Stan boss Dean expecting tough play-off final

HEATON Stannington manager Dean Nicholson has warned his players of the threat posed by Division Two play-off final opponents Tow Law Town tomorrow.

The Stan moved to within 90 minutes of a first promotion into the Northern League’s top tier as firsthalf goals from Dean Holmes and Dan Stephenson helped them to a 2-0 semi-final win against Easington Colliery on Wednesday night.

Just 24 hours earlier, Nicholson was on hand at Boldon CA’S Villa Ground to watch Tow Law secure their own place in Saturday’s final with a 2-0 win against their hosts.

The two sides have already met twice this season and there was little to choose between them with the Lawyers claiming a 1-0 victory at Ironworks Road in August and the Stan battling to a 3-1 home win in windy conditions in February.

Nicholson said: “I watched them at Boldon and they were really impressive and deserved their win.

“It will be a good game, two good sides and two sides who will go hammer and tong at it to try and get into Division One.”