Stockton Town found Ryhope CW a tough nut to crack, with little between the sides in the early exchanges. It was Stockton who should of taken an early lead when they squandered chances and found Poskett in the Ryhope goal in good form

The had to wait until the 35th minute for its first goal, when Ryhope attacked down Stocktons right. The cross found Stockton stretched at the ball and when the ball was knocked back across the face of the goal Connor Winter managed to turn the ball past Liam Jordan for the only goal of the first half.

Stockton made several changes including goalkeepers, Michael Arthur replacing Liam Jordan and it was a rare slip by Arthur that gifted Ryhope a second goal, the keeper stopped the ball from going out, and he miss hit the ball straight to Nathan O’Neil on the edge of the box for him to fire the ball back into the empty net after 67 minutes.

O’Neil scored Ryhope’s third after 72 minutes with a 35 yard shot that flew past Michael Arthur.

Chris Stockton got a consolation goal for Stockton Town after 84 minutes, but it was Ryhope that restored a three goal cushion when Kyle Davies fired in from close range.

A harsh lesson for Stockton who were punished for their mistakes and this was compounded by missing their chances created.

Next up is Marske United on Saturday 23rd July at 3pm.