Stockton Town earn their place in the first round of the FA Trophy after a strong 2-0 win over Lower Breck at the MAP Group UK Stadium.
Words by Elle-Mai Keightley
Photo by Harry Cook
Stockton Town 2-0 Lower Breck | 4th October 2025
Adam Nicholson returned to action after missing last weekend with a slight knock.
The Anchors weathered early pressure, before finding their rhythm and sealing the victory with a brace from striker Michael Sweet.
The opening half was competitive, with the visitors testing Stockton’s skills and looked lively. Stockton ‘keeper Nathan Harker was called into action early, producing a strong, diving save to deny the visitors’ first chance.
Moments later, Harker was again alert to deny a strike from close range with his feet, keeping the score level.
Despite the pressure, Stockton began to settle. Kevin Hayes had a promising look at goal, but dragged his shot wide. Arjun Purewal then found a good opportunity in the box, but his header was cleared by Theo Roberts.
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute, when Hayes delivered a superb cross finding Michael Sweet who powered his header past Roberts to put Stockton 1-0 up.
Half-time: Stockton Town 1-0 Lower Breck
The Anchors came out strong in the second half, and Josh Baggs made an immediate impact with a powerful strike, forcing a fingertip stop out of Roberts.
Nathan Harker made a crucially important double save to maintain the lead midway through the second 45, after the visitors found a way in-behind the backline.
But Stockton found the ever-important second goal. A brilliantly worked move involving Jake Petitjean and Hayes created space on the edge of the box, after Hayes’ strike was pushed aside by the goalkeeper, Sweet finished the rebound confidently for his second of the game.
Arjun Purewal nearly added a third with a bicycle-kick that went just wide, and Tom Birtles set up Sweet once more, but his shot failed to reach the far bottom corner. Lewis King then struck the crossbar in the dying moments as Stockton continued to dominate.
Michael Sweet’s double secured a deserved 2-0 win, sending Stockton Town through to the first round of the FA Trophy.
Full-time: Stockton Town 2-0 Lower Breck
The Anchors are back in midweek action on Tuesday, with a lengthy trip to Hednesford Town awaiting.
