With Storm Dennis playing havoc with the fixtures the Stan travelled to Washington’s temporary home at New Ferens Park knowing that they could close the gap on the top 6 if they could pick up the 3 points. After last week’s win v Brandon Decka made one change with Josh Wilson replacing Charmey. The hosts, who started the day in 18th position, included Dan Quine who had a couple of games for us in 2014 alongside a very youthful line up.

It was Washington who kicked off with a strong wind behind them on the 3G surface at the earlier time of 2pm due to problems with their floodlights. Paterson put the first cross into the box on 5 minutes but it was easily claimed by the young keeper. On 9 minutes Paterson broke clear but Archer made a fine save with his feet to deny him. It was Paterson again 3 minutes later with a good run and cross but no one attacked the near post and Archer was able to claim. Michael Baxter came into the game and his 25 yard strike dipped too much and the keeper caught it above his head before he tested him again with a free kick which bounced in front of him.

Archer was finally beaten on 26 minutes as Paterson broke free but his shot hit the base of the post and Hoggins blazed the rebound wide left footed. The deadlock was finally broken on the half hour when Sayer broke down the left and crossed to the penalty spot, Archer again denied Paterson with a superb save but Hoggins reacted quickest to the loose ball and his shot was turned into his own net by Hutchinson.

The hosts then won a free kick in a dangerous area but when the ball was cleared a slip by the defender allowed Baxter to race clear from halfway and slip a neat finish wide of Archer to double the advantage in the 34th minute.

The Stan had the game by the scruff of the neck now and after sustained pressure Sayer released Wilson and Hoggins met his cross at the near post to flick a cheeky finish past the shell shocked Archer.

The Stan went in at the break well worth their 3 goal advantage

HT: Washington 0 – 3 Stan

Fiedler replaced Hoggins at the break but it was Hutchison who had a chance to atone for his OG but he headed wide from 6 yards on 47 minutes. Fiedler combined with Baxter but the latter shot over the top but he wasn’t to be denied a second goal for long and after he had a shot charged down he latched on to the rebound, beat the last man and sidefooted wide of the advancing Archer for the Stan’s 4th goal. The young keeper then fumbled a cross and Fiedler forced it home but the referee, to the surprise of everyone in the ground, gave the keeper a free kick for a foul.

Baxter had a chance of a hat trick on 65 minutes but he curled over the bar, Hall then pulled back a Washington forward and was shown a yellow card as the hosts finally got out of their own half. Kerridge and Burns replaced Baxter and Paterson and great work from Mason saw him tee up Fiedler but the Aussie could only hit the keeper from close range and Burns couldn’t force the rebound home.

The onslaught continued and Kerridge was inches away from Burns’ cross shot before Wilson chipped over the top when well placed. In a rare breakaway Dixon hit the side netting when a cross to a better placed teammate might have got Washy a consolation and the game finished with a marvellous run from Fiedler which saw him round the keeper and a defender before being tripped, the ball ran loose for Wilson but his shot was blocked on the line.

FT: Washington 0 – 4 Stan

A totally dominant display from the Stan with Ball never called upon to make a save, the only disappointment being that profligacy in front of goal meant Washington got away without a real hiding, although that would have been harsh on young Archer in goal who pretty much played the Stan on his own.

Two more goals for Micky Baxter and another smart finish from Hoggins were the highlights but much sterner tests of the Stan’s promotion credentials await starting at Jarrow on Wednesday 19th.

Team: (4-5-1) Ball; Stoddart, Ray, Hall, Sayer; Mason, Imray, Wilson, Paterson (Burns), Baxter (Kerridge); Hoggins (Fiedler)

Subs: (Not Used) Charmey, Deagle

Goals: Hutchison OG 30, Baxter (2) 34 & 59, Hoggins 44

Attendance: 71 (72 once Mad Mick arrived after thinking it was a 3pm KO).

Simon Lansley