MATCH REPORT: LINCOLN UNITED FC 0 - 5 STOCKTON TOWN FC

'The Whites' slump to fifth defeat on the bounce after a lacklustre display against north east club, Stockton Town FC.

After a positive performance against Shildon AFC, another north east NPL newbie, visited Ashby Avenue. United were optimistic heading into the match as their opponents sat mid-table and were showcasing varied form heading into the fixture. Any optimism soon drained from the young 'Whites' side as Stockton Town dominated from the first minute to the last.

Stockton used the flanks well and nearly took the lead early on when a well worked move was blocked by Callum Foster on the line. Stockton were relentless in their attacks - shots going wide or over the bar whilst debutant, James Goff, made a good save at 0-0 with Max Baker having to make sure and edge the ball round the goal.

United's had two long distance efforts in the first half through Robbie Smith and Andy Janssen but neither caused Callum Roberts in the Stockton goal any trouble. It wasn't long before the away-side did take the lead. Stockton's use of the flanks soon paid dividends, Kevin Hayes' pull back for 16-year old, Alfie Conway, allowed the youngster to tuck the ball away expertly into the bottom corner.

#TheWhites 0 - 1 Stockton Town FC

Goff was brought into one more noticeable save from a volley on the angle, 16-yards out. The shot was rising but would have found the roof of the net, the ex-tulips stopper, caught the ball and held it well to keep the deficit at one heading into the break.

Lincoln United FC 0 - 1 Stockton Town FC (HT)

United had the opening chance in the second half but Jake Park's acrobatic attempt flew over the bar. From that point, it was one-way traffic with Stockton dominating the ball, as per the first-half.

Goff was called into an early save at his near-post but minutes later, Stockton hit the post after a defensive error from Callum Foster allowed Nathan Steel to bare-down one-on-one but his effort rattled the inside of the far-post, thankfully for 'The Whites'.

The 52nd minute did see Steel grab a goal. A cross into United's box was dropped by Goff and Steel was on hand to tap into an empty net.

#TheWhites 0 -2 Stockton Town

Stockton extended their lead in the 59th minute but it could have been sooner if not for Goff and Foster who combined well to save and clear off the line after Baker was sloppy in possession for United. Stockton's third came courtesy of Michael Roberts who took advantage of Sheriff and Smith's defensive error, the winger confidently lifting the ball into the top corner and over the on-rushing, Goff.

#TheWhites 0 - 3 Stockton Town

For the third time in the game, Foster was called upon to clear one off the line, after Steel's chip left Goff stranded. Moments earlier, Stockton whizzed one past the post, the build-up play somewhat deserving of a fourth.

Substitute, Mulligan, did get Stockton's fourth when some neat footwork saw him work an angle before smashing the ball into the goal at the near-post.

#TheWhites 0 - 4 Stockton Town

Stockton weren't done and Goff was drawn into a good save in the 90th minute however, central midfielder, Tom Portas, grabbed the north east side's fifth when he fired in from 20-yards and into the bottom left corner.

#TheWhites 0 - 5 Stockton Town

A poor performance from United saw Stockton run riot at Ashby Avenue, 'The Whites' dropping to 15th in the NPL East Division table.

Lincoln United FC 0 - 5 Stockton Town FC (FT)

Next Match: Dunston (A), 6th October, 15:00 KO

Coach details for traveling to the match are available via the club's social media channels.