OLD STANDIANS...3

STAND ATHLETIC...0

STANDIANS moved into the next round with a comfortable win over near rivals, Stand Athletic.

It was a patched up Standians team who had eight of the first team squad injured, but welcomed Greg Johnson back into midfield for the first time this season. Chris Stott, who recently represented Manchester United in the seven-a-side Budweiser Cup in New York, was having his first team debut.

Standians took the initiative from the kick-off and should have taken the lead as early as the seventh minute. Berry was allowed to run across the edge of the box but, although his shot beat the Stand 'keeper, it hit the foot of the post and ricocheted across the face of the goal at head height. Greg Johnson was the first to react, racing past two defenders to head home, only to have the goal disallowed for off-side.

The rest of the first half followed Standians' early season form -- plenty of dominance, few changes. Waltham went close with a header but there was little to show for Standians' efforts.

The second half was a different story. Elsworth, brought down on a mazy run through the area, got up to stroke home the first. Then a clever mid-field burst from Stott put Elsworth into the Stand box for the Standians' striker to score his second, after turning the athletic defence inside out.

Elsworth completed his hat-trick when played in by the industrious Anthony Johnson, who looked to be the perfect foil for Elsworth in the second half.

Waltham was once more outstanding in defence, and another clean sheet for young 'keeper Hinchy, should take Standians into the important game at Old Alts this weekend, in high spirits.

DIVISION THREE

Stockport Georgians 2 Old Standians Reserves 2.

OPEN CUP

Leigh Amateurs 4 Old Standians A 4 (Old Standians lost on penalties).

This week Old Standians travel to Old Alts hoping to reverse their opening day defeat. Kick-off 2.30pm.

The reserves don't have a game. The A team are at home to Royton Town at Ringley Road, kick-off 2.30pm.