Dean Nicholson wants Heaton Stannington to ’embrace’ Senior Cup final challenge

Heaton Stannington manager Dean Nicholson has called on his players to ’embrace’ the challenge of trying to become the first side to retain the Northumberland Senior Cup in 14 years.

The Northern Premier League East side face former Northern League rivals Whitley Bay at Newcastle United’s St James Park on Tuesday night just 12 months after lifting the Senior Cup for the first time in their history with a penalty shoot-out win against Morpeth Town.

The last side to retain the Senior Cup was Newcastle’s Under-21s as a Magpies side containing future Premier League defender Paul Dummett saw off Northern League club Team Northumbria by emerging on the right end of a shoot-out after the two sides had shared eight goals over 120 minutes.

That came a year after current Rangers captain James Tavernier was amongst the scorers as Newcastle’s second string eased to a comprehensive 4-0 win against Blyth Spartans.

For Nicholson and his Stan players, the memories of their own glorious night at the Gallowgate live fresh in the mind and that is why he is so keen to ensure it is their name that will be etched on to the Senior Cup by the time the full-time whistle is blown on Tuesday night.

‘Massive for the players’

He told The NLP: “It probably means a bit more to be back there I think. It was a huge thing for us as a club last year and we wanted to get back to the final at the start of the season but we knew there were some strong sides in the competition.

“To get there again is a big credit to the players and we will go and enjoy the night.  It is an achievement to be there and it’s massive for the players. We will embrace it, it’s an unbelievable evening but it’s only unbelievable if you go and win it.”

‘Real privilege’

The final will also provide a special night for Nicholson’s opposite number after Whitley Bay manager Jay Bates confirmed the game will be the last of his reign with the four-times FA Vase winners.

Bates was appointed at Hillheads during the summer of 2024 and has led Whitley to their first Senior Cup final since they suffered a 3-0 defeat against Ashington 13 years ago. Progress has also come in the form of securing a play-off place with a third place finish in Northern League Division One – although thoughts of promotion were ended by a semi-final defeat against eventual play-off winners West Auckland Town.

Ahead of the final, Bates has revealed he will bow out after Tuesday’s meeting with the Stan and described his time in charge of the Bay as ‘a real privilege’.

In a social media post, the former West Allotment Celtic boss said: “After 5th May, the final at St James Park will be my last game in charge of Whitley Bay. It’s been a tough two years in this role but also a real privilege to have had this opportunity.

“Most importantly, it’s been an absolute pleasure to manage such a great group of players as well as top, top staff, not just as footballers but as mates as well. Unfortunately, all things come to an end, and I hope the club continues to move forward in the right direction.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has welcomed me at the Bay, too many to name.  It hasn’t gone unnoticed. A special thank you as well to the Bay supporters.  You’ve shown exactly why you’re the best in the league.  All the best for the future, Jay.”