Stockton visited the 1981 Winners Whickham in the First Round of the Buildbase FA Vase hoping to continue the excellent recent streak of victories. Goals from Coleman and Woodhouse punctuated another good all round performance in trying conditions
Stockton started the game on the front foot with Hayes and Woodhouse both going close but it was Coleman who gave them the lead after 12 mins with an overhead kick from 14 yards after Whickham keeper Mordey made a great save from Craggs with his foot. Stockton pretty much dominated the first half in terms of chances created and probably should have been further in front by half time.
The second half started as the rain came down (at 45 degrees because of the strong cross wind) and it was much the same as the first half as Stockton pressed Whickham back. On 54 minutes the Anchors finally got the second goal after great work by first Ward and then Craggs who beat 2 men neatly and slipped the ball through to Woodhouse who turned and finished from 12 yards. Whickham came into the game and probably had the better of the last 25 minutes and sub Cains had two good efforts, one that smashed against Arthurs right hand post with the keeper stranded. However Stockton’s defence were strong once again and saw it out in worsening conditions to get their name in the hat for Mondays second round draw.
(Click on result in sidebar for Match Report)
