Stockton Town were defeated by a clinical Scarborough Athletic side in their penultimate pre-season affair.
The Anchors started strong, with Amar Purewal firing a shot just wide of the goal early on.
Kev Hayes had an opportunity moments later, striking the ball well, only to see it fall straight into the hands of Scarborough keeper Ryan Whitley.
Whitley was into action again shortly after, pulling off an incredible double save to deny both Hayes and Josh Baggs in quick succession, and despite continued pressure, and several blocked shots from the Anchors, they couldn’t find the breakthrough.
Scarborough capitalised on their chances, with Rio Allan opening the scoring to make it 1-0. Not long after, Harry Green slotted home a second to give the visitors a 2-0 lead going into halftime.
Half-time: Stockton Town 0-2 Scarborough Athletic
The second half started much quieter for both sides, as the Seadogs held firm against Stockton’s pressure.
However, it was Scarborough who extended their lead as Rio Allan wonderfully powered in a strike from the edge of the area, making it 3-0.
A fourth goal sealed the result for Scarborough, as the Anchors suffered a tough 4-0 defeat at full time.
Full-time: Stockton Town 0-4 Scarborough Athletic
Next week marks the final pre-season test for the Anchors as they welcome Whitby Town, before it all starts for real at Prescot Cables on 9th August.
Words: Elle-Mai Keightley
Photo: Harry Cook
