It was a thrilling return to the MAP Group UK Stadium for Stockton Town, as they picked up their first victory of the new season in emphatic fashion. 

Words by Elle-Mai Keightley
Photo by Jordan Clarke

Stockton Town 6-0 Workington | 12th August 2025

Goals: Josh Scott, 1-0, 8 min; Jake Petitjean, 2-0, 20 min; Michael Sweet, 3-0, 65 min; Kevin Hayes, 4-0, 79 min; Jamie Bramwell, 5-0, 83 min; Michael Sweet, 6-0, 88 min

Michael Dunwell opted for a three at the back formation, with both Josh Scott and Amar Purewal leading the line.

The Anchors started brightly, with Amar Purewal testing the Workington keeper early on with a powerful strike that was well saved. The pressure continued, and it didn’t take long for Stockton to break the deadlock. A great ball in behind the backline unleashed Kevin Hayes, who drove into the box and played a precise ball across goal to find Josh Scott in space, who calmly slotted home the Club’s first goal of the season.

An early change was forced upon Stockton as Owen Gallacher was substituted for Michael Sweet, and we all hope for positive news regarding that scary incident.

Josh Scott came close to doubling his tally shortly after, rising well to meet a cross but heading just over the bar.

Stockton’s second goal came through a superb team effort. A deep cross from Kevin Hayes is knocked down by Amar Purewal, into the path of Jake Petitjean who wonderfully fired past Alex Mitchell on his return home. 

Stockton’s further efforts were denied in dramatic fashion by a triple save from Workington ‘keeper Mitchell who saved Glen Butterworth’s attempt from a few yards out, then two powerful rebounds from Amar Purewal and Josh Scott.

Half-time: Stockton Town 2-0 Workington

The second half began with high energy, as Workington came out with renewed intent, applying pressure in search of a way back into the game. Stockton, however, responded with resilience and continued attacking with confidence.

Amar Purewal had an early chance, forcing another incredible close-range save from the Workington ‘keeper. The momentum quickly swung back in Stockton’s favour when Kevin Hayes delivered a dangerous corner into the box. Michael Sweet took full advantage, powering past Mitchell to extend the Anchors’ lead to 3–0.

Stockton showed no signs of easing off. Their fourth goal came through the ever-influential Kevin Hayes, who met a pinpoint pass from Glen Butterworth and powered a header into the net to make it 4–0.

Possibly the highlight of the half, however, came from Jamie Bramwell. In a moment of individual brilliance, the defender carried the ball through the centre of the pitch, exchanged a slick one-two with Jack Spears, and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper – sealing Stockton’s fifth goal of the evening.

As the game drew to a close, Stockton found time for a sixth, when Michael Sweet fired a rocket of a half-volley perfectly past Mitchell to add the cherry on top of a superb evening on Teesside.

Full-time: Stockton Town 6-0 Workington

The Anchors are at home again this weekend, when Hyde United visit the MAP Group UK Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Stockton Town: Harker, King, Gallacher (Sweet 9′), Petitjean (Painter 68′), Bramwell, Coulthard, Hayes (McHugh 84′), Butterworth, Purewal (Amar), Scott (Spears 75′), Thompson (Purewal (Arjun) 66′)

Unused Subs: N/A

Workington: Mitchell, Galloway, Leslie, Casson, Dickinson, Swinglehurst, Symington (Chapman 83′), McGladdery (Park 35′), Dawson (Bell 72′), Ellis, Reid

Unused Subs: Eccles, Nugent