Nunthorpe Athletic 0 Stockton Town U16's 2
13/04/2008
Goal Scorers Fred Woodhouse, Grant Lake
Man Of The Match Joe Hinchley
Written By Wayne Dennis
Stockton went into the game against opponents who they hadn’t beaten in their previous encounters this season, looking to maintain their position at the top of the table.
Stockton were quickly into their stride and were knocking the ball around confidently and playing some great football that had Nunthorpe stretched.
The breakthrough came after 20 minutes when a scramble inside the Nunthorpe area saw the ball fall to Grant Lake who smashed it across the keeper into the far corner.
Nunthorpe were now restricted to counterattacking and Stockton’s defence remained on top of all they could offer.
Stockton were unlucky again when Fred Woodhouse cut in from the left and let fly from 25 yards only to see the Nunthorpe keeper make a great save by tipping over.
A few minutes later another great effort by Fred Woodhouse again had the Nunthorpe keeper produce an outstanding save to keep the score at 1-0. Stockton were now totally dominant but they couldn’t find a second before half time.
The second half started in much the same way with Stockton pressing for a second which wouldn’t come despite chances falling to a number of Stockton forwards.
The second came with 20 minutes remaining when a crossfield pass found Fred Woodhouse in the inside left channel. He outpaced the Nunthorpe defender and smashed the ball into the net.
Nunthorpe were next to threaten and only a great take at the forward's feet from Shane Wright in the Stockton goal prevented the Nunthorpe forward getting in a strike on goal.
Stockton then controlled the game to the final whistle to ensure the 3 points.
There were a number of good performances especially James Nicholson, Fred Woodhouse and Luke Johnson but the Man of the Match was Joe Hinchley whose contribution in all areas of the pitch was outstanding.