Kevin Hayes sealed all three points for Stockton with a late winner against Cleethorpes Town.
Words by Elle-Mai Keightley
Photo by Harry Cook
Stockton Town 2-1 Cleethorpes Town | 31st January 2026
Hayes returned to the line-up for the game following a two-match ban.
For the most part, it was an uneventful first half from both sides. Cleethorpes had the first major chance of the game denied when Liam Hughes’ header was cleared off the line.
Both sides struggled to keep possession, but continued to push forward to find their rhythm.
A free-kick from Jake Petitjean met the head of Amar Purewal who headed over.
Josh Scott found space through the defence, and his flew over the crossbar.
Petitjean later found a header that proved too easy for Ollie Battersby, as the half to a close.
Half-time: Stockton Town 0-0 Cleethorpes Town
Stockton enjoyed a better second-half as play continued with efforts from Lewis King seeking a goal.
Moments later, Petitjean found an opener after a wonderful cross from Owen Gallacher, making it easy for Jake to head past Battersby.
Scott had a confident effort, which unfortunately deflected wide.
Kevin Hayes’ low strike was met by the goalkeeper’s gloves as his ball swept towards goal.
Nine minutes from time, the visitors succeeded in their search for an equaliser, when Liam Hughes pounced on a defensive error and lofted over Nathan Harker.
But as the clock hit 90, Hayes found hope on the right-wing creating room for a shot inside the box and successfully giving Stockton the lead with a strike drilled into far, bottom corner, giving the Anchors fans a home win to celebrate.
Full-time: Stockton Town 2-1 Cleethorpes Town
Stockton next head to the on-form Bamber Bridge, seeking another positive result on the road.
