Those sledging or skiing past Grounsell Park who heard the roar that greeted Phil Smith’s 94th minute winner would have been forgiven for assuming the crowd gathered for this game numbered approximately ten times the actual attendance of 78, such was the volume of the spontaneous cheer that erupted when Smith, the former Wallsend Town man, ran on to Kevin Carr’s inviting ball across the box and drove a low finish, hard and true, past Thornaby’s stranded keeper Michael Duff. Controlled and impressive though the finish was, it was the significance of the goal that occasioned such vociferous celebrations.

Firstly, after exactly 4 weeks of inactivity since Brandon United were beaten 2-1 at Grounsell Park in the second round of this competition, there was more than a modicum of relief in the voices of the faithful. Secondly, having seen many chances go to waste in a first half of almost total Stan domination and several presentable opportunities passed up in the second period, there was a sense of justice being done on the pitch. Thirdly, with snow bleaching in from the west and temperatures plummeting, joy was unconfined as Smith’s strike meant that the prospect of extra time and potentially kicks from the penalty spot had been avoided.

While both teams battled superbly throughout the 90 minutes, producing a quality game in conditions that oscillated between difficult and atrocious, depending on the strength of blizzard that left significant accumulations of snow in the NE7 area, though never suggesting the pitch was anything less than perfectly playable or the game in any kind of danger. It is fit and proper that the match officials are congratulated for the brave and indeed correct decision to play this game in conditions far worse than several other instances when The Stan have suffered postponements in 2013/2014.

However, the real heroes of the evening were Thornaby’s magnificent travelling support. The passionate followers from Teesside were a credit to their club and the Northern League, providing unstinting, sporting support to their team from the first whistle to the last. It was a shame for them that there had to be a winner in this contest. Sadly, the game of football is decided on such fine margins between glory and despair, meaning Phil Smith’s effort has enabled The Stan to advance to the semi-finals of this competition, to play one of North Shields or Jarrow Roofing, who have already confirmed their places in the last 4 and the winner of the outstanding quarter final between Washington and Ryton and Crawcrook Albion, with the draw to take place on a date to be confirmed.

The win was achieved at some cost however; Jonathan Wright, whose last act was to strike the inside of the post with a fierce effort from distance almost on the half time whistle, limped out of the contest at the interval with an ankle injury. Additionally captain Gary Dixon, who drew an adroit save from Duff from a measured free kick from 25 yards just after the hour, was forced to withdraw with a knee injury; both players were seen to be hobbling markedly at full time, though also expressing their pleasure at the team’s progress to the semi-finals of this cup.

Stan Team:

Subs:

Goals: Smith 90.

Yellow Cards: Carr.

Attendance:

Kevin Mochrie