Nathan Harker is to thank as Stockton Town and Prescot Cables share the points on opening day.
Words by Jordan Clarke
Photo by Harry Cook
Prescot Cables 0-0 Stockton Town | 9th August 2025 | Attendance: 670
The Stockton shot-stopper shined in the latter stages of the match to keep the scores level.
JD Briggs took charge of the Anchors today in Michael Dunwell’s absence, and named a back four, with new additions Jake Petitjean, Jamie Bramwell and Amar Purewal all starting.
The Anchors started very strongly, with a couple of half-chances missing the mark.
A few Stockton hearts were in mouths as a cross from the right-wing travelled across the face of goal, but luckily evaded all of the yellow shirts arriving.
Kevin Hayes nearly found the target with a low effort from the edge of the area, but he found the wrong side of the post.
Half-time: Prescot Cables 0-0 Stockton Town
But the Pesky Bulls started strongly in the second half, causing the Stockton backline to earn their clean sheet.
Immediately after coming on, Josh Scott provided a powerful volley which connected with the side netting.
The first real shot on target for the Anchors fell in the 72nd minute, when Cameron Painter dragged a tame effort along the floor.
Three minutes later, the game flipped on its head as Amar Purewal was shown a straight red card for a high boot, deemed dangerous by the referee.
Four minutes before the closure, the hosts were fired up, with Ben Elliott finding lots of space inside the box, but saw his effort saved incredibly by the body of Nathan Harker.
Harker bettered his previous save not long after, showing ridiculous reflexes to meet a powered header from a mere few yards away.
The Number One, partnered with heroic defending all game long from the Stockton backline four, deserved their clean sheet and will take a point back home, ready for Workington’s visit on Tuesday evening.
Full-time: Prescot Cables 0-0 Stockton Town
Prescot Cables: Hare, McNally, M. Devine, J. Devine, Hollett, Smith, Cross-Adair (Elliott 62’), Foley, Goodwin, Scully (Donaldson 70’), Steele (Sambor 82’)
Unused Subs: Burgess, Glennon
Stockton Town: Harker, Arj Purewal, Gallacher, King, Bramwell, Coulthard, Sweet (Scott 65’), Painter, Am Purewal (R), Petitjean (Butterworth 73’), Hayes (Thompson 90’)
Unused Subs: Spears, McHugh
