STOCKTON TOWN VS LANCASTER CITY PREVIEW
COMPETITION: Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division – Matchday 38
DATE: Saturday 18th April, 2026
KICK-OFF: 15:00
ENTRY: £13 Adult, £10 Concessions, £6 11-18 year-olds, £4 U11
ONLINE TICKETS: https://stocktontownfc.ktckts.com
GROUND: Stockton Town FC, MAP Group UK Stadium, Bishopton Road West, Stockton-on-Tees, TS19 0QD
LIVE UPDATES: @stockton_townfc – Twitter/X
LIVE COMMENTARY: https://anchors-radio.mixlr.com/
It’s now or never for Stockton’s playoff push, with Saturday’s visitors Lancaster putting serious pressure on them, and Gainsborough in the one remaining spot.
The Anchors will be eager to bounce back from Cup final heartbreak on Tuesday, losing the Durham Challenge Cup to Shildon after a 2-0 defeat.
Michael Dunwell’s side have now lost three straight games for the first time this season, but still have the NPL playoffs within reach, with just three games remaining.
Around the ground there will also be voting slips for supporters to choose their Player of the Season for the 25/26 campaign.
THE OPPOSITION
Lancaster City are the team that can smell blood after an immense win over Gainsborough Trinity last weekend. The Dolly Blues now sit one point outside of the playoffs with two games to go.
Despite having a game less than the Anchors left on the schedule, Mark Fell’s side host Stocksbridge Park Steels on the final day, whose relegation could be confirmed tomorrow, meaning this game is absolutely crucial for both teams.
Winger Nic Evangelinos always causes the Anchors problems in their meetings, scoring a worldie back at the Giant Axe in 2024. He leads the side in goals with 13, two ahead of Steven Yawson.
EFL-veteran Simon Grand, now 42 years old, also still plays an important role, and solidifies the backline.
Lancaster also had a midweek Cup final, but unlike the Anchors, Fell’s side were successful in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy, beating NWCFL side Padiham 1-0 thanks to Evangelinos’ goal.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Stockton have been successful on two occasions against the Dollies:
10 Sep 24 – Lancaster City 2-1 Stockton Town- NPL Premier Division
15 Jan 25 – Stockton Town 1-0 Lancaster City- NPL Premier Division
22 Nov 25 – Lancaster City 1-2 Stockton Town – NPL Premier Division
FORM GUIDE
Stockton Town (6th): W L W L L
Last match: Stockton Town 2-4 Rushall Olympic
Lancaster City (7th): D L W D W
Last match: Lancaster City 3-0 Gainsborough Trinity
PRE-MATCH QUOTES
Speaking after Tuesday’s disappointment, Michael Dunwell looked ahead to the Lancaster clash: “We’ll do our best to pick the players up, but they have to look at themselves and pick themselves up as well. They’ve got to rally around each other.
“When we start getting the basics right, and working harder than the other team, the rest will come. We’ve got the quality there, but what we need is the desire.”
