Weather: Sunny and showers.

Stan Army approx 16 + Harry.

Our penultimate pre season friendly saw us cross the Tyne to visit Northern League division one & former FA Vase winners Dunston UTS. A rare visit to a division one side saw a good turn out from the Stan Army which insured a healthy crowd in the UTS stadium at kick off.

Dunston kicked off in glorious sunny weather and had the first chance on 3 mins when UTS captain Burrell was clean through but Stan keeper and player of the year Matty Smith showed why he's highly rated and made a fine save. The Stan got in on the action when Shane Jones had a snap shot but was well wide. On 16mins the Stans Jack Watchman limped off and was replaced by Deagle. 

Dunston dominated the first half hour and the Stan were just happy to soak up the pressure. On 38 mins Stans Dan Robinson was clean through but Dunstons glove man Grant made a fine save. The Stan were coming more and more into the game as the half wore on and took the lead on 40 mins when a Paul Chapman looping header gave us the lead, despite Grants efforts in goal. 

This prompted Dunston to attack from the restart when Fitzpatrick was fouled by Joe Wear in the box and the ref immediately pointed to the spot. It looked harsh from where we were, but there was no complaints from the players. Captain Burrel made no mistake with a well executed penalty on 44 mins. Half time.

The Stan kicked off the second half, probably feeling annoyed that they conceded a minute before half time the gaffer giving the same eleven a chance to make amends and they duly put that right two minutes into the second half. The impressive Jones sent Dan Robinson through and this time makes no mistake to put the Stan 2-1 up. 

Dunston came straight back with a good chance that hit the side netting. The Stan were gaining more confidence and a good effort from Jones was just wide on 53mins. Not to be outdone Dunston rattled the bar with Matty Smith beaten on 56mins which ultimately proved costly. 

On 58mins a great run by Dan Robinson who could have took a shot but was alert enough to spot an unmarked Shane Jones who slotted the ball home to give the Stan a 3-1 lead.

 On 62mins the Stan made a double substitution with McKenna and Robinson making way for Yates and Hoggins respectively. Dunston kept pressing and won another penalty on 65mins after a clumsy challenge by Stoddart. Once again Burrell gave Matty no chance with a fine taken pen. 

Hoggins almost gave the Stan a fourth on 70mins when he sprung the off side trap and lobbed the advancing Grant only to see his shot go wide. Dunston should have equalised on 86mins but Jake Stafford headed into the side netting when it looked easier to score.  

The ref blew right on 90 mins and the Stan came away with a hard fought victory against a good first division side, more importantly it was a good competitive game.  Next up for the Stan on Wednesday at 7.30 is another Northern League first division team, when Washington visit the Grounsell Park. 

Entry for game will be £2

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Heaton Stannington: Smith, Watchman, Stoddart, Imray, Wear (C), Chapman, McCarthy, McKenna, Robinson, Jones, Laidler.

Subs All Used: Yates, Deagle, Hoggins.

Goals: Chapman 40, Robinson 47, Jones 58.

Referee: Michael Burrows.

Assistants: Jonathan Urwin, Matthew Kane.

Kev Carling

Photos taken from our Twitter