The Stan got back to winning ways, with a fine, come from behind victory over near neighbours West Allotment Celtic at a bitterly cold Druid Park.

A brace from Thibault Charmey and a penalty from captain Josh Miller in the second half gave us what was a comfortable win in the end after Dean Walker had given the hosts a first half lead.

Manager Derek Thompson made three changes from Thursdays defeat to Easington with Sakelleraropoulos, Mason & Kerridge in for Burns, Middleton & Fox who dropped to the bench. There was also a strong Stan element in the Celtic side with Scott, Errington, Jones, Hayton & Thompson having all pulled the black & white Stan shirt at some time.

The Stan got the game underway at a nippy Druids Park. Celtic were soon on the attack forcing a corner, but Celtic’s Paterson volleyed over. Stan were soon in on the action but Kerridge’s shot was high and wide. Sayer had a good break on 10mins but was fouled just outside the box & the resulting free kick by Charmey was deflected but the Celtic keeper Hodgson did well to push it round the post. Celtic immediately attacked and probably should have scored but Stan gloveman Regan blocked the shot Schmeichel like. The Stan’s recent defensive frailties were once again being exposed when ex Stan Hayton shot over the bar when he really should have done better.

The game was end to end when Campbell was put through but failed to find the target, hitting the side netting. The Stan were still creating chances but looked vulnerable to an increasingly confident Celtic. 

Right on half time poor defending from the Stan and the ball fell to Dean Walker who gave the advancing Regan no chance to put the hosts 1-0 up. The Stan’s recent miserable form continued into the break.

Celtic bouyed by the half time lead got us underway for the second half with the temperature dropping. The Stan were clearly playing more positively and controlling the early stages of the second half and really should have equalised on 52mins when a great cross from the right wing by Campbell to Kerridge who only had to guide it into the goal with his head, completely missed it, blaming the setting winter sun. However the Stan weren’t to be denied that equaliser & it duly came on 55mins. A great tackle by Alex (Sakelleraropoulos) who advances into the box, teeing up Charmey who made no mistake to bring  the game level.

The Stan were dominating the game now, with little coming back from Celtic. And it was Kerridge that all the chances were falling to with two golden opportunities within a minute. First another great cross which he failed to get onto, then he made the Celtic keeper Hodgson pull off a fine save.

A rare attack by Celtic brought Regan into action with a nice save on the hour. Celtic’s Errington was caught out by Holland who cheekily stole the ball, Errington then brought Holland down in the box for a clear penalty. A sense of dread fell on the travelling Stan Army with the Stan’s penalty woes this season, but captain Josh Miller calmed the masses and put the Stan deservedly 2-1 up. Celtic were offering little by this stage and two minutes from time Charmey got his second. A lovely ball through from Campbell, who had worked tirelessly throughout the game, to Charmey who showed a lovely deft touch and dinked it over the advancing Hodsgon to put the Stan 3-1 up.

So the Stan’s three games without a win was ended and deservedly so. An excellent second half performance saw us take the points.

The win keeps us in 5th place in the Ebac Northern League 2, 7 points ahead of Jarrow FC. 

Heaton Stannington: Regan, Sakellaropoulas, Hall, Miller, Sayer, Holland, Imray, Mason, Kerridge, Campbell, Charmey.

Subs Not Used: Hoggins, Anderson, Davison, Fulcher, Fox.

Goals: Charmey 55, 88, Miller 71.

Referee: A. Nichol.

Attendance: 70.

Kev Carling