PRESCOT CABLES VS STOCKTON TOWN PREVIEW
COMPETITION: Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division – Matchday 1
DATE: Saturday 9th August, 2025
KICK-OFF: 15:00
ENTRY: £14 Adults, £10 Concessions, £5 Kids
GROUND: Auto Safety Centre Stadium, Eaton St, Prescot, L34 6HD
LIVE UPDATES: @stockton_townfc – Twitter/X
It all starts now, as Stockton Town open their 2025/26 Northern Premier League season with a trip to Prescot Cables.
After some challenging pre-season tests, Michael Dunwell’s side will be feeling fresh and raring to go for the new campaign, following the heart-breaking end to last season.
With Jamie Bramwell and Amar Purewal both set to make their first official start in Stockton colours, Jake Petitjean will be wearing the shirt for the first time since 2019 after returning to the club from Newton Aycliffe.
Vinnie Steels is in the later stages of recovery from an ACL tear, and should be back in action sooner rather than later.
THE OPPOSITION
Prescot had a fine 2024/25 debut season in the NPL, following playoff delight from the West Division in 2023/24. The Cables secured a solid 10th placed finish, with 57 points to their name.
The ‘Pesky Bulls’ have boosted their squad with unbelievable amounts of experience, with 36-year-old defender Michael Grogan partnering 43-year-old Peter Clarke, who is hoping to reach a milestone of 1000 career games played this season.
They’ve also brought in the talented midfielder Tom Scully, who was previously at Leek Town, as well as forward James Steele, who was top scorer for Widnes last season as they won the NPL West division.
They closed their summer business with the addition of youngster Finlay Cross-Adair, who spent time on loan in Merseyside last season. But the winger has appearances at Preston North End and Annan Athletic on his CV too.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two sides met twice last season, with the Anchors emerging victorious home and away.
17 Aug 2024 – Stockton Town 3-2 Prescot Cables – Northern Premier League Premier Division
12 Apr 2025 – Prescot Cables 0-1 Stockton Town – Northern Premier League Premier Division
PRE-MATCH QUOTES
Stockton Town Assistant Manager JD Briggs looked ahead to the opening of the 2025/25 season by saying:
“I’m really happy with how the squad handled pre-season. I think the fitness levels are where they need to be and the new signings have bedded in well, they all seem comfortable in the squad.
“We expect Prescot to be a battle. This game might have to be won off of a good work rate and pure fight.”
Words by Jordan Clarke
