The devastated West players applaud their supporters
The devastated West players applaud their supporters

Ebac Northern League division one play-off

Heaton Stannington 3

West Auckland Town 0

It was play-off final heartbreak for West as their quest for promotion came to a crushing end, with a 3-0 defeat away to Heaton Stannington.

In front of a packed crowd of 2,107, the home side secured their promotion to the Northern Premier League on Monday afternoon.

West had the opportunity after 20 minutes to take the lead but the prolific Josh Scott was unable to bag his 38th goal of the season

Heaton came out much more organised in the second half and broke the deadlock with a spectacular effort from the edge of the box from Konner Lamb.

They doubled their lead shortly after through Andy Burn, and the writing was on the wall for West.

They had been unable to take control of possession in the second half and chances were limited to scraps.

Heaton sealed the win with a third goal, this time from Louis Anderson with just five minutes left on the clock to the raucous approval from the home support.

West Auckland manager Gary Forrest said: “Overall over the 90 minutes the best team has won and we can’t have any complaints.”

“It’s been a terrific season that has unfortunately ended in final day heartbreak.”

Despite this downcast end to the season, the club will now have to rebuild over summer and get this young squad ready for a fresh tilt at promotion in August.