The battle for a play off position resumed against North Shields with Stan eventually running out winners and look to be on course to claim a top 5 position in the League table, but it is 3rd position that guarantees a home tie in the NL 1 Play offs at the end of the season.
One change from previous match, Richie Slaughter back for Louis Anderson, and a welcome return, after missing 14 weeks through injury, Konner Lamb on the bench in place of Adam Lennox
A close and tough match with a strong wind blowing down the pitch, in the faces of Stan.
But it was another early goal for Stan, on 3 minutes Andy Burn set up Sean Reid in space in the area and he made no mistake, giving Callum Dobson no chance, smashing the ball home from around 15 yards.
North Shields hit back and equalised on 5 minutes, when Kane Evans did well to head behind for a corner on the left, denying Ben Harmison a chance. However, Yeon Kwak put in an inswinging corner, which Harmison headed into the net. 1-1
One minute later Will McCamley fouled Slaughter, and in his hurry to take the free kick he foolishly responded and was red carded. Down the sink went the plans to get in front and give some players a rest for the upcoming games.
Remarkably Stan went back in front, a free kick taken by Stephenson with Craig Scott effort pushed away by Dobson, only for Hopper at the back post to hit into the roof of the net. 2-1
Good work by Danny Sayer coming back to help out the defence, with an intelligent tackle with the ball going back for Brass to collect.
However NS got another equaliser on 22 minutes. A very long throw in from Jaidon Odle found McCamley at the back post and he drilled the ball low into the net. 2-2.
A decent long ball from Stephenson was held up in the wind with Hopper unable to gain control and the chance was gone.
Towards the interval the visitors gained a couple of corners, both Scott and then Reid heading away the danger.
HT 2-2
Jordan Lashley came on for Stephenson. Finally Darryll Donnelly got a yellow card for constant fouls on Hopper. Reid got in a header from the free kick but Dobson saved comfortably.
Rain swept over the ground, oh dear, when will we see the last of this kind of weather?
But out of the gloom, a bright ray of sunshine as Jay Hornsby made it 3-2, hitting spectacularly (from 30 around yards) past a helpless Dobson. 3-2. That is Stan’s 300th goal in cup and league since Dean and Andy took over as managers. It has been a special time for all who have witnessed the amazing rise of the club under the managers.
Reid was shocked to be booked for a tackle which I and he thought was a good tackle and winning the ball. A couple of mutes later Reid needed treatment on a facial injury, he was able to carry on.
75 minutes, and what Stan fans had been waiting for, the return of Konner Lamb, after not being involved for 14 weeks due to injury. He replaced Hopper. It took him only 11 minutes, when Burn played the ball down the left for Lamb to collect and get to the byline, cut inside and fire low into the net. 4-2
7 added on minutes, but the game was over, Stan had moved up one place to 4th and seek another win on Monday evening at Whickham
FT 4-2
Andy McBryde said after the game, “It was a tough match. Relieved, and really proud and happy after that. Over the moon with them. We went down to 10 men, but I always fancy us at home. We are where we are in the league because of what has been built in the dressing room. The shift that they have just put in has been unbelievable.”
Heaton Stannington: Brass, Evans, Hornsby, Burn, Scott, Turnbull, Sayer (Shepherd 87), Slaughter (C), Reid (Palmer 88), Stephenson (Lashley 45), Hopper (Lamb 75).
Unused Substitutes: Marriott.
Goals: Reid 3, Hopper 11, Hornsby 58, Lamb 86.
Yellow Cards: Reid.
Red Cards: Slaughter.
Supporters Man Of The Match: Andrew Burn.
Referee: Michael Moore.
Assistants: D. Hellyar, T. Haliwell.
Attendance: 414.
Brian Pratt