Kev Hayes proved clutch again for the Anchors as he grabbed the winner against Ashington.Â
Stockton had trailed to Jordan Summerly’s opener before Adam Nicholson got them back on terms.
Ashington then had a man sent off when Scott Heslop saw red.
Hayes bagged the winner when turned and fired past Ashington goalkeeper Karl Dryden.
“Buzzing to be able to get the winner, we created some very good chances to maybe score one or two more. I think we more than deserved the win in the end.”
Ashington made it difficult for Stockton throughout as they remained a tight unit throughout the game. The Anchors were also unable to get past Dryden who played a strong game.
Hayes said: “I didn’t really get into the game in the first half, it was very scrappy and they made it hard for us to play but regardless of my performance scoring the winner and getting through to the next round is always the priority.”
It was a much needed result for the Anchors today. Despite playing well at Hebburn Town on Tuesday they had ultimately fell to a 2-1 defeat. When Ashington had taken the lead it potentially looked like another day of misery.
Stockton now can look back positively on strong performance in which they were rewarded for their endeavours.
“I think the result today should definitely kick us on, we needed a win and we feel like we have deserved one more in the first two league games. So to get that winning feeling should hopefully become a habit again,” Hayes said.
Stockton Town are back in league action on Wednesday night when they welcome Bridlington Town to the MAP Group UK Stadium.
The Seasiders are without a win in their opening two league games having lost 3-1 at Dunston UTS and drew 2-2 at Grimsby Borough.
“I am looking forward to the Bridlington game. It’s good to get a quick turnover after a positive result and I am more than confident we can our first three points to really kick start the season.”
