Newly promoted North Shields will no doubt soon find themselves christened Northern League Division 2 champions, but Graham Fenton’s side will know that they were more than matched by a highly motivated Heaton Stannington team who put in a superb performance from first whistle to last.

The Robins twice escaped right at the death, when Jonathan Wright outpaced the visiting defence and slid the ball past Michael Robinson with trademark aplomb and panache, only to be denied by tan offside flag and in the closing seconds when Wright unleashed one of his trademark thunderbolts that whistled inches over the bar, with Robinson comprehensively beaten. As the fog thickened alarmingly and Grounsell Park began to resemble a sporting version Hammer Films’ Elstree Studios, it was impossible to see the looks of relief mingled with anxiety on the faces of the large travelling contingent, who made up a good proportion of the second highest crowd this season, but the audible exhalation of drawn breath signified the collective knowledge that the team from NE29 were more than fortunate to escape NE7 with a point.

Undoubtedly, 2013/2014 will be seen as something of an anti-climax by those Stan faithful desperate for back to back promotions following our arrival from the Northern Alliance. However, the rational pragmatists who outnumber the more impatient, hotheaded variety of supporter in sedate High Heaton will recognise that this campaign has been a massive learning curve and an unqualified success both on and off the pitch. A year ago, Grounsell Park lacked floodlights and permanent seating.

This evening, four proud beams shone through the gathering gloom with unrepentant pride, while a solid, capacious 50 seat stand provided shelter, succour and solace for a proportion of the impressive 261 crowd. Hot and cold snacks are available at every game and this programme you are now reading has sold out at every single home game bar one (I’ve got 60 of the groundhop issue versus Birtley in the cupboard under the stairs if you want them; going cheap mind). This is real, discernible, sustainable progress and it is mirrored by some truly superb performances on the field. If the double over West Allotment Celtic is the highlight of the season, then this admirable performance should also be mentioned is dispatches.

Every player on the field acquitted themselves manfully in this game, but special praise must be reserved for Mark Davison who, energised by his recent holiday, put in an uncompromising performance that married strength and bravery in equal measure. Debutant Kieran Weekes, who arrived on deadline day from Brandon United, also caught the eye in a wide role, promising much for the future. Shaun Backhouse was decisive and reliable, while captain for the evening Lee Johnson displayed a degree of maturity quite unlike his normal character. All in all; a tremendous performance and a tremendous result that makes the writer very proud to Follow The Stan!!

Stan Team: Backhouse, Telford, James, Mills, Hoggins, Davison, Dodsworth, Johnson, Wright, McKenna, Weekes.

Subs: Carr, Wear, Yates, Dixon. (Unsure who was used)

Yellow Cards: Lee Johnson.

Attendance: 261

Kevin Mochrie