With a strong looking team, the Stan were out to build on their 4 successive home victories and gain revenge for their last home defeat which was against the Terriers in the Ernest Armstrong Cup. There were no changes from the last match 2 weeks ago although Kye Waters made his debut from the bench on his return to the club from Walker Central. Jon Jon Wright was facing the team he started the season with, and received a few taunts from the Terriers’ fans as a result, and he had been playing for them when the Stan won 3-1 at Bedlington in August.

The healthy crowd, given the competition from St James’ Park, were rewarded for their excellent choice in the 3rd minute when a Stan attack saw Holland on the left get the ball into the box to Robinson who laid it off to the unmarked Dean Deagle in the right of the box who confidently shot to make it 1-0. Bedlington weakly shot wide in 6 minutes followed by Wright breaking to make a good run but then he shot just wide.

In the 10th minute, the Stan hit the bar from a corner followed by a long shot by Imray being blocked. Smith then made a great close range save at the other end. Wright’s pace was on show again in 15 minutes but his effort was blocked by the keeper. 2 minutes later Holland crossed to Dixon whose header hit the bar and was then headed out low by a defender. Holland was then brought down just outside the box but Wright’s free kick went over and to the right of the bar.

It was all mainly the Stan, especially thanks to Holland, although Smith had to catch after 23 minutes and a Terrier free kick went safely wide 3 minutes later followed after another 3 minutes by another effort being scooped just wide. In 31 minutes, Imray sent a long ball to Wright who outpaced the defender but couldn’t hold onto the ball. Smith then made a confident catch and 4 minutes later there was controversy when Holland was elbowed in the back of the neck but the referee took no action.

In 42 minutes there was a great move involving Robinson, Wright and Holland resulting in the latter being brought down. The free kick was blocked before the Stan shot wide. There was another prolonged Stan attack and the Stan should have been more than 1 goal ahead when the referee blew for half time.

The 2nd half started quieter until in the 51st minute there was a sustained attack by the Stan which eventually saw Wear fouled in the box. Jonathan Wright took the penalty and put the ball to the right corner of the goal and under the keeper to make it 2-0 after 52 minutes. This was his 1st goal since returning to the club. The visitors replied immediately from the restart with a ball across the Stan goal line but it was the Stan who scored again in 56 minutes from a corner when Jordan Ray headed the ball in to make it 3-0. In 60 minutes Deagle shot over followed by a sustained Terriers attack which saw the Stan defend well.

The Stan made 3 substitutions between the 60th and 62nd minutes and after a relatively quiet period, a Stan attack in 70 minutes saw 1st sub Lee Johnson blast the ball from 10 yards and although the keeper got his hands to it he couldn’t stop it crossing the line to make it 4-0. Both sides continued to try to attack but most of the last 20 minutes was relatively uneventful and lacked clear chances although Johnson was caught offside twice.

Things livened up again in the last 3 minutes as Bedlington shot over the bar, Wright shot wide and Smith made a great save. It was the Stan though who had won comfortably and manager Derek Wright was pleased with his side’s solid performance. Hopefully more even fans will be Grounsell Park next Saturday to see them march on when they entertain Durham.

Stan Team: Smith, Stoddart, Dixon, Wear (C), Ray, Fulcher (Waters 63), Holland, Imray (Johnson 62), Wright, Robinson (Yates 60), Deagle.

Unused Sub: James

Goals: Deagle 3, Wright 51 (pen), Ray 60, Johnson 70.

Attendance: 117

Kevin Mochrie

Thanks to Dean Charlton and Steve for the following photos.

The clubhouse was alive with great craic from the Stan Army after the game.

We also welcomed Vicki and Matt from the #StanArmyManchesterBranch to Grounsell Park for the game. They enjoyed the day, and night before in our club, and we were pleased we got a great result for them. Thanks for coming and we look to forward to seeing you again soon.