Five star Anchors see off Tadcaster

Glen Butterworth scored his first goal for Stockton Town in a 5-0 victory over Tadcaster Albion.

The Anchors took the lead through Tom Portas and had a two-goal lead at half time when Kev Hayes scored his second penalty in as many weeks. Tadcaster, already relegated, had a mountain to climb after goalkeeper Josh Mazfari was sent off for giving away the penalty.

They added three further goals in the second through Dale Mulligan, the aforementioned Butterworth and Mikey Roberts.

Michael Dunwell named an unchanged line-up to the one that defeated Carlton Town 2-0 last Saturday.

Stockton started strongly and had the game’s first effort within three minutes when some lovely play found Matty Tymon on the edge of the area but he curled his effort over.

Mazfari then had to be at his best to deny the home side by keeping out close range efforts from Hayes and Cameron Painter.

Hayes then was foiled again by a smart save from the goalkeeper.

Stephen Thompson then tried an acrobatic strike that ended up over the bar.

Eventually the breakthrough for Stockton came when Tymon produced some wonderful close control to the byline before he cut it back for Portas who was open in the middle to convert.

Soon enough, Stockton had a second when Portas was brought down by Mazfari who was sent off as a result.

Hayes stepped up and calmly slotted home to extend the lead.

Just past the hour mark, Stockton had a third when Dale Mulligan had a header cleared off the line but he was on hand to score on the rebound.

Six minutes later, a fourth Anchors goal when substitute Nathan Mulligan headed across goal and Butterworth headed in for his first goal for the club.

Stockton had a fifth when Mikey Roberts scored his first goal since his return from injury.

They did have opportunities to equal their biggest win of the season.

Nathan Mulligan fired an effort wide from a tight angle. In the closing stages, Butterworth had excellent control in the box before he found Thompson who saw his effort well blocked.

Stockton Town are next in action when they host Stocksbridge Park Steels next Saturday.

Stockton Town: C.Roberts, King, McWilliams, Portas, D.Mulligan, Coulthard, Hayes (Walker 54), Butterworth, Tymon (M.Roberts 68), Painter (Mulligan 62), Thompson.

Unused subs: Godfrey, Beddow

Tadcaster Albion: Mazfari, Dyer, Johnson, Sharry, Beaston, Hartley, Ferreira, Porritt, Sanyang (Love 44), Palit, Amponsah

Unused subs: Hudson, Shepherd

Goals: 1-0, 40 min, Portas; 2-0, 45 min, Hayes; 3-0, 61 min, D.Mulligan; 4-0, 68 min, Butterworth; 5-0, 74 min, M.Roberts

Referee: Chris Ellis

Attendance: 462

Photo: Harry Cook

Words: James Cartwright