LEEK TOWN VS STOCKTON TOWN PREVIEW
COMPETITION: Northern Premier League Premier Division
DATE: Saturday 10 August, 2024
KICK-OFF: 15:00
ENTRY: £12 Adult, £8 Concessions, £4 Under 18’s
Tickets available via this link- Fanbase | Choose quantity (fanbaseclub.com)
GROUND: Harrison Park, Leek, ST13 8LD
LIVE UPDATES: @stockton_townfc – Twitter/X
LIVE COMMENTARY: Anchors Radio (mixlr.com)
Stockton Town make their debut in the NPL Premier Division with a trip to Leek Town.
The time is finally here. After months of waiting following a dramatic Play-Off Final win over Dunston, Stockton are set to begin life in the NPL Premier Division.
The Anchors enjoyed a fruitful Pre-Season with five wins from seven games. The only defeat came in their final outing as they went down 1-0 at Whitby Town.
Although the result was not most disappointing part as that came when Kev Hayes was stretchered off the field. Thankfully initial scans have shown no break but he awaits another scan next week to establish the full extent of his injury.
Arjun Purewal and Shane Henry will also miss out with game coming slightly too early for them to get over their injuries.
Michael Dunwell is likely to hand debuts to Summer signings Owen Gallacher and Lewis Leech.
THE OPPOSITION
Leek Town are also newly promoted to the NPL Premier Division after they claimed NPL West Division title last season finishing ten points ahead of second-place Runcorn Linnets. It marks a return to Step Three for the first time since 2008.
It was a remarkable achievement for manager Josh Brehaut who only took charge of the club in September 2023.
There has been some key departures from their title-winning side. Their two top goal scorers in Rob Stevenson and Daniel Trickett-Smith who netted a combined 45 between them have both joined Hednesford Town. Captain Marc Grocott has also left and joined Hanley Town.
They have made some big additions in Oliver Shenton who boasts a wealth of experience in the National League North having arrived from Chorley. Defender Liam Edwards also arrived from the National League North where he featured for Chester. Winger Brendon Daniels has also signed from Stourbridge and adds Step Three experience.
PRE-MATCH QUOTES
Looking forward to the game, Assistant Manager JD Briggs said:
“I think we have improved, our fitness levels are really good and the positivity between the lads is excellent. We have also got players who can play in different positions.
“I think we are looking as good as we could heading into the new season. Myself, Michael and the coaching staff are very happy heading into the new season”
