The Stan travelled to Teesside after a weeks break, due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth. This allowed time to reflect on a dramatic 5 days in which we earned a replay in the FA Cup following a gallant draw away to Clitheroe. The return fixture really drummed up the magic of the cup and a remarkable crowd turned out at Grounsell Park to support the lads. Whilst we couldn’t quite get over the line, the performance was very good and there were lots of positives to take into todays league fixture.
In the league alone, we were travelling to Thornaby off the back of our first win in Division One against Pickering. That 5-1 win now feels a long time ago – but back to back wins would surely further kick start the league campaign. Strangely, this would be our only league game for the remainder of September as we now have a FA Vase and Senior Cup game to play ahead of our next League game on 1st October!
We would start the game with a front three of Matty Ward, supported on each side by Lamb and Lashley. Possibly the shortest front line I can remember us fielding!
Lashley and Lamb would both be involved in the first Stan effort of the game, as they linked up well in the 8th minute. Lashley lays the ball off to Lamb who cuts inside and has a shot – but it flies just over and wide. After that chance, it has to be said it was a very quiet encounter. The next 35 mins largely consisted of Stan trying to put the ball over the top to the pacey front line, but not quite getting it right. Thornaby were ready to counter on a few occasions but also lacked any quality in the final third. Therefore, we were treated to what I believe is referred to as a midfield battle.
It looked for all the world that it would be goalless at half time, when in added time at the end of the first half Lashley produced a piece of brilliance with a cutting through ball to Stephenson who kept his composure and does what he does best – finished smartly with his left foot from an angle. It was a great move and easily the best moment of the match so far.
Half time: 0-1
The hosts came out in the second half raw from conceding at the death of the first … and made life quite difficult. Watson over egged a challenge about 10 mins into the half and was rightly booked. Purvis then was called into action just before the hour with a very good save to keep the Stan ahead.
It was fantastic to see James Proctor return to the field in the 67th minute after a long absence due to an elbow injury (definitely not gained on a night out .. definitely not). His energy always causes defences a problem at this stage in a game – but whilst he worked hard to engineer himself chances, there were none significant enough for my tired head to remember. Cowburn and Taylor both enjoyed a little game time in the closing stages as the Stan looked to manage the remainder of the game and see them over the line.
Four added minutes felt like eight, but eventually the referee blew his whistle and the jubilant travelling Stan Army could celebrate back to back league wins for the first time in this Division. News that Heaton Stan A had also registered a win to make it a 6 Point Saturday made the day even sweeter.
Full time: 0-1
Special mention to our bus provider who supplied a double decker which regulars of the Number 38 are accustomed to seeing & apologies to Thornaby if it took out any branches en route up & down the lane! The players and fans seemed to enjoy the glamour of the bus though, so we’ll be sure to book it again. It seems it is now considered our good luck charm!
Heaton Stannington: Purvis, Evans, Hornsby, Burn, Watson, Shepherd, Lashley (Cowburn 78), Slaughter (C), Ward (Proctor 67), Stephenson, Lamb (Taylor 87).
Unused Subs:. Flynn, Esdaille.
Goals: Stephenson 45 (+1).
Yellow Cards: Watson 56.
Supporters Man Of The Match: Dan Stephenson.
Referee: N. Vincent.
Assistants: H. Cairns, D. Mann.
Attendance: 179.
Venue: Teesdale Park, Acklam Road, Thornaby, Stockton-On-Tees, TS17 7JU.
Scott Lyndon