Once it again it was a windswept Grounsell Park that welcomed Sunderland West End on their first ever visit to the Stan. The first game between the sides had resulted in a convincing win for the Stan in September. The Stan made 2 changes from the team that beat Washington last time out with Middleton in for Ray and Charmey returning for Wilson who dropped to the bench.

The visitors kicked off attacking the Church End and the Stan had a strong wind at their backs on a sticky looking surface. The Stan should have got off to a great start when Middleton beat the keeper to a Charmey free kick but he headed wide from 12yards. Baxter was next to attack and he cut in from the left on 9 minutes but Stevens made a fine save at the expense of a corner , which was cleared. Charmey then linked with Paterson but again Stevens made a fine stop at his near post and the resulting corner was too deep.

It was one way traffic and Sayer and Baxter combined on 35 minutes but Baxter wanted an extra touch and he was crowded out on the 6 yard line. A minute later Paterson was tripped on the edge of the box, Charmey’s free kick was scuffed but Stevens could only fumble it around the post for another corner which was cleared. Baxter then had space at the back post but his volley was wide of the target.

Just when it looked like the Stan would have nothing to show for their first half efforts they took the lead on the stroke of half time, a good free kick from Imray from 40 yards out on the left saw Stevens stay on his line and Hoggins sidefooted a volley high into the net to break the deadlock. It was the big strikers third goal in as many games and like other two, a fine finish.

HT Stan 1 – 0 West End

The start of the second half was particularly scrappy with West End finally seeing the ball but the Stan comfortably repelling any attacks, the Linesman on the dug out side angered the home bench when flagging Hoggins offside when a West End player had played the ball to him and the Referee then allowed a terrible foul on Stoddart to go unpunished before the Stan finally got going and a great run and cross from Paterson saw Hoggins head onto the roof of the net.

The visitors earned their first corners of the game, which came to nothing, before Wilson replaced Baxter on 72 minutes. He almost made and immediate impact 3 minutes later when he broke and rounded the keeper, he picked out Charmey in the box but Stevens got back to make the save.

Disaster struck for the Stan when a rare mistake from Stoddart on 77 minutes saw Tarn race clear and round Ball before side footing an unlikely equaliser for West End. The Stan responded with a double substitution on 83 minutes with Fiedler and Wright replacing Charmey and Hoggins, unbelievably the two combined with their first touches to restore the Stan’s lead within 90 seconds. It looked like a break down the right had broken down as the left back tried to shepherd the ball out for a goal kick but Paterson robbed him and found Fiedler in the box who in turn laid the ball to Wright who had a touch before stabbing a right foot shot that trickled past Stevens and into the net.

Wright was shown a yellow for a foul on 88 minutes before Wilson had a great chance to put it to bed after good work from Wright and Fiedler but the keeper made up for his earlier error with a good save.

FT Stan 2 – 1 West End

Once again the weather and the pitch had made it hard going but the Stan just about did enough to claim the points against a limited West End who worked hard throughout. The Stan had created plenty of chances, especially in the first half, but had found Stevens in inspired form in the West End goal although the youngster will be disappointed with both goals. Ultimately it was the introduction of Wilson, Fiedler and Wright that made the difference with all 3 looking lively.

The 3 points lead us into the biggest week of the season so far as we entertain runaway leaders West Allotment Celtic on Wednesday before a trip to fellow promotion candidates Carlisle City next Saturday.

Team: (4-5-1) Ball; Stoddart, Middleton, Hall, Sayer; Mason, Imray, Charmey (Fiedler 83), Paterson , Baxter(Wilson 75); Hoggins (Wright 83)

Subs: (Not Used) Kerridge, Deagle

Goals: Hoggins 45, Wright 85

Attendance: 168

Simon Lansley