The Stan returned to league action looking to recapture the form of last week's first half performance at Billingham, Wright and Charmey came into the side for Anderson and Allan and the 4-5-1 formation which had worked so well in the first period last week was retained.

The visitors lined up with a fair few ex Willington players in their team and were skippered by the prolific Lewis Teesdale.

A minute's applause was held prior to the Kick Off in respect of the recent death of Benfield's Chairman Jimmy Rowe.

It was the visitors who kicked off attacking the Church End and Teesdale shot wide within the first 20 seconds. At the other end Graham did well to claim a low cross from Simpson before Paterson also got free down the right and his cross was headed wide by Sayer. The visitor's were dealt a blow on 14 minutes when Teesdale pulled up and was replaced by Milburn.

Paterson again beat his man but was unable to pick anybody out as he drove along the 6 yard line and then, after he had been fouled, Wright shot over the top from a 20 yard free kick.

The Stan were rocked after half an hour when a throw in wasn't dealt with and a near post cross was turned in from close range by Colling. Charmey responded but shot over the top and the Stan had a real let off on 33 minutes when after Ball denied Milburn, Soulsby was unmarked at the back post from the corner but he sidefooted wide.

Mason then had a long range effort tipped over the top and from the corner Sayer looked to have been fouled but nothing was given, he wouldn't be denied though and within minutes he pressed the full back who panicked and played the ball straight to Wright who easily chipped Graham from 25 yards to restore parity. The same combination almost gave the Stan the lead two minutes later when Wright's cross took out the keeper but Sayer just couldn't get a touch to turn it home and the ball glanced off the face of the far post. The Stan continued to finish the half on the front foot and Wright's volley was just too high on the stroke of half time.

HT: Stan 1 - 1 Tow Law

The first period of the second half was a virtual non event as both teams cancelled each other out and although the visitor's were seeing more of the ball they rarely rouble the Stan back four. The Stan were also struggling to create but Wright shot over the top from 25 yards before Knowles beat Simpson but sliced his shot wide.

In an attempt to break the deadlock the Stan switched to 4-4-2 with Sayer and Mason replaced by Kerridge and Anderson. Both subs immediately had shots at goal without worrying Graham but then a great run and cross from Simpson beat the keeper but no one could get a touch inside the 6 yard box. After Bailey replaced Imray a good cross from the left by Kerridge missed everyone and a minute later Simpson and Bailey did well but Paterson's shot was too high.

With time running out the Stan were dominating and it looked as though Wright had done the trick on 88 minutes but Graham made a great save to turn his powerful drive over the bar. The corner was cleared and the Stan's last chance came in the 94th minute when Kerridge's free kick went wide.

FT: Stan 1 - 1 Tow Law

No shortage of effort from either team but the lack of a killer ball at either end meant that neither keeper was really tested other than Graham's save from Wright at the death. The result leaves the Stan in 14th place with 8 points from 8 games and the visitor's 6 places higher with 11 points.

It's usually about this time of the season that thing's start to improve for the Stan and to get a decent run going now would soon see us climb the table, our next league games are at Brandon and at home to Washington which are certainly winnable but before then we entertain Synners in the League Cup Group Stage on Wednesday night at 7 30pm.

Team (4-5-1): Ball; Simpson, Stoddart, Middleton, Ray; Imray (Bailey 77), Charmey (C), Mason (Anderson 71), Paterson , Sayer (Kerridge 87); Wright .

Subs: (Not Used): Blackbourne, Hoggins.

Goal: Wright 40 mins

Att: 169

Simon Lansley