By Mark Carruthers
Dean Nicholson has insisted he won’t allow his Heaton Stannington players to get too carried away by their 3-0 win at Northern Premier League East Division rivals Grimsby Borough.
The Stan made the trip to Grimsby sat in the East Division relegation zone after claiming just one win in their previous five league games – and that run included a 2-1 home defeat against Saturday’s opponents.
With the pressure increasing as the battle for survival approaches its climax, Nicholson’s men kept their cool and earned what could be a crucial three points in their bid to extend their stay in step four beyond a solitary season.
The deadlock remained in place until 75 minutes when the Stan grabbed the breakthrough with a goal from winger Konner Lamb before defender Dan Capewell doubled their advantage just moments later. Leighton Hopper ended any doubt over the destination of the points when he scored from the penalty spot with eight minutes remaining.
The win meant Nicholson’s side moved out of the relegation zone – and the Stan boss urged his players to enjoy their moment before stressing there was still work to do in the battle to stay up.
He told The NLP: “We got over the line and it’s a massive three points for us – but it means nothing if we can’t back things up at home and our home form has not been good enough.
“We knew we had to right the wrongs of the home game against them and every player was different class to get us over the line with a thoroughly deserved win and a massive three points.
“There are five cup finals to go and we have to dust ourselves down and go again. We will enjoy today because you have to enjoy the ups but we have a big game on Friday night.
The Stan will now turn their focus towards next Friday’s home game with former Northern League rivals Bishop Auckland.
