A warm and sunny late summer’s day and a crowd of 220 was a good seating for this FA Vase tie and probably the first competitive tie between these 2 clubs. The competitiveness of the match was helped by the fact that although Dunston were a league above the Stan there was not a league of a difference between the 2 sides. There were 6 changes from the Washington defeat including Regan back in goals after his holidays. Interestingly, Michael Hall was at No6 for both teams and the Dunston team included ex-Chester pantomime baddy Scott Heslop who was sent off in the Vase 3 years ago against the Stan for shouting abuse at fans.

The Stan started on the attack and Imray shot just over after 2 minutes. After 4 minutes, a Stan counter attack saw Jones pass to Wright whose shot across the goal saw home keeper Dryden get his hand to the ball. Even with only Wright upfront, the first 12 minutes mainly involved Stan attacks with the next 8 being quieter but with the Stan still having the edge.

So, it was a surprise on 20 minutes when Dunston, with their first clear shot on goal, went ahead. From 25 yards Stafford shot through a crowded box and beat Regan. The Stan then had a couple of attacks but the next Dunston attack in 27 minutes saw them score again when Fitzpatrick got behind the defence and shot in the box.

A minute later and a high ball to Wright saw the keeper run out and get to it first. Soon after Wright was brought down just outside the box but his free kick went just high and wide. The Stan attacked again but the rest of the half saw Dunston dominate. In 36 minutes, a Dunston shot saw Regan get down to catch. He caught again before another home attack eventually went wide. In 43 minutes, a home corner was flicked on in the box by Fitzpatrick but Regan stretched to save and put the ball over the bar. 

Half time saw the Stan replacing Fulcher and Jones with Hoggins and Bailey with Holland moved to the right midfield. The changes worked to an extent and the Stan dominated most of the second half but just could not get the ball in the net.

Dunston did start the half with a shot which Regan saved followed by another 2 home attacks. In 53 minutes, Regan caught before Dunston shot across the Stan goal and just wide. Hall dealt with another attack well before both Miller and Hall blocked.

The Stan had their first clear attack of the half after 60 minutes when a free kick on half way was chested down by Hoggins with last sub Nakhli shooting over. A minute later, and Wright’s shot was deflected just over. In 63 minutes, a Stan player headed clear before Regan caught and soon after he put the ball over the bar. 

The Stan increasingly got more control of the game and in 72 minutes the packed Dunston defence cleared a free kick before Nakhli shot just wide. The Stan kept attacking and in 74 minutes a Wright shot was deflected for a corner from which the ball was head clear to Imray who shot high and over. In 77 minutes, a sustained attack by the Stan ended with Bailey heading just wide. 

The home keeper caught just before Wright could get to the ball. Dunston then attacked again and in 81 minutes Wright turned under pressure in the box but the keeper caught his effort. 4 minutes later and a long ball to Wright saw the keeper also go for it and although he brought Wright down nothing was given.

2 minutes later Nakhli shot over before a Dunston long shot beat Regan but bounced off the post. In 88 minutes Dunston shot over before Hoggins shot wide under pressure but soon after the referee blew for a Dunston victory.

It was a greatly improved performance from the Stan compared to last Saturday and they had most of the opening 20 minutes and almost of the 2nd half. The difference between the 2 teams was that Dunston took their two chances, defended well against continuous second half Stan attacks and employed cynical tackling and obstructions which often went unnoticed by the officials. Overall it was a good cup atmosphere but only Dunston can still dream of Wembley (FA Cup and Vase) while the Stan for the moment concentrate on moving up the league.

Heaton Stannington: Regan; Holland; Sayer; Miller (C); Middleton; Hall; Jones (Bailey 46); Fulcher (Hoggins 46); Wright; Imray; Kerridge (Nakhli 56).

Subs Not Used: Deagle; Salim.

Referee: Jonathan Gill.

Assistants: Kierran Corrigan, Stephen Beresford.

Attendance: 220.

K. Mochrie