An amazing match at the Welfare Ground, one which I don’t recollect seeing ever, with four penalties being given and converted, yet there could and should have been more of them given, but that was never going to happen however clear some of the claims were, and both teams had to settle for a point.
Stan gave two of their new signings debuts, Joe Davey and Jordan Watson, both playing at full back. The visitors started strongly and could have been two up inside the first three minutes. On two minutes Dan Stephenson on the right fired a low shot across and narrowly wide of the far post. Then Kevin Carr found Watson whose canny cross to Dean Holmes was wonderfully volleyed but it hit a defender.
They did open the scoring on 15 minutes, when Leighton Hopper cut inside from the left, moved into the area but was brought down by James Dawkins, penalty, which Hopper took sending keeper Max Coombs the wrong way. 1-0
Stephenson whipped in a free kick which Liam McBryde headed wide. Coombs then pushed away a cross, straight to Holmes, but he put it wide of the upright. Carr to Davey and another cross for McBryde, with his overhead shot went over the bar.
There was little seen of United in the opening half hour, but Stan continued to rack up their chances, McBryde shot straight at Coombs, Hopper, now on the right hit a good shot which Coombs turned away, then Stephenson shot wide.
But there was a big let off and warning for Stann on 35 minutes when a Brandon cross into the 6 yard area, a shot hitting the post and was scrambled away. Teenager Jack Armstrong on Brandon’s right flank was more than useful.
Two crazy minutes turned the match upside down, with Paul Gardiner’s exquisite pass on 36 minutes for left back Josh Reay to run into the area, but Davey brought him down and was booked. Kai Hewitson penalty sent Regan the wrong way. 1-1.
Unbelievably, another penalty, when Watson was adjudged to have fouled Gardiner in the box with Regan getting a hand on Hewitson’s spot kick, but could not prevent a goal, his 14th league goal of the season. 2-1 Brandon fans in a crowd of 82 were ecstatic.
Brandon then competed really well, but on the stroke of half time Hopper had a good run and was tripped in the area, with a corner given, when those closer to the action were sure it was another penalty.
HT: Brandon 2 Heaton Stann 1
The second half was dominated by Stan with an almost siege on the home goal, with sporadic counter attacks from Brandon. Regan had hardly anything to do. Stephenson to Davey, shot inches over the bar. On 54 minutes a free kick from Lee Kerr was fumbled by Coombs, the ball hitting the post with Coombes collecting.
Pressure was building on Stan, and on the home defence, with another debut for Stan with Harvey Walsh replacing Carr on 59 minutes.
Just past the hour, Hopper to Stephenson, a lovely chip superbly finger tipped over by Coombs. More good work from Hopper, set up Davey but his cross was not good enough and it went over the bar.
Hewitson was booked for a foul on Watson on 70 minutes, the free kick to McBryde but he headed wide. Holmes low drive Coombs saved. A McBryde header backwards set up Stephenson but his half volley flew over the bar.
James Proctor and Ryan Bailey replaced Holmes and Kerr on 74 minutes. Five minutes later Stan were level when Proctor was felled in the area, another penalty which Hopper duly despatched, also for his 14th league goal of the season. 2-2
Could Brandon hang on, could Stann get another goal? Walsh was a threat on the right flank, with pace and tenacity, hitting an outstanding shot which Coombs saved well. Almost 6 minutes added on with another McBryde header wide, as the hosts ran the clock down.
Stan for all their effort and possession won a point. A valuable point.
Heaton Stannington: Regan, Davey, Watson, Kerr (Bailey 74), Hall (C), Esdaille, Hopper, Carr (Walsh 59), McBryde, Stephenson, Holmes (Proctor 74).
Unused Subs: Burn, Luke.
Goals: Hopper 15 (Pen), 79 (Pen).
Yellow Cards: Davey.
Supporters Man Of The Match: Hopper.
Referee: Matthew Davison.
Assistants: L. Batie, M.Dauber.
Attendance: 82.
Brian Pratt