STOCKTON TOWN v CITY OF LIVERPOOL

FA Vase 3^rd Round 

Snow is still lying on most grounds in the North East but the 3G pitch at Bishopton Road West was made for days like these and this third round Vase tie was never in danger. This far into the competition is new territory for the hosts who have stabilised in the Northern League Division 1 after a shaky start following promotion and will look to make the customary progress for members of that league.

Everything is new territory for the visitors as this is only their second ever season, waltzing through step six last season to reach the North West Counties Premier Division. Judging from the size of the travelling support, the team clearly has filled a non-league void on Merseyside. The fans clad in purple (a mix of red and blue that is surely not coincidental) bring a good natured passion along with klaxon horns, a loudhailer, and even a rattle. One banner sums up their approach, claiming the club is “a failed AA meeting disguised as a football club”.

But it is Stockton who start best forcing two early corners, one resulting from a fierce drive from Kevin Hayes that is just tipped over by keeper Graeme McCall. Liverpool survive the onslaught and settle to achieve an even share of the game.

However on twenty minutes the tricky Hayes exchanges passes with centre forward Fred Woodhouse and when the latter sends in a low angled drive, keeper McCall lets the ball squirm under his body and into the net.

Liverpool respond well to going behind, playing neatly through midfield but failing to get the better of the Stockton defence, meaning home keeper Michael Arthur rarely needs to do more than catch the odd cross. It is his opposite number who is worked next, diving to a bottom corner to turn away a Max Craggs free kick. Up front for Liverpool Elliot Nevitt is busy and has a good effort charged down; the rebound goes to John McGrath who spurns the chance.

There has been a good ebb and flow to the first half with each teams having periods of ascendancy. Liverpool have edged possession and territory but Stockton have looked the more likely to score.

From the restart Liverpool up the intensity, and go slightly more direct. Chances come quickly: Nevitt wins a chase for a through ball but slices the shot; McGrath has a shot saved; centre half Daniel Dalton, up for a corner heads just wide; and another corner is headed wide by Nevitt. Stockton weather the storm and eventually the chances start to dry up. Woodhouse even makes the best of his limited opportunities up front to fire in a shot straight at McCall.

Substitutes come and go as Liverpool increase the numbers up front. A snap shot by John Connolly is deflected over and a chance in the box is scuffed wide by Jack Hazelhurst. By the end Dalton has moved up front and even keeper McCall comes up for a corner. Amid the stoic defending Chris Stockton breaks out for his namesake team and smacks a drive against the Liverpool post.

A late knock to the Stockton keeper’s head ensures the last few minutes extend to rack up the tension, but Stockton hold out and, thanks largely to their defenders’ quality and their opponents erratic finishing.

Even newer territory now awaits Stockton in the last thirty-two when the competition goes national. City of Liverpool return to Merseyside with respect and no doubt they will feature in later rounds in years to come.