Redcar is a long way to travel on a cold and wet day but the 15 Stan Army who braved the elements at Green Lane were rewarded with a battling performance and three points against the league leaders. With Wright and Hoggins still injured, and Robinson missing out due to illness, the Stan travelled without a recognised forward in the squad with Regan Paterson acting as an emergency Centre Forward. His younger brother Morgan was included on the bench after his recent transfer from North Shields.

The highflying hosts made a late change to include top scorer Woodhouse after Smith picked up an injury in the warm up.

The Stan got the game underway and after a quiet start Sayer had the first chance as he broke down the right but he was crowded out as he entered the box, a free kick on the edge of the box gave Charmey a chance but he hit the wall and Kerridge blazed the rebound over the bar.

Redcar responded with Young shooting over the bar before Bailey was cautioned for a foul, Ball then made a great diving save from a free header in the 19th minute but after clearing Bailey gave the ball away and Woodhouse set up Rivis to open the scoring from close range.

Paterson drove a good cross into the box but Kerridge couldn't get a touch with his head and Bailey shot wide from 30 yards as the Stan looked to get back on level terms. Five minutes later parity was restored as Charmey dribbled into the box, beating two men before shooting low into the far corner for a deserved equaliser. The Stan continued to press and Sayer got a header in from a Paterson cross but it was too high but at the other end Ball had to be alert to block after a flick on beat Ray and Simpson.

HT: Redcar 1 - 1 Stan

As per the first half the start to the second was quiet with neither side creating anything in the opening minutes, Webster had the ball in the net for the hosts but the flag was up for offside.

Paterson controlled a high ball in the box with a delightful first touch but his shot lacked pace to trouble Simpson. He went closer in the 65th minute when he shot wide after a good build up and then went closer again two minutes later when he turned and fizzed a drive inches wide with the keeper well beaten.

However it was the hosts who took the lead a minute later against the run of play when a weak defensive header from Stoddart was punished as Simpson allowed Webster to get a run on him and he finished well despite Ball getting a hand to his shot.

The Stan wouldn't lie down and continued to play in Redcar's half with Charmey and Paterson looking threatening, the pressure paid off in the 76th minute when a great ball from Ray released Mason down the right and his pull back was thumped home right footed by Danny Sayer from 15 yards.

Joe Kerridge was booked for a trip and and from the free kick Jonny Ball made a great point blank save to stop Redcar from retaking the lead.

Taylor was finally shown a yellow card for another late tackle on Sayer as both teams tired on the heavy pitch. It seemed that the Stan had earned themselves a point until Bailey released Paterson with a raking ball out of defence, the youngster still had a lot to do but he calmly drew Simpson and slipped a finish wide of him and into the far corner to give the Stan an 89th minute lead.

The Stan saw out the 5 added minutes without alarm to seal a memorable win with the travelling Stan Army cheering the lads off at the end.

FT: Redcar 2 - 3 Stan

Bearing in mind we were taking on the league leaders without a recognised forward it would be fair to say that we'd have settled for a point before the start but the effort, attitute and application from the lads, who took the game to Redcar throughout, meant that we left Green Lane with all three. Well played to Redcar who certainly played their part in an entertaining game but the Stan deserved the dramatic victory for never letting their heads drop despite gifting the hosts their two goals.

Charmey, Sayer and Paterson will take the plaudits for three excellent goals but the win was built on Hall and Ray at he back who were imperious throughout, while the graft of Bailey and Mason allowed others to impose themselves on the game.

The win keeps us in fourth place, although the gap to 9th place is only 3 points, with a home game against struggling Durham City next up on Sat 9th November.

Team (4-5-1): Ball; Simpson, Stoddart, Hall, Ray; Kerridge, Mason, Charmey (C), Bailey, Sayer; Paterson (R)

Subs: (Not Used): Middleton, Imray, Paterson(M)

Goals: Charmey (29 Min), Sayer (76 Min), Paterson (R) (89 Min)

Att: 133 (only 80 attended but Redcar include season ticket holders who didn't attend)

Simon Lansley