Having had a great FA Cup run, a good run in the FA Vase was expected, but all that ended in quietness at Grounsell Park in front of another healthy crowd of 416.
Any team that gains promotion like Stan did last season, are going to miss the obvious talents of players like Liam McBryde, Leighton Hopper and Dean Holmes, who scored 70 goals between them last season. For all the attacking play on Saturday, especially in the first half, the need was clear, someone to put the ball into the net. Oh for one or two of those tap-ins from McBryde.
It all started so well in the first minute of play, Richie Slaughter, Louis Anderson and Jordan Lashley all had successive shots blocked, amazing not to score then.
Campion hit back with Ashley Flynn heading wide on 5 minutes then 2 minutes later stroked the ball over the bar, when both efforts should have given Greg Purvis something to do.
It was rather a fortunate opening goal for the visitors on 15 minutes when Joseph Colley’s shot was deflected high beyond the reach of Purvis. 0-1 However, straight from the restart Campion waltzed through the home defence with out any trouble with Patrick Sykes netting. 0-2
Stan were still creating chances, Jordan Lashley smashed one in only to be ruled offside. Joe Shepherd headed over, Slaughter won the ball and drove forward but his shot went wide of the upright. Slaughter put the ball through for Lashley but he missed his opportunity to shoot.
Finally, a good run from Jay Hornsby, won a corner, from which Lashley had his shot blocked, with Konner Lamb’s shot also blocked.
Two down, but I still thought Stan can win this, as they had created so many good chances.
H.T. 0-2
What surprised me was how poor Stan played in the second half.
Dean Nicholson said, “the second 45 minutes was like a friendly, we didn’t pack a punch, we didn’t really go for them.”
Purvis made a great save on 49 minutes to deny Flynn’s 30 yard shot, turning it around his post.
On 52 minutes a golden opportunity we had all been awaiting, Stephenson to Hornsby, who played it inside for Andy Burn to hit one of his specials, only to see a magnificent save from Bradley Emmerson, corner.
Lamb and Stephenson were both denied by Emmerson, when they should have scored.
On the hour, and Stephenson again sending in a goal bound shot into the top corner, but Emmerson flew across and finger tipped it over the bar.
We knew then it was over with Campion happy to run the clock down with possession, and encouraged by Stan inability to put away anything past a very good keeper, who was my man of the match.
James Proctor replaced Lamb on 63 minutes, Max Cowburn replaced Lashley on 70 minutes and Ward came on for Shepherd 5 minutes later. It made little difference, with Purvis making a super save to deny Luke Rhodes on 82 minutes.
Hopefully Stan will put matters right on Wednesday evening in the Northumberland Senior Cup against Prudhoe YC Seniors.
Heaton Stannington: Purvis, Evans, Hornsby, Burn, Turnbull, Shepherd (Ward 75), Lashley (Cowburn 70), Slaughter (C), Anderson, Stephenson, Lamb (Proctor 63).
Unused Subs: Capper, Hoggins, Cassidy, Cowburn, Johnstone.
Yellow Cards: Evans 53.
Supporters Man Of The Match: Greg Purvis.
Referee: Andrew Bailey.
Attendance: 416.
Brian Pratt