Both teams’ goalkeepers were on top form as Stockton Town and Whitby Town played out a goalless draw to close pre-season.
Words by Elle-Mai Keightley
Photo by Harry Cook
Stockton Town 0-0 Whitby Town | 2nd August 2025
Stockton Town kicked off their final pre-season friendly with intensity as they welcomed Whitby Town to the MAP Group UK Stadium in high heats on Teesside.
Early on, Amar Purewal threaded a clever ball through to Cameron Painter, whose left-footed strike was well saved by Whitby’s goalkeeper, Shane Bland. Moments later, Jake Petitjean tested Bland again, but the keeper collected comfortably.
Kevin Hayes nearly opened the scoring with a powerful effort from distance that rattled the crossbar — a warning shot that lifted the home crowd.
At the other end, Stockton’s stand-in goalkeeper Nathan Fisher made an impressive diving stop to deny former Anchor Matty Tymon’s dangerous strike, keeping the game level.
As the half progressed, Purewal found himself with a golden opportunity but Bland showed remarkable recovery speed to scramble back and make the save.
Bland continued to be a wall in goal, diving to stop Josh Scott’s header after a pinpoint delivery from Hayes, keeping Stockton’s pressure at bay
Half-time: Stockton Town 0-0 Whitby Town
Stockton started the second-half brightly, with Owen Gallacher testing Whitby’s keeper Shane Bland early on, his strike forcing yet another solid save.
Stockton pushed forward in search of a breakthrough. Jake Petitjean found space at the back post but saw his header drift narrowly wide. Stephen Thompson then delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal, just evading the outstretched foot of Michael Sweet.
Cameron Painter impressed with a surging run through midfield, capping it off with a drilled low effort that whistled inches past the upright.
Despite a few late opportunities, Stockton were unable to find the finishing touch, and their pre-season campaign wrapped up with a goalless draw — a competitive encounter ending 0-0 at the MAP Group UK Stadium.
Full-time: Stockton Town 0-0 Whitby Town
Next week it all starts for real, with a trip to Prescot Cables set for the Anchors to open the 2025/26 Northern Premier League season. Supporters can book their place on the supporters coach to Merseyside now by clicking here.
| Sat 01 Nov, 3:00pm | H |  | Ilkeston Town | First Team | NPL Premier Division |
