After only a break of 2 months and 5 days, the Stan’s first friendly of the 18-19 season took place on a warm and sunny summer’s evening. It was postponed last night due to England’s world cup semi-final and thanks are given to Northern Alliance Premier Division Shankhouse who replaced unavailable Whitley Bay Reserves at the last minute.

As the visitors didn’t have a keeper until half time both new Stan keepers started the game with Joe Brook in goals for Shankhouse. The visitors included 2 ex-Stan in Russell Ward and Billy Walker. Brooks made a number of good saves, including 2 double ones, in the 1^st half as the Stan dominated and they were 3-0 up at half time through early goals.

Robertson scored in 9 and 17 minutes with Wright getting the 2^nd on 16 minutes. Wright shot whenever he could but couldn’t add to his tally. Regan somehow stopped Shankhouse getting one back with a great save from a looping header. The visitors also put a speculative shot over the bar.

The 2^nd half saw new striker John Campbell make his debut but it was Salim who made it 4-0 in 51 minutes when after a great run, Lowe sent a surging ball to the right which Abu put just inside the post. In 57 minutes the ball was cleared off the visitor’s line. In 70 minutes Shankhouse got a goal back when Scott Flynn tapped the ball into the net from a corner ball in the crowded box.

The last 20 minutes saw Wright back on with Campbell and it was John C who scored in 72 minutes and what a goal for his 1^st for the Stan. His free kick went over the wall and into the net. Not to be out-done, Wright also scored direct from a free kick in 85 minutes with his effort going round the wall. In the last minute, Campbell was brought down in the box. After some ‘discussion’ with Wright over who would take the penalty, Campbell did and scored in off the post to make it 7-1.

Stan Team: Regan,Parker, Wear, Hall, Sayer,Holland, Bailey, Mason, Kerridge, Wright, Robertson

Subs (All Used): Deagle, Lowes, Campbell, Salim

Kevin Mochrie