Percy Main Amateurs 1 Heaton Stannington 0

2013 in fact, that was the last time that Percy Main won the Gary Hull Memorial trophy and that took extra time in a game against Cullercoats, (when Percy legend Steve Harte scored a worldie for the visitors) who were a division lower at the time. It didn't bode well for the season, as we ended up relegated a few months later I'm sure this time will be different though!

The 2022 game saw The Main up against newly promoted Heaton Stannington, who had whacked us 4-0 and 5-0 in the last couple of trophy games (mind, we did win a friendly game 3-1 in 2020) and will ply their trade in the EBAC Northern league division one next season, a couple of tiers higher than us, but on the balance of play any visitors from Mars wouldn't have been able to tell, as Gavin Hattrick's highly impressive young side gave a superb account of themselves and thoroughly deserved their winners medals. There was a healthy turn out, including quite a few from NE7 and a good number of interested local onlookers as well.

Only Adam Green, Mark McDonnell, Jordan Stephenson and both Riddlers (Rob, just back from his jollies and the front cover star of the new programme) lined up against the Stan who had finished the 2021-22 campaign and all looked as sharp as their higher ranked opponents. Skipper McDonnell it was who netted the only goal of the game early on and Stephenson who looked a different player from last time around, hit the upright during the latter stages.

Heaton Stannington also had a few chances, with a few wide of the target, while Main keeper Callum Elliott's handling was faultless throughout. The visitors also might've had a couple of decent first half penalty shouts, but the ginger whistler was unmoved, along with his youthful assistant on the near side. Mind, we might've had one ourselves in the second half as well.

Once again the game was played in a great spirit , good luck to our friends at Heaton Stannington, who once again made a superb gesture to our club pre match and hope they have a cracking season ahead!