Another Stephen Thompson wonderstrike earned Stockton Town their first away win of the season at Cleethorpes Town.
Words by James Cartwright
Photo by Harry Cook
Amar Purewal gave the Anchors the lead inside five minutes, but they were pegged back by Bailey Conway’s second-half strike.
However, Stockton took the points when ‘Thommo’ pulled one out of the top shelf.
In a clash that pitted 6th against 5th, Michael Dunwell made one change as Arjun Purewal came in for Adam Nicholson, who was nursing an injury.
The Anchors made the perfect start when Glen Butterworth released Amar Purewal, and he showed composure to slot under the advancing Ollie Battersby.
As the half wore on, Cleethorpes started to get a grip on the game, but was unable to conjure any genuine chances on the Stockton goal. A dangerous header at the back post was the closest the Owls came.
Half Time: Cleethorpes Town 0-1 Stockton Town
Early in the second half Stockton had the chance to double their lead with a free kick in the D. Kev Hayes sent his effort low, but Battersby was down to keep it out.
Cleethorpes found their equaliser when some neat combination play saw the ball fall to Conway, who converted past Harker.
Craig Rouse’s outfit were encouraged by their leveller and continued to come forward, but the Stockton defence held firm — particularly Tom Coulthard, who produced an immense sliding challenge to prevent substitute Josh Walker when he bore down on goal.
With Cleethorpes looking the more likely to win the game, Stockton snatched it from them with a piece of brilliance from Thompson. The ball bounced up invitingly, he took the shot on the half volley and fired it into the top corner past the flailing Battersby.
Cleethorpes pushed for an equaliser to the very last. Harker made an unbelievable double save: first he denied the strike from Curtis Bateson, and then the follow-up from Brad Abbott. The home side then had a penalty appeal turned away despite adamant shouts from those in Blue.
Full Time: Cleethorpes Town 1-2 Stockton Town