Heaton Stannington v Birtley Town (Play-off Semi Final)

Recap

Birtley Town fell to a single goal defeat in their Northern League Division One Semi-Final at Grounsell Park. 

It proved to be just one hurdle too many for The Hoops as a long-range Joe Shepherd goal was enough to separate the two sides. Backed by a huge travelling support, Birtley started the brighter of the two sides. The Hoops had a huge claim for a penalty as early as the tenth minute when Lewis Brass cleaned James Proctor out on the edge of the area, the referee awarding a corner despite large protests from the Birtley players. Birtley dominated the early proceedings with a number of set-pieces and corners but were unable to create anything meaningful. Heaton’s best chance of the first half fell to Sean Reid who glanced a header just wide from around seven yards out.

The Hoops recorded their sixth corner of the game on 30 minutes and continued to dominate possession. Scott Heslop created their best chance of the opening period when he forced Lewis Brass into a save despite the tight angle. At the other end, Konner Lamb was denied by Alfie Gordon following a brilliant run from the Heaton winger. 

HALF TIME | Heaton Stannington 0 – 0 Birtley Town

The deadlock was broken on 51 minutes, Joe Shepherd picked the ball up midway into the Birtley half before unleashing a brilliant long-range effort that swerved away from Alfie Gordon and into the far corner. The opening goal changed the complex of the tie with Heaton then looking very threatening on the counter attack. Birtley were still pushing for an equaliser and despite numerous set-pieces they were unable to create any real chances. Leighton Hopper fired narrowly over on the hour mark before a series of Stan chances. 

Konner Lamb’s long-range effort was spilled by Gordon but the Stan rebound was brilliantly saved by the Birtley keeper. A few moments later Gordon produced the save of the season to deny Sean Reid from close range. Birtley created a chance of their own when Glen Hargrave blazed over with his first touch. At the other end Heaton were threatening to extend their lead but Konner Lamb also fired his effort over the bar. In the 88th minute a truly breath-taking save from Alfie Gordon denied Stan from winning the game. 

In injury-time, Konner Lamb hit the bottom of the post when he was clean through on goal after another Heaton counter attack. In the dying moment, Birtley pilled on the pressure but James Proctor was unable to keep his effort on target. After four minutes of injury time, the referee blew the final whistle which sent Heaton through to Monday’s final.  

FULL TIME | Heaton Stannington 1 – 0 Birtley Town

The final whistle brought an end to a remarkable season for Birtley Town. Having gained promotion last season, few could have predicted that Foster and Bryson would lead Birtley into the play-offs once more. The Hoops will now have a summer to reflect on a magnificent achievement. 

Player of the Match – Alfie Gordon

Attendance – 1235 including a tremendous 400-500 spectators from Birtley. The club would like to thank every supporter that made the journey to Heaton. Behind the dugouts was a sea of green as an estimated 500 Birtley fans were kitted out in scarves, hats and replica shirts. 

As part of the ‘Kitty for the Kids’ initiative, 247 Under 16’s gained free entry to the game. A further £1200 was raised which will be split between two local charities. Both Birtley Town and Heaton Stannington will donate an even split of £600 to a children’s charity of their choosing. 

Manager’s Corner

To follow…

H2H vs Heaton Stannington (at Heaton)
P7 W0 D3 L4 GF5 GA17

Highlights