After four successive defeats, Heaton Stannington turned in a marvellous performance away to Birtley Town, where the final score did not adequately reflect the level of superiority and measure of control The Stan enjoyed from first whistle to last in this hugely enjoyable contest, between two sides both displaying shirt sponsorship from fish and chip shops. While over 50,000 snoozed through a somnolent contest at St. James Park, 1% of that total were not given time to ponder the culinary merits of I-Fry or McKinley’s, but were blessed to see The Stan produce their most accomplished and eye catching display for many a long month. Truly, this was a superb game of football and a joy to see Heaton put behind their recent travails and turn in exactly the kind of performance that will allow us to complete our return campaign in the Northern League with dignity, panache and, above all, a sense of true enjoyment.

The Stan, boosted by the return of Lawrence “Tred” McKenna to the club from West Allotment Celtic who took over the centre forward role in the place of injured Jonathan Wright, were at their hosts’ collective jugular from the off. In the first minute, the rejuvenated Lee Johnson volleyed inches wide. A minute later Phil Smith, through one-on-one with home keeper Jack Wilson, was denied by an impressive block by the young custodian. Before the 5 minute mark Johnson volleyed Tred’s knockdown marginally over. Tred then fired a shade high after being fed by Dean Deagle, who turned in a masterful performance as sweeper. Kevin Carr, on his less favoured left foot, had a rising shot well held by Wilson above his head. The pressure continued with Phil Smith hitting the post with a disguised shot and Lee Johnson seeing a free kick turned round the post by the agile Wilson.

Finally, just as the game was in danger of petering out after such a bright start, skipper Joe Wear popped up at the back post to nod home Deagle’s flag kick. It was no more than The Stan’s pressure deserved and it was a shock when Birtley promptly went up the other end and Cameron Nichol blazed a great chance over, after fine work by Reece Noble. Soon after the half came to an end and The Stan were not to rest on their laurels, with the players upping their standards in the second half with two quick-fire goals that put the contest firmly to bed.

After Phil Smith and Anthony Johnson had spurned early chances with weak finishes, Lee Johnson showed how it was done, crashing in a superb effort from outside the area after Anthony Johnson’s lay off. The Stan winger was denied a goal himself minutes later, when his on target effort was deflected home by a slightly sheepish looking Kevin Carr. The game then went slightly flat, with only substitute Brian Dodsworth’s low effort to discuss, before Birtley, who did not allow their heads to drop all game, pulled one back when substitute Curtis Coppen poked a loose ball through Shaun Backhouse’s legs after a near farcical game of pinball in The Stan penalty area.

However, that was the end of the scoring and Heaton could feel a great deal of satisfaction with their impressive performance. Now, let us build on this for the rest of the season and try to collect as many points as possible.

Stan Team: Backhouse, Telford, James, Fulcher, Wear, Deagle, Carr, Johnson L.' McKenna, Smith, Johnson A.

Subs: Dodsworth, Hoggins, Dixon, Mills. (Unsure who was used)

Goals: Wear 42, Lee Johnson 52, Carr 56.

Attendance: 45

Kevin Mochrie