Men's 1s vs Sheffield Bankers 1

Sheffield Bankers 2-3 Stockton

Second travelled to third in the premier league as Stockton’s Men’s 1st team secured a superb, hard-fought away win. 

A slightly under strength Stockton squad, impacted by illness and availability, started brightly despite a somewhat rushed warm-up thanks to some unprecedented and unpredictable traffic conditions.

Max Mowbray making in-roads into the Sheffield circle while Alex Heath tested the keeper with a penalty corner. At the back Dan Stewart, Adam Warnes and even Skipper James Tompkinson marshalled prevailing pressure from the home side. The returning Oscar Thomas providing a useful outlet from left-back.

The aerial ploy that Stockton have had much success with this term paid off again. Warnes and Thomas finding Beak and Heath high up the pitch. Heath latching onto a through ball to score a rare open play goal on his reverse stick.

Sheffield’s somewhat robust physicality seemed to go unpunished and Stockton considered themselves less than fortunate to concede an equaliser to a penalty corner goal.

The second half called for renewed effort and the Teesside team didn’t disappoint. Jack Addison an unstoppable engine in midfield providing link between front and back. Timmy Foley terrified defenders with his relentless pressure, while at the other end, Adam Turner thwarted breakaway attempts from the hosts with a string of saves until conceding again after a near Sheffield move.

Not to be deterred, Stockton redoubled their efforts. Wilson and youthful forward Ben Chilton combined and earned a penalty corner. Heath stepped up and unleashed a picture perfect flick into the top corner for the equaliser.

Stockton hustled and battled - desperate to find a winner. Warnes intercepted, fed Thomas who found Heath, he sought out Mowbray who played in Foley - the in form striker looked dangerous and finished with aplomb.

Stockton repelled wave after wave of Sheffield attack in reply. In the final stages some highly peculiar decision making from the officials seemed to make the game a far less cordial affair. Forced to watch the final stages from the stands, Manager Molyneux can feel himself aggrieved as he bore the brunt of some bizarre behaviour from the umpires while, once again, Sheffield roughhousing seemed to be dealt with the utmost leniency. 

Nonetheless, Stockton saw out the late stages to secure the win and a precious three points as the league leaders unexpectedly slipped up. It would appear this Premier League season is far from over.