A decent night for football, and the expectation mounted as the kick off drew nearer. There were about 500 fans still trying to get in as the game was about to commence. Stan Secretary tried to get the kick off put back 15 minutes, but was turned down. The crowd was big, but it was not until half time that we were told it was the biggest gate at Grounsell Park since Stan returned to the Northern League. That extraordinary attendance of 1,339 also sends out a massive message to those who want to charge £12 and £8 to watch a similar cup match!
The game itself was won with a solitary goal from the visitors in the second half, and though there was a spirited response from the Stan, they could not get an equaliser and miss out on a trip to St James Park.
On 5 minutes Leighton Hopper ran down the left flank, jinking inside but shot across and wide of the far post.
Will McGowan committed the first foul, on Dan Stephenson, free kick, which came to nothing. Declan Bisset had a good surging run and fed ball to Stephenson but the attack fizzled out.
Spartans put a ball through for Jay Errington but Mark Turnbull managed to intercept and head back to Greg Purvis.
On 10 minutes Joe Shepherd fouled Nicky Deverdics in a dangerous position, central and a couple of yards outside the box. Five in the Stan wall and it was hit into that wall but not fully cleared with Michael Richardson lofting the ball to the far post but it went out for a goal kick.
Hopper was a lone figure up front, running, chasing working hard. Richie Slaughter put a long ball for Stephenson but Alex Mitchell collected. Both keepers were not being troubled.
Andy Burn conceded a corner from which Toby Lees headed well over the bar. Three minutes later J J O’Donnell tried a low shot which was deflected for a corner on the right, which Matthew Elsdon headed wide.
Stan fighting hard and defensively the back four were very impressive, as Blyth were forcing Stan back, and it was hard for Stan to get out of their own half and do better up front.
Curtis Round curled his shot just wide of the far post. On 44 minutes Purvis was called upon and dived full length to push away McGowan’s shot.
Stalemate first half, with Stan taking credit for holding off the opposition. Spartans had a lot of possession, but it was still all to play for.
H.T. 0-0
Stan made the first substitution of the match on 64 minutes, bringing on Jake Turnbull for Bisset, with Spartans a few minutes later bringing on Cedric Main for Errington. 5 minutes later Spartans beat the offside trap with Main running onto a good pass and slotting low past Purvis as he came forward to encounter him. 0-1
Burn and Hornsby were both booked within a space of 4 minutes as Stan looked to get an equaliser.
Jordan Lashley and Nick Cassidy came on for Kane Evans and Burn on 79 minutes. It was Lashley who came close to scoring, when a corner came back to him with his shot just hitting the top of the bar and going over for a goal kick. Crowd were cheering and urging Stan on, but it was Troy Chiabi who headed inches wide.
Four minutes of added on time with Hornsby getting forward and hitting a long range shot, goal bound, but superbly turned away by Mitchell.
Dean Nicholson said afterwards, “In that one tiny lapse of concentration, or whatever it was, has ultimately cost us. It was gut wrenching when it’s just the one goal. We went more direct after they scored and Lashley has had a really good chance to make it one one.”
A courageous effort from Stan and it is apparent that the gap between the two teams has shortened considerably, and the future looks bright for Stan.
Heaton Stannington: Purvis, Evans (Lashley 79), Hornsby, Turnbull M. (Evans 68), Watson, Shepherd, Burn (Cassidy 79), Slaughter (C), Hopper (Proctor 85), Bisset (J. Turnbull 64), Stephenson (Lamb 72).
Yellow Cards: Burn, Hornsby.
Supporters Man Of The Match: Richie Slaughter.
Referee: Matt Sowerby.
Attendance: 1339. A new club record attendance.
Brian Pratt