The Stan took on Carlisle United Academy Under 19s in a friendly tonight witnessed by a crowd of over 50. The club has established links recently with the Academy, which is based in Birtley, and Jon Fox and Dan Bennett now play for both. They were both in the Academy team tonight but will be back in the Stan squad for Saturday. They were joined by ex-Stan Matty Parker who has recently joined Benfield. The Stan included a trialist, Cooper, who has now joined the club from North Shields. There were also places for Danny Lowes, returning from injury, and youth player and catering assistant Paul Jacques. Fulcher and Hunt were rested for Saturday due to slight injuries.

After only 4 minutes, the Carlisle keeper dropped the ball in front of Hoggins who easily scored. A few minutes later, and Hoggins had an even easier chance from a poor pass back but shot well over the bar from 8 yards and the phrase howler was mentioned in the terraces. In 17 minutes, Brook missed the ball from a Carlisle attack but the defence cleared it. Soon after he caught a Carlisle shot. Robinson then shot but the ball was caught by the keeper.

In 28 minutes, Carlisle equalised when the ball was crossed into the box and headed into the net at the far post. Holland then shot just wide. Brooks soon after got up for the ball but from close range a Carlisle player headed over.

The Stan were behind though in 34 minutes when another cross saw the ball tapped into the net for 1-2. A minute later a Jones free kick went wide and 5 minutes later Carlisle shot just wide. Robinson head into the net from a Hoggins ball in 41 minutes but it was deemed off-side.

The 2^nd half started with Carlisle shooting just over. The Stan had a few chances but Carlisle went 3-1 up in 62 minutes when a counter attack saw them pass and shoot past Brook.

Robertson then tried a speculative long shot which went just wide. Brook saved from a corner in 71 minutes before Carlisle headed over the bar. In 72 minutes Kerridge pulled one back for the Stan when he ran down the wing and his deflected shot went in.

A Jones free kisk went just wide before a Martin shot was easily caught by the Carlisle keeper. In 79 minutes, Carlisle counter attacked again and Brook ran out but was easily rounded for 2-4. Jacques shot well over from a cross in 84 minutes before Carlisle attacked again twice.

The match finished with a couple of Stan attacks but the serious stuff resumes again on Saturday. It was a competitive game and the Stan were positive and creative throughout but on the night, the clinical finishing and young fast legs of Carlisle won the match. Although Jon Fox scored 2 goals against the Stan tonight he will hopefully be scoring for the Stan on Saturday.

Stan Team: Brook; Middleton; Lowes; Wear (Kerridge 46); Miller; Jones; Martin; Cooper; Hoggins (Imray 50); Robertson (Jacques 70); Holland.

Goals: Hoggins 4, Kerridge 72.

Attendance: 55 (approx)

K. Mochrie