Men's 1s vs City Of York 1

Stockton: 3 VS City of York: 2

In a dramatic come-back win at Egglescliffe school, Stockton put pressure on their league rivals securing a vital three points. 

The Teesside men had to bounce back very quickly from yesterday’s disappointment, and started this encounter at frantic pace. York matched them blow for blow in an end to end opening which was high on action yet scoring opportunities were rare. 

Stockton’s game plan kicked in soon enough though as they forced a penalty corner. Alex Heath (Tech 4 Cash) stepped up and ever-threatening from the top of the circle, unleashed a spectacular drag-flick into the top corner of the net.

In disastrous fashion though, Stockton floundered moments later. Giving away possession cheaply in their own half. York leapt into the opportunity to equalise. 

A tightly balanced affair persisted to the break. Stockton rallied at the break - convinced that their superiority would pay off if they hit their higher gears.

Into the second period and chances came and went. Joe Roberts (Boots Optician) and Jack Addison (Yarm Physio) drove the home side forwards while keeper Adam Turner (Yarm Distillery) leapt into action when called upon.

Disaster struck deep into the second half when York were handed a lifeline through a staggering lapse from an umpire. Roberts took injury avoiding evasive action when a York forward swung his stick wildly - incorrectly adjudged not to be dangerous (to the disbelief of both teams and the massed spectators) and play was allowed to continue - York capitalised, and with Stockton out of shape expecting a deserved free hit, found space at the back post to take the lead. 

Stockton’s problems piled up when the same umpire reduced them to ten men, harshly dismissing skipper James Tompkinson (ANI Estates) to the sin-bin.

Stockton are making a habit out of these situations this season and persevered. Manager Phil Molyneux (Atha Construction) was forced to roll the dice and gamble on extra attacking players. 

Despite being a man down, the home side dominated and created chances. Ed Beak (Scott Bailey PGA) stole the ball brilliantly from a centre back a flew forwards. Deft skill took him around the on-rushing keeper and he equalised with aplomb - rapturous celebration reverberated across the Egglescliffe turf but Stockton were not done.

The men in white camped high in York territory, piling on the pressure, intensely searching for a precious winning goal. Beak was on hand again, finding a fraction of space in the circle and (despite the narrow angle) to fire a rapier-like strike beyond the keeper into the bottom corner. 

Stockton desperately clung on in the final stages - reduce to nine men by another sin-bin - but defended resolutely. Dan Stewart (DRB Security) and Patrick Atkinson (Atkinson Build) making crucial interventions and Turner ensuring Stockton found the final whistle still one goal to the good.

A huge three points and the race for the title continues.

Man of the Match: Ed Beak sponsored by Scott Bailey PGA.