STOCKTON TOWN VS WEST AUCKLAND TOWN PREVIEW
COMPETITION: Pre-Season Friendly
DATE: Wednesday 17th July, 2024
KICK-OFF: 7:45pm
ENTRY: £5 Adult, £3 Concessions (Free for Season Card holders)
GROUND: MAP Group UK Stadium, Bishopton Road West, Stockton-On-Tees, TS19 0QD
LIVE UPDATES: @stockton_townfc – Twitter/X
Stockton Town return to home action when they host Northern League side West Auckland this evening.
It is the first time the Anchors have been at home since their dramatic penalty shootout victory over Dunston in last season’s Play-Off Final.
Michael Dunwell’s men have a good start to Pre-Season with back-to-back wins and two clean sheets in hand.
Last time out they were 3-0 winners at Crook Town with second half goals from Michael Sweet, Jacob Johnson and Jack Spears.
Spears continued his good Pre-Season form by adding to the goal that he scored in the win over Consett.
It is expected more first team players will be available tonight with Adam Nicholson returning to the side after missing Saturday.
Stephen Thompson is also expected to make his first appearance this Pre-Season.
THE OPPOSITION
West Auckland were beaten finalists in last season’s Northern League Division One Play-Off Final as they down 3-0 at Heaton Stannington. That came after brushing aside Shildon at Dean Street in the Play-Off Semi-Final.
They are the holders of the Durham Challenge Cup after beating Whickham at Stadium of Light in the final.
This season Garry Forrest’s men hope to go one better in the league and achieve promotion to the Northern Premier League East Division. They have retained the services of last season’s top scorer Josh Scott who netted 37 goals. Along with a number of other key players.
James Harrison has become a permanent signing after spending last season on loan from Hebburn Town. Anthony Bell has returned to the club. Jermaine Metz, who caught the eye during his time at Consett, has signed. Former Anchor Alfie Conway has also joined the club.
They have begun Pre-Season with a 4-2 win over Ashington and 3-0 defeat to Hartlepool United.
PRE-MATCH QUOTES
Reflecting on the win at Crook, Manager Michael Dunwell said:
“Saturday at Crook was another good workout for us. The majority of the game we controlled and our fitness came through.
“We scored three very good goals and it was good to see the Under-18s in Jacob (Johnson) and Jack (Spears) coming through. Luke Brumpton also played too.
“It was good to see more of the Trialists we are going to make a decision on them very soon.”
Looking ahead to tonight’s game, he added:
“It seems an age since we played at home so looking forward to getting back on home turf.
“So more minutes in the league with a busy week with West Auckland then Newton Aycliffe on Friday. Then next week another two friendlies
“Looking forward to the build-up to the new season with fixtures coming up on Thursday too.”
