The Anchors continue to make history as they edged past former Vase finalists West Auckland into the 5th Round with a late extra time strike from Jamie Owens. A record crowd crammed into Bishopton Road West and they were royally entertained by two teams playing flat out for 120 minutes. Stockton started brightly but couldn’t find a goal, West took a foothold and the lead on 32 minutes through BELL. The pace of the game never relented and after the Anchors brought on Stockton early in second half, moved Risbrough to full back the game swung the other way. OWENS lashed a Mulligan header home on 72mins after several near misses and the Anchors finished the game better bringing two top drawer saves from Mchugh in the West goal. After the referee was replaced on 90mins following an injury, the game entered extra time. Liam Jordan denied Purewal early in the first half as the game turned into a thrilling end to end contest full of quality football. OWENS sent the Anchors fans wild in the 115th minute when he finished from 8 yards after a slick move involving Hayes and Garbutt who provided the perfect cross. I’d like to say the game petered out then, but a brawl caused by a fan attacking a Stockton player resulted in Red cards for NMulligan and Hayes along with West’s Anthony Bell.
A wonderful entertaining football match, which Stockton probably edged on chances as they continue to prove they belong amongst the top sides in this League and also in the Country now. We await the draw on Monday with great anticipation.
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