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Stockton Town thrilled with fairytale start in Northern Premier League
Stockton Town assistant manager JD Briggs admits he is pleased with his side’s attacking intent during their opening three games in the Northern Premier League, with Michael Dunwell’s side current leading the way with a 100% winning record.
The Anchors were victorious over fellow Step 3 new boys Prescot Cables on Saturday, building on their opening two wins over Leek Town and Guiseley.
After taking a two-goal lead, Cables levelled things just beyond the hour mark. A Cameron Painter winner on 73 minutes ensured that a full comeback wasn’t on the cards for the valiant away side.
“It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t pretty at times. It wasn’t the best of games but we grinded out the win,” Briggs said after his side's latest victory.
“I don’t think we started well and we got handed a goal out of nothing. We then score a good goal and then took our foot off the gas a little.
“Teams at this level won’t stop, no matter how many they’re losing by, and they will always offer a threat, even if they’re not playing well."
Stockton’s latest win means they led the division on goal difference, with Macclesfield and Hebburn Town having also picked up maximum points after three games.
They have netted a league-high eight goals this term, even without the services of the injured Kevin Hayes, their top scorer from each of the last three seasons.
Hayes scored 21 league goals last term in the NPL East Division, placing him third in the goalscoring charts. This comes after scoring 31 in the division over the previous two seasons.
On Hayes, Briggs said: “He’ll offer an additional threat when he comes back and it’s good that we’re winning games without him.
“Goals are coming in different ways and it’s good to see.”
Next up, the Anchors travel to Morpeth Town on Tuesday. The Highwaymen are one of two sides yet to pick up a point after three games, setting up an early top-versus-bottom clash in the division.
Despite their polar opposite starts to the season, Briggs knows his side need to stay focused ahead of their trip to Craik Park.
“They’ll be ready to get their first points and we’ll be aiming to make it four from four," he added.
“We need to make sure we approach the game in the right manner and make sure we do things correctly.”
Photo credit: Stockton Town
After taking a two-goal lead, Cables levelled things just beyond the hour mark. A Cameron Painter winner on 73 minutes ensured that a full comeback wasn’t on the cards for the valiant away side.
“It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t pretty at times. It wasn’t the best of games but we grinded out the win,” Briggs said after his side's latest victory.
“I don’t think we started well and we got handed a goal out of nothing. We then score a good goal and then took our foot off the gas a little.
“Teams at this level won’t stop, no matter how many they’re losing by, and they will always offer a threat, even if they’re not playing well."
Stockton’s latest win means they led the division on goal difference, with Macclesfield and Hebburn Town having also picked up maximum points after three games.
They have netted a league-high eight goals this term, even without the services of the injured Kevin Hayes, their top scorer from each of the last three seasons.
Hayes scored 21 league goals last term in the NPL East Division, placing him third in the goalscoring charts. This comes after scoring 31 in the division over the previous two seasons.
On Hayes, Briggs said: “He’ll offer an additional threat when he comes back and it’s good that we’re winning games without him.
“Goals are coming in different ways and it’s good to see.”
Next up, the Anchors travel to Morpeth Town on Tuesday. The Highwaymen are one of two sides yet to pick up a point after three games, setting up an early top-versus-bottom clash in the division.
Despite their polar opposite starts to the season, Briggs knows his side need to stay focused ahead of their trip to Craik Park.
“They’ll be ready to get their first points and we’ll be aiming to make it four from four," he added.
“We need to make sure we approach the game in the right manner and make sure we do things correctly.”
Photo credit: Stockton Town
