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 second 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 first 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 second 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 first 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 70th 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 second 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 Portella rebound shot. It was 3-0 though a minute later when Kerr ran in and chipped over Martin under pressure.
Heaton Stannington: Martin, Stoddart, Deagle, Ray, McCarthy, Laidler, Johnson, Dixon, McKenna, Jones, Chapman.
Subs (All Used): Hoggins, O’Brien, Wear, Portella, Dodds, Doyle, Watchman.
Kevin Mochrie