PreWK1 - Stokesley M2 vs Durham City M2 (H) - 3-1 (W)

Date: Saturday 15th August 2026

MOM: John McAfee

Goals: J McAfee, E Clarke, D Clarke

Stokesley were back in action today with a summer friendly against Durham, and despite the heat, there was plenty of good hockey on show.

We started brightly from the off, keeping things simple and playing out confidently from the back, with the wingers providing an outlet whenever possible. The midfield were solid too, doing a great job of stopping Durham from making much progress through the middle.

With Stokesley rotating the subs and trying to keep some fresh legs on the pitch, it was Durham who managed to strike first. A quick advance caught us out and the resulting effort hit Hib’s leg before taking a cruel bounce into the goal. Not much you can do about those!

Importantly, heads didn’t drop. A positive team talk kept everyone focused on playing the same good, simple hockey, and it soon paid off.

Step forward our eventual Man of the Match, John, who found himself in a bit of space and buried a lovely strike into the bottom corner to bring us level. 🎯

After half time, Stokesley continued where we left off and Dawson got himself on the scoresheet to put us ahead.

By this point, the summer heat was definitely starting to win its own individual battles, with tired legs appearing on both sides. ☀️🥵 But Stokesley kept going and eventually earned a flick.

Up stepped Ethan.

He may have surprised himself more than anyone else, but there was absolutely no doubt about the finish. An emphatic flick fired into the top left corner. 🚀

3–1 Stokesley.

A really enjoyable game all round, played in great spirits. Durham were fantastic sports and helped make it exactly what a summer friendly should be. Competitive, enjoyable and played in the right way.

Thanks to Durham City for the game and best of luck to them.

Next up, we’re back on home turf as Stokesley welcome Newcastle next week. 🏑

Next game: Preseason vs Newcastle M2 - HOME