STOCKTON TOWN VS HEBBURN TOWN PREVIEW
COMPETITION: Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division – Matchday 22
DATE: Friday 26th December, 2025
KICK-OFF: 15:00
ENTRY: £13 Adult, £10 Concessions, £6 11-18 year-olds, £4 U11
GROUND: Stockton Town FC, Map Group UK Stadium, Bishopton Road West, Stockton-on-Tees, TS19 0QD
LIVE UPDATES: @stockton_townfc – Twitter/X
LIVE COMMENTARY: https://anchors-radio.mixlr.com/
Stockton Town face a Boxing Day test with the visit of local rivals Hebburn Town.
The Anchors headed into Christmas with a 1-0 win at the league’s basement boys Workington.
Kev Hayes’ first half penalty settled what was a tight affair against a ten-man outfit for much of the game. The Reds had been reduced to ten when Charlie Barnes was given his marching orders for a reckless challenge on Cam Painter.
It could have been more than just one, but Amar Purewal had a goal ruled out and later struck the post.
It was a positive day for the defence who kept their third consecutive clean sheet.
Stockton will have Ryan Barrett and Jaedon Faulkner available for selection following their return from injury.
THE OPPOSITION
To say Hebburn Town are flying would be an understatement. The Hornets added to their impressive win streak with their ninth triumph in a row on Saturday against Guiseley and are aiming to make it ten league wins in a row.
Despite a delayed kick-off due to floodlight issues, Hebburn kept their composure and beat Guiseley thanks to Michael Turner’s solitary goal.
Their last defeat in any sort of competition came in Durham Challenge Cup at the MAP Group UK Stadium. Although that night they lost on penalties. For the last time they lost in 90 minutes, that came in late October in the FA Trophy against another North East opponent in Dunston.
The majority of the Hebburn Town squad needs introduction having had many battles against Stockton over the years.
Striker Gary Martin moved from Bishop Auckland despite a mediocre campaign with the Two Blues last season. He has rediscovered his form and has been prolific in front of goal. Although he did have the decisive spot kick saved in the Durham Challenge Cup encounter.
Another standout performer recently has been Hartlepool United loanee Kian Foreman. The 18-year-old has lit up the Hebburn attack in recent weeks, especially in the win at Hyde where he came from the bench and bagged a late brace.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Stockton Town and Hebburn Town have met 17 times. Most recently in the Durham Challenge Cup at the beginning of November.
04 Nov 2025- Stockton Town 1-1 Hebburn Town (5-3p) – Durham Challenge Cup Second Round
21 Apr 2025 – Hebburn Town 2-0 Stockton Town – Northern Premier League Premier Division
26 Dec 2024 – Stockton Town 1-1 Hebburn Town- Northern Premier League Premier Division
16 Dec 2023 – Stockton Town 3-1 Hebburn Town – Northern Premier League East Division
15 Aug 2023 – Hebburn Town 2-1 Stockton Town – Northern Premier League East Division
FORM GUIDE
Stockton Town: W D W D L
Last match: Workington 0-1 Stockton Town
Hebburn Town: W W W W W
Last match: Hebburn Town 1-0 Guiseley
VIEW FROM THE OPPOSITION
Speaking after the win over Guiseley, Hebburn manager Daniel Moore said:
“I always look forward to that game (against Stockton). They’ve had a good win today (1-0 v Workington) so it will be a tough game as every game is.
“We’ll prepare for it. The lads need a bit of a breather. As we go into January we need everyone as fit as we can.”
PRE-MATCH QUOTES
Looking ahead to the Boxing Day fixture, Michael Dunwell said:
“We’re really looking forward to it. Games between us and Hebburn are always close. They are on great run themselves and its fully justified where they are in the league.
“We’ve already played them in the Durham Cup this season and that was tight and we won on penalties. I am guessing it will be a tight game and I am hoping for a big crowd with a big atmosphere. Hopefully we can keep another clean sheet and get another three points.”
