Captain’s joy after scoring winner to seal promotion

NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION 2 PLAY-OFF

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HEATON Stannington captain Ryan Bailey described his late winner against Tow Law Town as “the best moment of his career” after he sent his side into Northern League Division One for the first time.

It was the Lawyers that drew first blood in the Division Two play-off final as they edged themselves in front with a coolly taken penalty from former Consett winger Tom Mcaloon.

They held onto that lead until just before the hour-mark when in-form winger Dan Stephenson broke in behind the visitors defence and levelled the scores.

There was nothing to separate the two sides as the closing stages approached and it looked likely that the game would be forced into extra time or even the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.

But there was to be late drama as Stan skipper Bailey rose to meet an injury-time corner and headed home to send the two-time Northern Alliance Premier Division champions into the Northern League Division One for the first time in their history.

The match-winner told the Sunday Sun: “It was the best moment of my career, without a question.

“It was totally surreal, I didn’t know what to do. It felt as if it went silent but then the noise was incredible.

“There was still time left so I was just praying I didn’t lose that moment.

“This club can go places, the club is going up and there’s such a good feel around the club. It’s geared to compete next season and have a go.”

Stan manager Dean Nicholson could not hide his pride over his side’s promotion after a dramatic end to the campaign.

However, he also warned those associated with the club that they will have to take things one step at a time as they prepare for life among the Northern League’s elite:

He said: “There were just under 1,100 fans here and the sky is the limit for the club.

“There are clubs promoted with smaller fanbases but it’s about one step at a time.

“We will enjoy tonight and we will have a break. Then the plan is to attack next year and see how high we can finish.”