On the back of the disappointing display at Birtley Town Derek Thompson made six changes to the Stan line up for the FA Vase tie at Billingham with Josh Allan being handed a competive debut and Stoddart, Middleton, Mason, Imray and Sayer being recalled in place of Hall, Bennett, Bailey, Charmey, Kerridge and Wright.

The hosts, who had made a steady start to life in division one, included last season's Second Division Golden Boot winner Craig Hutchinson who had scored the winner at Grounsell in April to win the League title.

The Stan, with a midfield five and Anderson upfront alone, kicked off in breezy conditions on a perfect playing surface and looked comfortable from the off with Allan, Mason and Imray seeing a lot of the ball in the opening exchanges. The first opening was created by Paterson and Sayer who combined to get Anderson in but the keeper was out sharply to block at the expense of a corner.

In the 12th minute Sayer did well to keep the ball in on the byeline and hook a cross into the middle and over the keeper but Anderson couldn't keep his header down under pressure. Billingham responded and a free kick into the box was headed on and across Ball but it rebounded off the far post, seconds later Ball then had to block a shot with his feet at his near post. A Billingham shot from distance flashed wide but it was the Stan playing the controlled football and a decent build up gave Anderson a half chance but he volleyed straight at the keeper.

On the half hour Ball did well to punch clear under pressure but required treatment after being clattered by Oakley. A minute later the Stan took a deserved lead when Sayer got on the end of Ray's deep free kick and teed up Anderson on the edge of the box, he was unlucky to see his effort crash down off the bar but Mason was on hand to nod home the rebound from close range.

Bouyed by the goal the Stan continued to attack and Allan almost found Sayer at the back post with a teasing cross, next Paterson brought a good save out of the keeper at his near post with a stinging drive and from the corner the nod down bounced around the Billingham 6 yard box without a Stan body being able to get a touch. The host's should have equalised on 42 minutes when Davis broke clear but Ball did brilliantly to get down and turn his shot away for a corner. As half time approached Hannah elbowed Allan in the face off the ball in front of the linesman and was shown a straight red card.

HT: Billy Town 0 - 1 Stan

Billingham responded to the sending off with a change of shape and the introduction of 2 subs and they were on the front foot immediately and Imray was cautioned on 48 minutes after a foul on Davis and Town had appeals for a penalty for handball waved away. It was the Stan creating the chances however and Sayer and Mason linked to get Paterson some space and his volley was blocked for a corner, from it Imray headed home but was flagged offside.

On 61 minutes a terrible tackle by Oakley on Anderson was only punished with a yellow card but the Stan continued to attack and Sayer had a glorious chance to kill the game off when Paterson did well to get him in one on one with McDonald but his shot was pushed round the post by the keeper.

The limping Anderson was replaced by Hoggins on 69 minutes and minutes later a good free kick from Allan found Paterson at the back post but his shot was blocked. From the corner Imray swivelled and shot inches wide from 10 yards another good chance had gone begging. A minute later the Stan were left to rue the missed opportunities when Oakley, who was a touch fortunate to still be on the pitch, diverted a free kick past Ball and in off the far post.

Billingham were in the ascendancy now with Hogan and Beddow stretching the Stan who were sitiing deep against the rejuvenated 10 men, Bailey replaced Mason and Simpson was booked for a foul on Hogan. In the 86th minute disaster stuck for the Stan when Beddow took Simpson on down the left and then beat Ball at his near post with a left footed finish, Kerridge replaced Allan as the Stan looked to force Extra Time but the hosts comfortably seen out the remainder of the tie to send the Stan crashing out of the Vase.

FT: Billy Town 2 - 1 Stan

The Stan were made to pay for missed chances as the hosts were allowed back into a game that really should have been out of reach, ultimately the sending off was crucial as the Stan never looked as comfortable against 10 men as they had been against 11 when they were in complete control of the game.

The Stan might complain that Oakley was still on the pitch when he scored (although a red card would've been harsh) and that the tireless Anderson went off injured after the foul, but to surrender so much possession and territory to ten men in the last quarter was their undoing.

Nevertheless, the first half performance show's that we aren't far away from turning the corner and a similar showing v Tow Law next week will see us start climbing the table.

Team (4-5-1): Ball; Simpson, Stoddart, Middleton, Ray; Imray (C), Allan (Kerridge 87), Mason (Bailey 78), Paterson , Sayer; Anderson (Hoggins 69) .

Subs: (Not Used): Blackbourne, Charmey.

Goal: Mason 31 mins

Att: 161

Simon Lansley