Stokesley M2 vs Hartlepool M1 (H) - 2-3 (L)

Date: Saturday 3rd October 2026

MOM: John MacAfee

Goals: Matt Bowman, John MacAfee

Stokesley suffered another narrow defeat against Hartlepool, but once again there were plenty of encouraging signs in a performance where the 2s controlled large periods of the game. Unfortunately, a combination of quick counter-attacks and some lapses in defensive discipline ultimately proved costly.

Stokesley started strongly and dominated possession in the opening stages, restricting Hartlepool largely to breakaway counter-attacks. The pressure eventually told, with debutant Matthew Bowman opening his Stokesley account following some uncharacteristically calm and composed play from the forwards inside the Hartlepool D.

Despite Stokesley’s dominance, Hartlepool found a way back into the game. A quick breakaway resulted in a short corner, which they converted to bring the scores level.

Going into half time at 1–1, Stokesley felt the game was there for the taking and started the second half positively. However, Hartlepool continued to threaten on the counter, with Stokesley’s defensive unit producing a series of last-ditch tackles and saves to keep them at bay.

Eventually, another Hartlepool break resulted in a short corner, and this time the visitors made no mistake, taking the lead.

The pattern of the game continued, with Stokesley enjoying plenty of possession but Hartlepool remaining dangerous whenever they were able to break forward. During one spell of Hartlepool pressure, young striker John Mac produced a counter-attack of his own, embarking on a dazzling run through several Hartlepool players before narrowly missing the bottom corner.

The game became increasingly frantic following a Stokesley yellow card on 55 minutes, with structure beginning to give way as both sides pushed for the win. Stokesley continued to defend resolutely and held off a series of Hartlepool attacks, but with just seconds remaining, another Hartlepool break resulted in a short corner.

Unfortunately for Stokesley, Hartlepool capitalised once again, scoring at the death to take all three points.

The match finished Stokesley 2–3 Hartlepool. Debutant Matthew Bowman got his first goal for the club, while John Mac provided one of the highlights with his impressive counter-attacking run. A frustrating result, but plenty to build on ahead of the next fixture.

Next game: JPC - Saturday 10th October 2026 - 11:15 - AWAY