The Stan secured their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Billingham Synthonia at Grounsell Park.

The Stan made three changes to their starting line up, with Dean Imray, Jon Wright & Shane Jones recalled. Ryan Bailey & Josh Holland dropped to the bench & Joe Kerridge was unavailable.

The Stan kicked off attacking the Church End but were soon on the back foot as Synners Hannah brought a fine save by Stan gloveman Regan after 2 mins. The Stan not surprisingly were sluggish and flat after Wednesdays game & Synners were constantly looking to exploit the situation. On 22mins a shot from the visitors Pollock didn’t trouble Regan and the shot sailed over the bar.

Stan were containing an equally lethargic Synners to long range shots half way through the first half. On 35mins the best chance of the game fell to Jon Wright who lobbed the advancing keeper but the shot went agonisingly over the bar. That proved to be the last real action of a forgettable 45mins.

Synners got the second half under way, mirroring the first half with the boys from Teeside attacking but not really troubling Regan in the Stan goal. Once again it was the Stan who had the better quality chances & a Shane Jones free kick was just a whisker over the bar with the keeper beaten.

Matty Parker had a fine shot, but again off target. The Stan were playing the better football now and on 69mins Jon Wright was bundled down in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. Jon Jon made no mistake and sent the keeper the wrong way.

On 78mins Jon Wright foolishly argued with the ref, who then booked him for dissent. It was all Stan now and that man again, Wright had a powerful shot but it went straight to the keeper. On 84mins Hoggins was put through and the Synners keeper took him out in the box, giving the ref an easy choice & pointed to the spot. An identical penalty by Wright gave the Stan a two goal lead, with Synners dead and buried.

Ref blew for full time with the Stan comfortable in the end. Certainly nowhere near Wednesday’s excitement, but a clean sheet and three points made the Stan Army very happy.

Stan Team: Regan, Parker, Sayer, Miller (C), Hall, Fulcher, Imray, Deagle, Wright, Jones, Robertson

Subs Used: Bailey, Hoggins, Wilson

Subs Not Used: Mason, Holland

Yellow Card: Wright

Attendance: 133

Kev Carling