Scott Robson scored his 50th Whickham goal to secure opening day victory

Heaton Stannington 0-2 Whickham

The Lang Jacks got off to a perfect start in the EBAC Northern League after defeating Heaton Stannington at Grounsell Park.

Both goals came in the second half from Dale Burrell and Scott Robson.

Four full debuts were handed out by Lee Haldane to Neal Bussey, Kieran Charlton, Callum Munro and Dan Marriott.

Ryan Barrow, Sam Johnson and Lucas Gamblin all made their debuts from the bench.

The first half of the encounter was tentative with neither side creating a clear chance.

The second half didn’t take long to liven up as five minutes in, Kyle Patton swung a low free kick to the near post which was met by Burrell but he flicked the ball just over the bar.

Two minutes later Scott Robson got onto the end of a long ball over the top and let fly straight at Lewis Brass and got a second chance at a rebound, which was excellently saved by the goalkeeper to his right.

On the hour mark the breakthrough was made after Scott Robson was clattered on the edge of the area and won a free kick.

Burrell stepped up and curled his effort into the top corner via a slight deflection, leaving Brass flat-footed.

Six minutes later a Heaton player was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area and a penalty was awarded.

Scott Robson dealt with the mind games of Brass and dispatched hard and low into the corner for his 50th goal for the club.

Whickham: Bussey; Howard, Charlton (Barrow 70’), Burrell ©, Agnew,; Yoxall, Richardson, Patton; Scott Robson, Munro (Lucas Gamblin 82’), Marriott (Johnson 78’).

Unused sub(s): Field, Peareth.

Man of the Match: Harry Yoxall

Referee: D Mitchell