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This was an eagerly awaited game for Stockton Town against strong Northern League Division 1 opponents who are expected to have a successful season.
The early exchanges saw both teams retaining possession for periods without threatening either goalkeeper. It was Stockton who found the net first after some fine football when Captain Stav Roberts turned the ball home from 8 yards after 14 minutes firing in a Matthew Garbutt cross.
Tony Johnson scored Stockton’s second goal after 33 minutes in a goalmouth scramble the ball found Johnson unmarked to fire the ball into the net from close range.
Stockton were dominant, with Bishop Auckland restricted to long range shots. As half time approached Stockton goalkeeper Liam Jordan was called into action with some fine saves, tipping a fine one handed save off the line from a header and a long range shot also over the bar.
Stockton Town finished the half 3-0 up as right on half time Tony Johnson slid the ball through for Chris Stockton to run onto and fire past the advancing Bishop’s keeper.
Stockton made 7 changers during the first 25 minutes this allowed Bishop Auckland to be more attack minded, Sam Orritt pulled a goal back for the visitors after 70 minutes with a curling shot that deceived Liam Jordan in Stockton’s goal.
Bishop’s were back in the game when Andrew Johnson broke free to fire past Jordan after 77 minutes however resolute defending saw Stockton to victory.
Next up Chester le Street on Saturday before we start our Northern League programme against Willington AFC on the 6th August.