Stockton went into this game needing a win to restore some pride and there were a number of changes to the starting 11 following Wednesday’s defeat to Redcar Athletic. Out went Matty Lovatt (illness), Sonni Coleman (ankle operation), Jimmy Ward (Cricket commitment) with Tom Coulthard returning at Centre Half, Joe Scaife Wheatley coming in on the right side and Kallum Hannah stepping into the Centre Forwards role.
Stockton got the game’s opening goal following a short corner on 17 minutes when Chris Stockton linked with Max Craggs for the later to deliver in a wicked cross for Kallum Hannah to find the net with a glancing header.
It took only another 4 minutes for Stockton to double their advantage when some flowing football from deep in their own half saw Joe Scaife Wheatley released down the right and his awareness and unselfishness shone as he picked out Kallum Hannah who netted from 8 yards.
Just before half time saw Whitehaven presented with a chance to get back in the game after some sloppy defending, however Michael Arthur in Stockton’s goal pulled off a tremendous save to his left to push a close range effort round the post for a corner and maintain Stockton’s 2 goal lead.
The second half was only a minute old when a Chris Dunwell header from a right wing cross found the net to make it 3 0 and then Tom Coulthard grabbed Stockton’s 4th goal of the afternoon when he found the net from a tight angle following a partially cleared right wing corner.
A good solid performance from the lads to set themselves up for this weeks tough trips to Hartlepool FC on Wednesday evening and Prudhoe Town next Saturday. Our next Home fixture is on Saturday 5th September when Boldon CA are the visitors with a 2 30pm kick off.
