The team hoped to bounce back from Tuesday’s narrow away defeat and secure a third consecutive home win. They did not let the fans down even if though there could have been more goals. As with other recent matches there were a number of changes (four this time) but the management team did have a bigger match day squad to choose from for a change.

Attacking from the start, Heaton Stannington were guilty of missing several chances in the early stages but redeemed themselves after nine minutes when a Michael Creswick pass split the visitors defence and Andrew Robertson held off two defenders to slot the ball home from just inside the penalty box.

Struggling Esh Winning rarely threatened the home goal and it came as no surprise when the Stan doubled their lead midway through the half. In practically a carbon copy of the first goal, Robertson again got on the end of a through ball and placed his shot neatly passed Steve McIntyre in the visitor's goal.

In the second half, either because of injuries or in an attempt to contain Heaton’s forward play, Esh switched one of their better players, Luke Thompson, from striker to the heart of the defence. Although the move strengthened that area somewhat, the Stan continued to dominate going forward.

Chance after chance to increase their lead went begging but fine saves from McIntyre, last gasp challenges from Esh defenders, two off side efforts and glaring misses from the home forwards failed to increase the score line.

Despite having very little to do during the second half, Dan Rule in the home goal was very nearly caught out by a long range effort from Thompson which went narrowly passed the post. That apart, all of the chances fell to the home side who should really have won this game by a bigger margin.

At their post match drink, sorry conference, the management team stated that they were very happy with the team’s performance even without more goals and they were delighted to hear about the trip to Colne in the FA Vase. This sets things up nicely for another home fixture on Wednesday night at fortress Grounsell.

Stan Team: Rule; Telford; Deagle; Stoddart; McGarrigal; Wear; Johnson, L (Chambers); Creswick; Yates (Pearson); Robertson; Burns.

Unused Subs: James; Hoggins.

Goals: Robertson 9, 24.

Attendance: 115

Ken Rodger/ Kevin Mochrie