If this is the Northern League, then Heaton Stannington have found their proper place in the non-league football pyramid, as the opening game of the season proved The Stan have no reason to feel overawed by their newly-found higher surroundings. Of course there will be disappointments and setbacks along the way, but the sheer sense of elation that accompanied Jonathan Wright’s magnificent 35th minute goal and Shaun Backhouse’s 75th minute penalty save was proof enough that the Northern League is the proper place for the lads from Grounsell Park to ply their trade.

On an immaculate pitch at Norton’s well-appointed ground, the recently relegated home side began at a real lick, trying to knock the neophytes out of their stride. To some extent they had a measure of success in this game plan, especially when Nick Martin swept Norton in to an early lead after 12 minutes when his slight mis-hit shot bobbled in off the post, past Backhouse’s despairing dive. However, The Stan were not intimidated and Wright had our first sniff of a chance, driving just wide a minute later. Brian Dodsworth also chanced his arm, hitting the side netting with a low drive.

As the game settled down, it became clear that the best hopes for The Stan were the electric pace on the floor of Lee Johnson and Wright, as the lofty Norton backline seemed comfortable in the air, but measurable less assured on the deck. This was amply demonstrated by Lee Johnson’s explosive break down the right on 35 minutes; his accurate cross was lashed home on the run by Wright, displaying superb technique. At half time, The Stan were forced into 2 changes; Ben Telford sustained a knock to the ankle just before the break and was replaced by Richie Hoggins, with Dean Deagle coming on for the injured Johnny Mann. Despite this reshuffle, The Stan were comfortably the better team in the second period, with Norton keeper Lowerson twice tipping over stunning Wright efforts from distance. Dodsworth was fractionally too high with an astute effort that almost gave Heaton a deserved lead, although Norton also had efforts. Backhouse palmed a low Martin effort round the post, while Michael Jameson hit the top of the bar with an effort from distance.

Towards the end of the game, controversy reared its head; firstly on 71 minutes, Wright tumbled under a challenge in the Norton box, but no penalty was given. Minutes later, a clumsy tackle by Anthony Johnson saw the referee award a spot kick, but Backhouse proved himself the hero turning away Mitchell’s effort. Perhaps this disappointment affected the home side’s discipline as soon after Norton substitute Matthew Hawkins was shown a straight red card for a terrible two-footed, studs-up, over the ball challenge on Gary Dixon, who had to be helped from the field, with Paul Chapman replacing him. Despite the anger of the home bench at the inevitable dismissal, both the officials and the Heaton Stannington team, rising above the attempted provocation, kept their heads and the game settled down. Sadly The Stan were unable to find a winner, though both Lee Johnson with a close range header and Brian Dodsworth with a free kick, came close.

In short, this was a game we should have won but could have lost. A point away from home against a side who were in the top division last season is an encouraging start, as was the excellent display throughout the team. It is unfair to single players out for praise, but obviously Jonathan Wright’s goal and Shaun Backhouse’s saves drew warm applause from the spectators; that said, Lee Johnson’s excellent, all-action game and an assured, composed display as sweeper by Andrew Weeks really deserve a great deal of praise.

Welcome to the Northern League; the home of Heaton Stannington FC.

Stan Team:

Subs:

Goals: Wright 35

Yellow Cards: Dodsworth, Wright, Lee Johnson.

Attendance: 91

Kevin Mochrie