Stockton Town marked their debut in the NPL Premier Division with victory at Leek Town.

Michael Sweet scored the opener on ten minutes and Michael Fowler capped off the win with a late second.

Michael Dunwell handed out debuts to Lewis Leech and Owen Gallacher. Josh Baggs started on the right and Sweet was given the nod up top.

The Anchors were almost caught cold when a loose ball was picked up by Alex Hurst who forced a strong stop from Harker.

They were then left off when Joe Wolley was released and he shanked an effort wide.

Stockton the lead in the 10th minute when Sweet turned and fired in. A real strikers goal from the Play-Off Final hero.

The Anchors were buoyed and had another effort when Josh Baggs drove forward and saw his shot well-blocked.

At the end of the half, the Anchors produced a good move but Butterworth could only find the gloves of Visser.

Half Time: Leek Town 0-1 Stockton Town

Leek came out strong in the second half and pressed for an equaliser.

Harker was top draw to deny Ollie Shenton following a slick Leek move.

Ten minutes into the second half Stockton had a chance when Gallacher found a way through but he dragged his strike wide.

Harker remained sharp throughout the second half and it was routine when he kept out a long range effort from Billy Reeves

.Sweet nearly had a second but he struck wide after Adam Nicholson headed into his path from a free kick.

Leek had a chance when Tim Grice, Mr Leek Town, headed over.

Stockton almost scored a real eye-catcher to wrap up the game as Butterworth powered a half-volley over.

Harker was again in top form to deny Onyeka with a close range effort.

In the end, Stockton claimed a huge three points when youngster Jacob Johnson hustled in midfield and the ball fell to Fowler who finished with a aplomb.

Full Time: Leek Town 0-2 Stockton Town

Leek Town: Visser, Buckley (Curl 77′), Weir, Edwards, Harrison, Reeves, Hurst (Webster 81′), Green (Okome 63′), Daniels (Onyeka 63), Shenton, Woolley (Grice 57′)

Stockton Town: Harker, King, Baggs, Painter, Nicholson, Coulthard, Leech (Johnson 90′) , Butterworth, Sweet (Beddow 71′), Thompson (Fowler 63′) , Gallacher (Spears 85′) Unused Subs: Shane Henry

Goals: Sweet, 10 min, 0-1; Fowler, 90 min, 0-2

Attendance: 646

Words: James Cartwright

Photo: Harry Cook