The Stan Army braved the freezing conditions for the trip to Norton and were rewarded with a fine 3 - 1 win. The win, which was the 9th from 14 away League games, was well deserved but hard fought as a spirited Norton pinned the Stan back for long periods in the final quarter.

The Stan lined up in their Orange shirts with four changes from the previous defeat at Hebburn with James, Errington, Johnson and Walton replacing Dixon, Williams, Bailey and Blackett. Jack Errington was making his debut for the Stan after signing from Newcastle Benfield and the former Burnley Centre Half stepped straight into the side as Graham Williams was suspended.

The hosts, who have had a mixed season so far with good wins against Whitley Bay (FA Cup) and Billingham Town coupled with home defeats by Brandon and Esh Winning, fielded 15 goal top scorer Phil Caley as they looked to bounce back after last seasons relegation.

The Stan kicked off attacking the clubhouse end on a heavy pitch and quickly forced a corner after a neat one two between Deagle and Walton, they stayed on the offensive and forced another three corners in the opening 10 minutes but other than Dan Robinson having a shot saved at the near post didn't look like breaking the deadlock. An overhit cross from Lee Johnson on 13 minutes almost gave the Stan a fortunate lead but it bounced off the far post with the keeper beaten.

This seemed to stir the home side and after Browne headed wide when well placed, Caley had the ball in the net but was rightly flagged for offside. Norton continued to press with Mitchell shooting wide and winning 3 corners of their own but the Stan always looked dangerous on the break and Johnson lifted the ball over the advancing keeper on 37 but his effort drifted wide.

The half ended with Deagle robbing Marley 25 yards out but his shot was high and wide.

HT: Norton 0 - 0 Stan

Heaton were first to threaten in the second half with Robinson breaking clear but shooting wide from a tight angle, and their fifth corner of the game was eventually scrambled clear. The pressure paid off in the 50th minute when Imray sent Robinson away down the left and although Dan was only 10 yards inside the Norton half with two defenders in front of him he quickly burst clear and sidefooted past the keeper and in off the far post.

Norton responded with a great ball across the 6 yard box but no one was there to turn it in and the Stan punished them on 58 when Robinson turned provider, after breaking free down the right he picked out Walton unmarked in the box and Sam had a touch before shooting past the keeper to make it 2 - 0.

The hosts bounced straight back from the kick off as Young broke down the right and his cross was headed home by Browne. The Stan replaced Johnson with McCabe and were indebted to Smith for a great block as Norton looked for an equaliser, Walton had a good chance for the Stan on 70 after being set up again by Robinson who was then booked for a rash challenge on the keeper. The Norton bench were so incensed with the challenge that their Asst Manager was sent off after continually abusing the Referee.

Yates came on for James as Norton pinned the Stan back but other than a shot over the top and another good ball acrosss the 6 yard line they created little and it was the Stan who were to finish the scoring on 93 when Robinson again got free down the right and although the keeper made a fine block Dan was on hand to bury the rebound for his 13th goal of the season.

FT Norton 1 - 3 Stan

The Stan had defended solidly with Errington looking comfortable at he back but it was Dan Robinson, who's pace was a constant threat, who warmed the cockles of the Stan Army with two good finishes and an assist. Norton's excellent catering team warmed everthing else up with Jacket Potatoes and Chilli con Carne. Next up is a trip to The Morgue as we meet North Shields in the Northumberland Senior Cup on Wed 23rd Nov.

Stan Team (4-4-2): Smith, Stoddart, James (Yates 75),Wear (C), Errington, Fulcher, Imray, Johnson (McCabe 65), Deagle, Robinson, Walton.

Goals: Robinson 50, 90 (+3), Walton 58.

Yellow Cards: Robinson.

Attendance:

Simon Lansley

Editors Note: The result of this encounter was wiped clean from the record books as Norton & Stockton Ancients sadly were to fold shortly after the game finished.