Late heartbreak saw Stockton Town exit the FA Cup at Trafford.
Words by Jordan Clarke
Photo by Harry Cook
Trafford 2-1 Stockton Town | 30th August 2025
Goals: Amar Purewal, 0-1, 28 min; Mackena Bradshaw, 1-1, 66 min; Kingston Fligg, 2-1, 90+4 min.
Amar Purewal provided the Anchors the lead in the first half, but Trafford completed the turnaround in the second half with a 94th minute winner.
Lewis King was named into the squad for his 250th appearance in a Stockton shirt, with Michael Sweet, Jake Petitjean and Nathan Harker all returning the bench following injuries.
The home side started the game lively, but it was Stockton who had the first big chance of the game, with Kevin Hayes aiming a free-kick towards the bottom corner, being met last-second by Sam Booth with a diving stop.
A nightmare moment for Trafford gave the Anchors the lead in the 28th minute, when a weak back-pass from Harry Norris is read by Amar Purewal, who rounded the goalkeeper and slotted into the empty net from a difficult angle.
Harry Christy was called into action before the break, after a defensive miscommunication left space for a shot in the box, which Christy kept out very well.
Half-time: Trafford 0-1 Stockton Town
Amar Purewal the ball into the net for a second time, but the linesman raised his flag indicating an offside.
Harry Christy pulled off a magnificent save in the 59th minute, after Campbell Reid showed off some great footwork to create space for a shot.
But seven minutes later, Trafford found an equaliser when a loose ball around the box, was eventually fired in by Mackena Bradshaw.
After a late chance for Jake Petitjean was stopped by the goalkeeper, Trafford won it in the 94th minute, as substitute Kingston Fligg tapped home after a knock down from Jordan Fagbola.
Full-time: Trafford 2-1 Stockton Town
The Anchors have to put this result behind them, and turn their attention to return to league action next weekend when Stocksbridge Park Steels visit the MAP Group UK Stadium.
