Stockton thank supporters after play-off final ban

STOCKTON Town have thanked supporters and the local community for the ‘understanding, support and commitment’ they have received following a difficult week for the Northern Premier League (NPL) club.

- By MARK CARRUTHERS

The Anchors appeared to be well on their way to a historic promotion into the National League North when Kevin Hayes grabbed the only goal of their Premier Division play-off semi-final clash with Guiseley last Tuesday night.

However, Stockton were charged with fielding an ineligible player later in the week after long-serving club captain Adam Nicholson featured for the entire 90 minutes of the win over the Lions just days after receiving a red card in their final game of the league season against Hyde United.

Stockton maintained they had done nothing wrong after the FA’s Pro Club Portal showed the five-match ban handed to the long-serving centre-back was not set to start until Saturday.