EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE

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 who 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.

The lead remained in place until just before the hour mark as in-form winger Dan Stephenson broke in behind the visitors’ defence and fired his side back on to level terms.

There was nothing to separate the two sides as the closing stages approached and it looked likely the game would be forced into an additional 30 minutes or even the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.

Yet there was to be late drama as Stan skipper Bailey rose to meet an injury-time corner and headed home to send his side into Division One.

After the game the match-winner told The Journal: “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 – but warned his players 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.”