Freed from the shackles of hope after Saturday’s loss to Jarrow Roofing had ended a faint, mathematical glimmer of hope regarding promotion that would have consequently been snuffed out by Seaham Red Star’s point against Washington, even if The Stan had prevailed in the early groundhop kick off, Heaton secured another 3 points in a misty encounter with Alnwick Town. Back on August Bank Holiday Monday, Jonathan Wright had found Alnwick’s defence to his liking as his double secured an away win for The Stan; tonight he completed a hat trick of stunning quality against the same opposition.

Wright's first came on 2 minutes, when he received the ball on the edge of the box, turned and fired low in to the corner past the dive of Alnwick keeper Brian Brooks. From this point on until the midpoint of the half, The Stan were irresistible and could have been 4-0 up. Phil Smith accepted a pass from Wright and hit keeper Brooks from 6 yards out almost immediately from the kick off and The Stan continued to make and squander presentable half chances until Alnwick worked their way back into the game. It was consequently no real surprise when Kieran Hogg equalised on the half hour. This seemed to knock The Stan’s confidence, until Wright blasted a free kick inches wide, signifying The Stan were risen from their slumbers. Soon after the lead was regained; Anthony Johnson played a delightful one two with Wright who scored with a glorious right footed volley that bent deliciously away from Brooks into the corner. It was a spectacular way to take the lead, right on half time.

During the interval, the mist came down; while not as severe as that which caused the postponement of South Shields versus Ryton & Crawcrook Albion, it did impinge on the quality of play in the second period, where the first incident of note came after 68 minutes when Lee Johnson’s foul in the box allowed Tony Brown to level proceedings with an accurate spot kick. Again, The Stan redoubled their efforts and the winner came on 75 minutes when Wright’s gloriously measured lob completed his hat trick and gave him 40 goals for Heaton this season; a fabulous achievement it must be said. The icing on the cake was provided by Anthony Johnson’s 2nd goal of the season; following a good stop by Brooks, the ball fell to Johnson whose shot into the ground bounced over the Alnwick defence and into the goal, completing The Stan’s 8th double of a campaign that has now gained 78 points.

Stan Team: Backhouse, Telford, Hoggins, Blakey, Monaghan, Waters, Johnson A., Johnson L. (C), Wright, Smith, Carr.

Subs: Dodsworth, Walker, Wear, James. (Unsure who was used)

Goals: Wright 2, 43, 75, Anthony Johnson 82.

Yellow Cards: Ryan Monaghan, Lee Johnson.

Attendance: 113

Kevin Mochrie