Newmarket 0 Stowmarket 2

East Anglian Daily Times: Stowmarket celebrate Josh Mayhew's opener. Photo: DAVE WALKERStowmarket celebrate Josh Mayhew's opener. Photo: DAVE WALKER (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Town extended their unbeaten league run to double figures with an impressive 2-0 win at Newmarket Town, writes Alex Moss.

Two goals in five first-half minutes proved to be the difference as the Old Gold and Blacks inflicted a first home defeat of the season on the Jockeys and made it 10 games without defeat in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division.

Josh Mayhew broke the deadlock with his 24th goal of the season on 19 minutes, before turning provider for Dave Cowley four minutes later, as Stow went into the break with a commanding 2-0 lead.

Newmarket searched for a way back into the game in the second half, with Stow goalkeeper James Bradbrook making a fine reaction save, but the visitors put in a strong defensive display to ensure they went home with all three points.

Stow boss Rick Andrews made two changes to the side which started in the 2-1 win against Hadleigh United on Tuesday night, as Jon Carver and Amar Lewis returned to the side in place of the absent Scott Mitchell and Angelo Harrop.

After a quiet opening 15 minutes, the game came to life a few minutes later as the visitors went in front with their first shot on goal.

Ethan Clarke beat his man to a ball over the Newmarket defence and set up Mayhew for a simple finish in front of goal, the striker taking his impressive tally for the season to 24 goals in just 20 games.

Four minutes later and Stow had doubled their lead, as Mayhew played the ball through on goal to Cowley who, after bringing Newmarket goalkeeper Alex Archer to the ground, created space to shoot into an inviting net for his second goal in as many games.

Chances after that were few and far between for both sides, with Mayhew drawing a save from Archer before the break, while in the second half Bradbrook made a fine reaction save and substitute Chris Bacon headed wide as the hosts pushed for a goal to get back into the game.

In added time the ball fell to Simon Swinton in front of goal, but the Newmarket defender’s touch meant it was a comfortable save for Bradbrook, while at the other end Cowley forced Archer to keep his effort out as Stow finished with their two-goal lead from the first half still intact.

Stowmarket entertain Great Yarmouth at Greens Meadow tomorrow night in the league.