Tonight’s friendly against Division 1 Jarrow Roofing saw the involvement of a number of trialists, returning ex-players and new signings including ex-Newcastle youth player Adam Laidler. Player of the season Matt Smith is on summer vacation and was replaced in goals by Lee Martin and there was a welcome return on the subs bench for long term injury Ritchie Hoggins.

On a beautiful evening, the Stan had a good 1st half and equaled Jarrow but the roof came off their efforts in the 2^nd half mainly due to continuous subs and tired legs. After 5 minutes, Deagle shot just wide at the far post from a corner & 3 minutes later a Jarrow 30-yard free kick went wide. The 1^st 15 minutes was mainly the Stan but Jarrow had a good opportunity in 15 minutes when their number 9 just missed getting to the ball before Martins cleared it.

It was another 10 minutes before Jarrow attacked again as the Stan had a number of efforts. A Jarrow long shot was deflected for a corner in 31 minutes. The last 15 minutes of the half was end to end but without either team finishing effectively.

Jarrow showed their superior league standing in the 2^nd half when they marched to victory although 2 of the 3 goals didn’t come until the last 15 minutes. In 50 minutes, a ball from a Jarrow corner was headed just wide and this was immediately followed by them hitting the post from close range then another shot was deflected for a corner.

The 1^st goal came in 56 minutes when Winning scored from a penalty after Stoddart jumped into the back of a Jarrow player. Jarrow kept the pressure on and had a number of a chances including a 30-yard free kickin 62 minutes that was parried by Martin. Jones, looking strong, tried to get the ball forward whenever he could.

The 70^th minute saw 4 Jarrow efforts including a shot hitting the bar although Wear shot over in 72 minutes. Martin then saved a close-range effort. A 2^nd Jarrow goal came in 75 minutes from a corner when the ball was headed down to a Jarrow player who headed from 6 yards. Martin saved but couldn’t hold the ball and Winning scored from the rebound. The Stan tried to respond and after a Jones inspired attack a Deagle long shot went just wide in 79 minutes. Partella then shot just wide. 5 minutes after the Jarrow keeper parried a Johnson effort and then blocked a Partella rebound shot. It was 3-0 though a minute later when Kerr ran in and chipped over Martin under pressure.

Stan: Martin, Stoddart, Deagle, Ray, McCarthy, Laidler, Johnson, Dixon, McKenna, Jones, Chapman.

Subs (all used): Hoggins, O’Brien, Wear, Portella, Dodds, Doyle, Watchman.

Attendance: Unknown