Stockton fielded a much changed side in the 2nd Round of the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup last night. Injuries and game time for the lads who’ve not played much recently mainly. There wasn’t much in the match at all for over an hour both teams missing decent chances in the first half before Owens hammered a 25yd effort over the stranded keeper who was caught out too far off his line to deal with it. Stockton keeper Arthur made a good save as Billingham’s pace cut through the Stockton midfield easily and Owens hit the post before another poorly defended attack found Lambert and his shot deflected past Arthur to make it 1-1 at half time.
Second half was a little cat and mouse with both teams cancelling each other with Stockton looking a little weary and laboured at times. Garbutt and Petitjean livened it up when they came on and the Anchors finally got on top. The Anchors went in front on 77mins when N Mulligan turned Beddow and was brought down just inside the box he jumped up and tucked the Penalty away himself. On 85 minutes it was Owens shooting again only this time the keeper Hodgson made the save only for Garbutt to follow up and tap home and 2 minutes later Jimmy Ward played a nice ball into Owens who beat two men and fired home from a tight angle to make the Final Score 4-1
Another win and more positivity for the squad the result looks more comfortable than it was, although never in danger, the Anchors didn’t really get going until the last 25. Garbutt did well when he came on and 18yr old Jake Petitjean showed he’s not out of place at this level with an assured performance. Jamie Owens gets Man of Match for always being a threat and his class was the difference on the night.
