After last week's fine 5 1 win over Carlisle City the Stan travelled to third placed Ryton in high spirits as the recent 6 game unbeaten run in the league had lifted us up to a season high fourth place. The spirits were dampened a little, not just by the incessant rain, but by the news that both Jon Wright and Richie Hoggins had failed fitness tests. This was offset by the return to the club of Dan Robinson and the signing of Winner Luaba. Robinson replaced Wright and Mikey Hall came in for Lee Middleon with Luaba taking a place on the bench.

The hosts, who are enjoying their best start to a season for years, included ex Stan midfielder Jack Cooper and former Whitley Bay striker Scott Jasper in a youthful looking line up.

The rain was chucking it down as the game got underway but the pitch was in suprisingly good nick although sure to cut up as the game progressed. The Stan were first to settle and Robinson had a glorious chance to open the scoring on 7 minutes but he could only sidefoot a volley wide from close range after a ball across the face of goal found him unmarked.

The Stan continued to press and Charmey spun and hit a shot which Graham turned around the post for a corner which Sayer met unmarked but he headed wide. Bailey and Paterson then combined but the latter's deflected cross was just in front of Sayer and the keeper was able to collect. Ryton broke quickly from deep in the 20th minute and Ball was forced into a good save but a minute later the Stan should have took the lead when Sayer found himself clean through as he latched onto a long ball but with time and space his right footed lob drifted harmlessly wide.

A terrible two footed lunge by Shephard saw him yellow carded before another chance fell to Sayer, this time the in form wide man went round the keeper but could only find the side netting as the angle diminished. The Stan were left to rue their profligacy in the 39th minute when Ryton took the lead, it seemed six of one and half a dozen of another as Jasper backed into Ray as they challenged for a high ball but Mr Hargrave gave the foul against Ray and Cooper got his free kick up and down to beat Ball from 25 yards to give the hosts a fortunate lead which they held at the break.

HT: Ryton 1 - 0 Stan

The Stan were back on the attack after the break and Paterson was hauled down by Davis after skipping past him, Graham then fumbled as he gathered on the edge of his box but recovered before Charmey could pinch it. Paterson then shot straight at him from 25 yards. Graham fumbled again at the expense of a corner which he puched straight to Paterson 20 yards out but his effort curled inches wide.

At the other end Simpson gave the ball away and Ryton shot narrowly wide but it was soon Paterson again after being teed up by Charmey but he dragged his shot wide.

A double change followed with Luaba and Kerridge replacing Robinson and Sayer as the Stan looked for a breakthrough, Graham was determined to give the Stan hope and he fumbled another cross but no one could profit before a snapshot across the face of the Stan goal was deflected just wide. Hall then misjudged a bounce but Ryton shot high over the bar before Charmey wriggled down the right and drove a great ball into the 6 yard box but Bailey couldn't sort his feet out and Luaba didn't attack it at the backpost and the chance was gone.

Ray and Jasper clashed again with 8 minutes remaining and although a penalty would have been harsh on Ryton it was no different to the challenge which had resulted in the free kick for their goal.

Cooper ran at the Stan from deep and shot just wide as the game entered the dying stages and the Stan responded by hoisting 3 free kicks into the Ryton box which were dealt with comfortably as time ran out.

FT: Ryton 1 - 0 Stan

The Stan had huffed and puffed in the second half but had created very little against a backline who had now gone 6 games without conceding, the damage had been done in the first 25 minutes when the Stan had had enough chances to put the game to bed long before Cooper struck for Ryton.

Congratulation's must go to Ryton however who grafted all day for each other once they got their noses infront and who had the standout performer on the day in Mitchell Ramsey, it's hard not to be pleased for a smashing club who have spent a long time recently in the doldrums.

The Stan will be hoping that Wright and Hoggins aren't out for to long to allow Robinson to get match fit as he'll be a welcome addition to the squad once he is. A special mention must be made of the crowd at Kingsley Park with at least 40 Stan Army making the trip despite the horrendous conditions, if fan's win promotion we'll be in Div 1 next season.

Next up is our glamour tie in the Northumberland Senior Cup v Blyth Spartans on Wed 23rd.

Team (4-5-1): Ball; Simpson, Stoddart, Hall, Ray; Mason , Charmey (C), Bailey, Paterson, Sayer (Kerridge 61 min); Robinson (Luaba 61 mins)

Subs: (Not Used): Imray

Att: 122

Simon Lansley