There were four changes to the Stan line up as they entertained the Synners in the Vase at Grounsell Park. McCabe, Deagle, Yates and Robinson replaced Jones, Imray, Blackett and Antony, the latter having joined Ashington after Wednesday's game versus Billingham Town. The visitors, who many people tip for the second division title, named a strong starting line-up including ex-Spennymoor pair Anthony Peacock and Chay Liddle. Last season’s top scorer Sam Garvie was only named as a substitute.

The game kicked off and both sides had early chances with McCabe going close for the Stan and Smith saving well from Langstaff at the other end. The game settled down and although Smith denied Langstaff again, there was little between the two sides. The visitors broke the deadlock on 39 minutes with a messy (rather than a Messi) goal when a great run from Peacock drew a foul from McCabe and from Liddle’s free kick Liam O'Sullivan bundled the ball home at the second attempt from two yards out.

Synners had a great chance to kill the game off in the 46th minute when Peacock met a cross six yards out at the back post but he could not turn it in. The Stan almost capitalised on this let-off on 50 minutes when Sam Walton’s deflected shot hit the angle of post and bar and more so on 53 minutes when the keeper failed to control a back pass and Robinson set up Yates whose shot was blocked in the 6 yard box.

The Stan continued to press for an equaliser but the Synners were always dangerous on the break and had another good chance to seal it when Cragg’s went round Smith but hit the post with the goal at his mercy.

Jones and Bynoe replaced Deagle and Johnson in an attempt to force extra time, but despite late pressure forcing a couple of corners it was not to be and the Stan's dreams of Wembley were dashed at the second hurdle. The crowd of 134 had been treated to an honest cup tie with plenty of effort from both sides but in truth it was a game that lacked quality throughout. It was also the first game in twelve that the Stan had not scored in.

The Stan make their first visit to Stockton Town’s 3G pitch on Wednesday night as they look to continue their fine seven match winning run away from home.

Stan Team: Smith; McCabe; Deagle(Jones); Scott; Williams; Stoddart; Bailey: Johnson (Bynoe); Robinson: Walton ; Yates.

Unused Subs: Wear; James.

Yellow Cards: Lee Johnson, Walton, Stoddart, Scott.

Attendance: 134.

Simon Lansley