Team: Bourne, Connolly, Brown, Petty, Davison, Robertson, Haste, John, Sahani, Walker, Overend

Stockton visited Marton ‘A’, in today’s clash and was playing against a strong breeze and needed to defend well in the first half.  Robertson and Haste were fantastic in midfield, winning their battles, with support from Walker, John and Overend; but Marton’s midfield kept finding space to attack the full backs and both Petty and Davidson had to be alert on more than one occasion.  Although Sahani was a little isolated up front, support when it came was quick from Walker and Overend and Stockton should have been one up after a quick break, but Sahani was foiled by the keeper.  With the back four as usual tight and quick to the ball, Marton were reduced to long shots or a long ball over the top to test Bourne in the goal, but he was as always ready and alert.  Petty, Connolly, Davison and Brown battled really well at the back and did their best to protect Bourne in the goal, however from one mistake the ball didn’t get cleared properly and Marton were one up.  The rest of the half saw Stockton have opportunities to attack, but the final ball failed to hit its target and this then added pressure onto Stockton.  Bourne made a fine save from a Marton free kick and followed it up with a close rebound.  Just as Stockton thought they would get to half time, a long range shot from Marton somehow found the back of the net.

Half Time: Stockton Town 0 – Marton 2

Macdonald, Watson and Grieves replace Sahani, Overend and Walker during the second half.   Haste and Robertson continued to battle well in midfield, winning headers and important tackles, which really helped Stockton’s defence to push further forward.  When they did attack, Stockton used the trickery of John, who went close with a great run and then he set up MacDonald, who was prevented from scoring by a great tackle from the Marton defence.  From the resulting corner, Haste crossed a fantastic ball onto the head of Robertson who scored another important goal.  Stockton suddenly found self-belief and started to run at Marton, it’s just a shame Stockton didn’t continue from the start with the same attitude, if they did I’m sure they would get a better result.  Marton were then looking for quick breaks especially on the left and Petty did fantastically well on a couple of occasions to clear his lines.  Bourne then had to be alert on a couple of occasions, especially when the Marton attacker had a one on one and Bourne somehow made amends for his earlier mistake.  Special mention goes to Brown, Robertson and Haste who battled to the end and kept Stockton in the game to the final whistle.  Once again boys, we just need to remember to support one another with talking and passing to ensure we get our rewards for the amount of effort we put into the game.

Full Time: Stockton Town 1 – Marton 2

Man of the Match: Sam Connolly