Its always a pleasure to visit the Ironworks Ground, home of Tow Law. But it wasn’t a pleasurable experience for the Stan as we fell to our third defeat on the bounce 3-0.

With Tow Law coming off a defeat to Thornaby in their last home game, the 20 odd travelling Stan Army were more than optimistic that the Stan could get back to winning ways. But once again the Stan were second best in most areas.

Tow Law kicked off, attacking the clubhouse and after 6mins Deagle for the Stan ended up in the referee’s book for dissent. It didn’t get better for Deano, when after 13mins a poor header back to the keeper Smith resulted in Thexton to side foot the ball home to give the hosts the lead. Once again the Stan found it hard to get a foothold on the game and the hosts were well in command.

A shoulder injury on 28mins to the Stan’s Bailey was of concern, but he was able to continue after treatment. On 29mins returning Stan keeper Matty Smith made a fine save from Tow Law’s Reaks.

On 36mins confusion in the Stan penalty area and Thexton slots it to Hewitson who made no mistake and doubled Tow Law’s lead. It took till 43mins for the Stan to have their first shot, but Wotherspoons shot was way wide. The referee blew for half time with the Stan rather fortunate to be only two down.

Stan started the second half with Hoggins and Fulcher replacing Bailey and Wotherspoon respectively. On 48mins Jon Jon Wright got into a decent position but his shot was wide. Tow Law were still doing the better work and on 54mins a decent effort by Thexton but his shot was wide. Stan’s defensive frailties were once again exposed on 55mins when poor defending allowed Reaks to beat Smith at the near post to make it 3-0 to Tow Law.

Stan were playing for pride now and Jon Jon’s shot brought a good save by the Tow Law keeper. Stan made third and final substitution when Abu replaced Tait. On 65 another shot from Jon Jon brought another good save by the Tow Law keeper. With Tow Law seemingly happy with the 3-0 lead the Stan took advantage to attack with Jon Jon having some good efforts.

On 86mins the Stan’s best move of the game but Imray’s shot was well wide. It was a relief when the official blew for full time, by that time the famous Tow Law wind had set in and the Stan Army were in danger of losing some numbers.

There was no lack of effort from the Stan but the record books will say its another defeat and it won’t get any easier when we visit table topping Whickham on Saturday. But whats not in doubt is the Stan Army will be there in numbers.

Man of the match, The Stan Army, brilliant once again.

Stan Team: Smith, Holland, Middleton, Hall, Deagle, Wotherspoon(Hoggins), Bailey(Fulcher), Imray (c), Laidler, Tait(Salim), Wright

Yellow Cards: Deagle, Wright, Laidler

Attendance: 60

Kev Carling