to Guisborough on Saturday but there are very limited seats available. Click here to book a swat of speak to Scott, or Gary.

Food Bank Collection

At the Blyth Spartans match we held a bucket collection for East End Womens Food Bank. Many thanks to everyone for their generosity which enabled us to raise £300.As a club we have added a £100 to this which Blyth Spartans have matched enabling us to present the food bank with £500.

Warm Hub

We are still running a Warm Hub in the clubhouse every Tuesday  from 12-3. It’s open to everyone so please come along if you want too. It’s completely free to use so even if you just want to pop in for a hot drink and a natter you’re more than welcome, see below for more details.

Juniors Open Evening

The rearranged open meeting about our new Heaton Stannington Juniors section will be held in the clubhouse on the 11th April at 7pm.

This will be an open forum for anyone interested in either playing or coaching with the Juniors or anyone who just wants more information to come along and ask Neil any questions they have.

Club of the Year

As you may well have seen or heard, we have once again been awarded Club of the Year by Camra. There will be a presentation by members of Camra in the clubhouse at 8pm on the 21st April. It’s a normal club night and anyone who wishes to come along is very welcome.

And just like that another newsletter is done.  Don’t forget to come along and support both teams in their remaining fixtures.