Following a solid start in the league, the Anchors turn their attention to the FA Cup this weekend with a trip to Newcastle Benfield.
Stockton Town are taking part in only their second ever FA Cup campaign and they will be hoping to do much better than last season. An opening day of the season defeat at Teesside rivals Guisborough Town saw their FA Cup over.
This season they are away again in the Extra-Preliminary Round. They take on a Newcastle Benfield side that have started the season in the same form with one win and one draw. On Saturday they secured an impressive 1-0 win at Sunderland RCA. The always reliable Paul Brayson on hand to fire home.
https://www.facebook.com/NewcastleBenfieldFC/videos/1886854454710233/
They then followed that up with a credible goalless draw at home against Dunston UTS.
https://www.facebook.com/NewcastleBenfieldFC/videos/1894983117230700/
Aside from the obvious goalscoring prowess of Brayson, Benfield have a few quality options among their squad. The arrival of Dean Holmes from North Shields was a big sign of intent from the Lions. The FA Vase winner has been among the best wingers in the Northern League for the past four seasons. In addition to Holmes they also added Joe Robson from North Shields, former Ashington captain Craig Scott and Joe Laidler from Blyth Spartans after he had successful loan spell at Benfield last season. Their forward line now looks one of the most dangerous in the Northern League after bringing in Dennis Knight from Jarrow Roofing and Dale Pearson from Ashington.
Stockton will be hoping they can replicate the form they showed over Benfield last season. The Anchors completed the double over their Newcastle opponents with a 4-0 win at the Coverall Stadium and a 4-1 win at Sam Smith’s Park.
Team News
Fred Woodhouse returns to the squad after recovering from an ankle ligament injury. There is also a place in the squad for youngster Arthur Connolly as there seven substitutes allowed for the game.
