Stockton Town picked up their first win of the 2026/27 season with a top-class performance against Alfreton Town.
Stephen Thompson and Josh Scott found the target either side of the break to solidify a 2-0 win.
Lewis King and Tom Coulthard both returned to the lineup after missing Tuesday’s defeat at Gainsborough Trinity.
Stockton started the game very strong with a number of good opportunities in the early stages, with Frank Nouble causing problems with his back to goal.
But Alfreton had the biggest chance of the match, 15 minutes in, when Siya Ligendza was played through on goal but he was denied by a top save from Nathan Harker to keep the scores level.
The deadlock was broken in the 22nd minute when Layton Watts, Frank Nouble and Lewis King all combined on the edge of the area, with King’s pass out wide finding Stephen Thompson who looped a striker over the goalkeeper, giving Stockton a lead with their first goal from open play of the season.
Josh Scott had a number of opportunities that were denied by Alfreton’s defenders, but the space Scott was finding through the middle was very encouraging for Stockton.
Half-time: Stockton Town 1-0 Alfreton Town
Three minutes into the second half, Scott was again fed through on goal and after seemingly losing the opportunity to a defender again, the ball stuck to his feet and he slipped an effort into the far corner to double the Anchors’ advantage.
Scott flicked a corner into the space of Adam Nicholson, minutes later, with the defenders effort heroically stopped by James Wright to keep the visitors within reach.
Frank Nouble showed his close footwork on the wing when he created space for a shot that was again saved by Wright.
But Alfreton failed to struggle Harker throughout the second half, and Stockton saw the game out for a big three points at home.
Full-time: Stockton Town 2-0 Alfreton Town
Stockton have a huge week ahead of them, with trips to Guiseley and Avro coming up on Tuesday and Saturday respectively.
