Stockton Town scored two second half goals as they earned their first three points of the season with victory over Bridlington Town. 

Following a goalless first half, Stephen Thompson thought he had given Stockton the lead with a wonder strike but that was ruled out for an offside.

Michael Fowler eventually provided the opener just after the hour mark before substitute Elliott Beddow sealed the win in stoppage time.

Michael Dunwell named an unchanged line-up from the side that beat Ashington in the FA Cup. Lewis King made his 150th appearance for the Anchors.

The Anchors crafted the game’s first opportunity when Cameron Painter created space in the box before he fired over the bar.

Bridlington threatened occasionally throughout and they had possibly their best chance shortly before the quarter hour mark when a low ball from left was narrowly poked wide.

Stockton had an excellent chance to open the scoring when Bridlington goalkeeper James Hitchcock misjudged the bounce of the ball- that allowed in Painter but his effort was superbly blocked by Ellis Barkworth.

The home side continued to press for an opener, minutes later Thompson sent a drive narrowly wide.

Barkworth was again there to foil Stockton when he blocked a goal bound effort from Michael Sweet.

Stockton began the second half with same intent and they could have been forgiven for thinking it wasn’t going to be their night. Bridlington pulled off some heroic defending as they put their bodies on the line to stop a succession of shots.

The wait for the opener continued when Thompson fired in a worldie but he was denied by a flag for offside.

Thompson then combined with Painter but his thunderous effort missed the target.

Finally, just after the hour mark, Stockton had the opener when Fowler emphatically headed in Kevin Hayes’ cross from the right.

Bridlington were still in the game in the closing stages and they almost had sniff but Callum Roberts was alert to deny the attacker after long ball from Benn Lewis had found him in the box.

At the other end, Fowler almost completed a brace but his shot struck the foot of the post.

Finally, the game was wrapped up when Kev Hayes broke down the right and clipped in ball for Beddow to convert.

They were made to be patient but eventually Stockton broke the resistance to earn their first three points of the season.