Stockton Town progressed in the Durham Challenge at Farringdon Detached, despite a first half scare.
Words by James Cartwright
Photo by Harry Cook
Farringdon Detached 2-5 Stockton Town | 11th October 2025
James Burlinson gave the Wearside League outfit a shock lead on the half hour mark, but it was cancelled out by Josh Scott’s equaliser.
Kev Hayes scored two penalties either side of the break to put Stockton in control. Although Burlinson took a brace away from the game with another header to make it tight.
Stockton pulled clear from the side they sat four leagues above with goals from substitutes Amar Purewal and Michael Sweet.
Michael Dunwell named a strong Starting XI for the Durham Challenge Cup First Round Tie and handed Tom Birtles his first start as a First Team player.
On a sunny October day, Stockton looked for the early advantage at the Ryhope Recreation Ground. A succession of corners were kept out by the Farringdon defence in the opening exchanges of the game.
Stockton were stunned on the half hour when Burlinson rose highest among the bodies to head the side who sat 84 places below the Anchors ahead of kick-off into the lead.
Stockton regained their composure to level when Scott turned in following Adam Nicholson’s long throw-in.
The Anchors headed into half time with the lead and a man advantage after defender Jordan Stewart handled an effort on goal. Hayes dispatched the penalty when he sent Lewis Charlton the opposite way.
Half Time: Farringdon Detached 1-2 Stockton Town
Despite having just ten men, Farringdon still pushed forward when they could and they almost levelled when Kevin Humble broke through on goal but Nathan Harker stayed big to save with his body.
Moments later Stockton almost had daylight between themselves and Farringdon, but Jack Spears’ effort crashed against the crossbar after he was found by Scott.
Stockton had the ball in the net again through Scott who poked home when the ball was played across to him, but the linesman flagged for offside.
Just after the hour mark, Stockton had their third when Gallacher was brought down when he was through on goal. Hayes scored from the spot again to put the visitors in control.
With twenty minutes remaining, Farringdon had a lifeline when Burlinson headed in from a corner again for his second of the game.
In stoppage time, Stockton made the scoreline look convincing. Substitute Lewis King put the ball through for Amar Purewal who dinked the ball beyond Charlton for his third goal for the club.
Right on the stroke of full-time, a fifth was added when Sweet touched from an acrobatic overhead assist from Amar Purewal.
Full-Time: Farringdon Detached 2-5 Stockton Town
Stockton Town through to the Durham Challenge Cup Second Round. The Anchors return to league action next Saturday with the visit of Ashton United.
