The Stan embarked upon the post Jonathan Wright era by producing the same result as they did in the previous game when West Auckland’s new sharpshooter was still a Heaton player; namely, a comfortable away win that ensured The Stan remain proudly at the top of Northern League Division 2. While there was a strong belief throughout the club that the team had nothing to fear when making the step up from the Northern Alliance, not one person in their wildest dreams would have predicted that with almost a third of the season gone, The Stan would be sitting proudly at the top of the pile after collecting an impressive 28 points from the opening 13 games, 8 of which have been away from our Grounsell Park home.

South Shields are unable to use their Filtrona Park home and have been forced to utilise Eden Lane, the impressive former home of defunct ex-Northern League outfit Peterlee Newtown. It is to the great credit of The Mariners faithful that so many of them are prepared to make the complex journey from South Tyneside to deepest East Durham. Sadly for the home supporters, they had little or nothing to cheer on a brilliantly sunny day, when a stiffening breeze from the North Sea gave the balance of play a lopsided look.

Initially, the first half was equally matched; Brian Dodsworth, handed a starting role up front, headed a Dean Deagle cross over the bar, but with South Shields having the benefit of both the wind and sun behind them, much of the play took place in the Heaton half. After 12 minutes a long throw by Colin White was touched into the net, but referee Peter Osgood had whistled up long before this for a clear foul on Shaun Backhouse, The Stan’s ever present keeper. On the half hour, Backhouse had to be alert to palm over a misdirected header by Stan’s captain Joe Wear, which led to a string of corners to South Shields, but no clear cut openings for the hosts. It was a case of The Stan living on their nerves after a promising start, with the team happy to go in at the interval level.

The second half was a different affair; with climactic conditions in their favour, The Stan soon grabbed a decisive lead, when Paul Blakey scored his first for the club following an untidy scramble in the area. He will score more aesthetically pleasing goals, but this was vital to keep The Stan’s momentum going. The Mariners were most dangerous when imposing striker Adam Sharp was involved; he headed a good chance wide of the post on 52 minutes and on 58, he burst into the area, only to be denied by a brave block by the fearless Backhouse. The Heaton custodian showed impressive handling on 70 minutes when holding a Chris Feasey effort.

While South shields remained a constant threat from set pieces, The Stan held grimly on to their lead and kept going to win the three points, despite the occasional hairy moment in defence. The win was sealed in injury time when Lee Johnson fired home a rebound after Paul Blakey had nodded against the post, following a delightful cross by impressive substitute Jonny Mann.

Consequently, The Stan have now won 9 games this season, including 5 of their travels from the 9 away fixtures, which shows the determination and resourcefulness of this side. Truly, the Northern League is proving to be a fabulous adventure for all concerned as we continue to proudly Follow The Stan.

Stan Team:

Subs:

Yellow Cards: Lee Johnson, Deagle.

Attendance: 43

Goals: Blakey 49, Lee Johnson 90

Kevin Mochrie