Heaton Stannington overcame a spirited home side at the Ford Hub Sports Complex, Sunderland, with an artificial pitch, to gain a convincing win with goals in both halves, and a clean sheet.
In the first minute Washington’s captain Aiden Hutchinson had a resolute header superbly turned over the bar by Dan Regan.
Mackenzie Sharpe had Stann’s first effort, curling in a low shot, but it caused no problem to keeper Daniel Mullen, who saved comfortably.
On 15 minutes, Alex Dobson hit a long shot which also was ably saved, by Regan.
Stann had taken time to get going, adjusting to the pitch, but James Proctor had a good run down the right flank, cut inside and as he was looking to shoot, he was tackled and Mullen collected. However, Proctor was not to be denied, and on 22 minutes he side-footed the ball past Mullen, and with the ball slowly going goalwards he and Sam Lilley chased after the ball, Proctor bundling the ball over the line from close range.. 0-1.
Jay Hornsby fed Daniel Stephenson, playing in a new role in midfield, and set up Sharpe but his effort went over the bar.
Washington’s Kieren Beattie was booked on 41 minutes, and the half concluded with a good chance when Liam McBryde laid off for Stephenson but his low shot went inches wide of the upright.
H.T. O-1
Stann restarted by bringing on Dean Holmes for Sharpe.
On 50 minutes Hutchinson blocked a smashed shot from Daniel Stephenson, but four minutes later, he moved in from the left and hit a firm low shot past a helpless Mullen, for his debut goal. 0-2
On 62 minutes a heart-warming sight for Stann fans as Connor Campbell came on for McBryde, nothing to do with replacing McBryde, but with Campbell overcoming an injury, and getting his first game of the season. The impressive Stephenson put the ball into the net but was ruled offside. On 71 minutes and greater joy for Campbell, and the Stann Army, when from 25 yards he saw Mullen slip and he lobbed the ball over him into net. Campbell is back! 0-3
On 76 minutes a final substitution for Stann as Michael Hall replaces Holmes.
On 87 minutes home centre forward Bradley Chisholm headed just wide of the upright.
Concluding action when a cross from Hornsby bounced awkwardly and Campbell’s couldn’t get in a shot, and then finally, Proctor tried to get around Mullen but the keeper collected the ball.
A good win on the night which saw rain during the second half, Stann move up to 7th in the table, and quite a downpour as I set off back for home.
FT 0-3
Heaton Stannington: Regan; Stoddart; Hornsby; Waters (C); Dobson; Blackbourne; Proctor; Burn; McBryde (Campbell 62); Stephenson; Sharpe (Holmes 45 (Hall 76)).
Unused Subs: Bailey; Carr.
Goals: Proctor 22, Stephenson 54, Campbell 71.
Yellow Cards: None.
Referee: David. Fittes.
Attendance: 68.
Brian Pratt