The Stan went into this match against possible promotion rivals Blyth for the first time since they changed their name to Blyth A.F.C. and having beaten them on all 3 meetings last season. Against one of the most well-paid teams in the league, the Stan made 2 changes including Dan Robinson returning from injury. On the bench, there was a competitive debut for Matty Shaftoe and a return for Abu Salim who played 2 games as a sub at the beginning of last season.

The Stan started on the attack although the first chance came for Blyth after 3 minutes when ex-Stan Ethrington headed over. Much of the play in the first half was in the middle of the pitch and the rest of the first 10 minutes saw only 1 attack by each team. In 11 minutes, Johnson made a great cross to Holland in the box but he was blocked and out-numbered. The ball came in again but was caught by the Blyth keeper then soon after Yates got around him but couldn’t get a shot in before the defence got involved. 

In 14 minutes, Deagle pressurised but couldn’t stop Blyth’s No 10 but Smith put his shot out for a corner who from it shot over. The Stan then shot over followed by a Robinson attack being blocked. In 22 minutes, there was a great save by Smith then the Stan attacked but Yates’s header from a long throw went to the keeper. Blyth were putting in numerous bad tackles but it didn’t stop the Stan who had a corner headed clear in 31 minutes.

Much of the action was again in the middle of the pitch though Holland and Robinson were working hard to get the ball forward for the Stan. The best chance of the half came 2 minutes into injury time when a great ball from Laidler resulted in the advancing Yates putting it just over. Overall the first half was pretty equal and was reflected by the 0-0 score at the break.

The second half was good watching as both teams sought a goal. Both keepers had to catch in the 48th minute followed by both defences having to block. Smith then had to make a great full stretch save with a Blyth player heading the rebound wide. There were 3 attacks at either end before Blyth shot just wide in 59 minutes. 2 minutes later and Robinson beat 2 defenders but the keeper blocked his shot. 

There was good defending by the Stan before Robinson and Ray both had to go off injured. In 67 minutes, sub Salim shot just wide followed by Smith having to catch. Laidler then sent a great cross to Johnson who was blocked. Stan’s positive play led to a corner which saw Yates' glancing header go just wide. Yates was then bundled to the ground in the box but nothing was given. 

In 72 minutes, Blyth had their first shot for a while which required Smith to make a full length save. 2 minutes later and a joined-up Stan attack saw Abu pass to Yates who laid the ball off for Adam Laidler who blasted it into the net. Smith then made 2 catches before Laidler attacked again. Watchman won the ball back but then shot just wide. 

The Stan kept attacking but Blyth had  a corner on 84 minutes that was cleared. Both teams tried to attack with a Blyth free kick going well over in 89 minutes. Into injury time and a great run by Salim saw him brought down in the box but nothing was given. His next effort was dealt with by the defence before Blyth shot wide just before the final whistle.

It had been an exciting and competitive match to watch although it was spoilt by the physically cynical approach of Blyth and their constant moaning and lack of respect for the officials. The Stan kept positive and the team spirit grew as the game progressed. The Blyth players may have grabbed the money but the Stan again grabbed the victory and continue to climb up the table.

Heaton Stannington: Smith, Stoddart, Dixon, Ray (Watchman 64), Deagle, Imray, Holland, Johnson, Yates (Shaftoe 77), Robinson (Salim 62), Laidler. 

Subs Not Used: James, McCarthy. 

Goal: Laidler 74.

Attendance: 164.

Kevin Mochrie