Michael Sweet’s stoppage time winner earned a crucial three points for Stockton Town at Lancaster City.
Josh Scott’s early strike gave Stockton the lead, but they were pegged back by Nic Evangelinos’ equaliser.
Lancaster were reduced to ten men when Adam Fairclough saw red for a hefty challenge on Lewis King.
The Anchors came out with the points when King’s strike was diverted in by Sweet.
Michael Dunwell named three changes from the side which lost 2-0 at Warrington Town two weeks ago. Right-back Ryan Barrett made his debut, Adam Nicholson made his return from suspension and Amar Purewal led the line.
Both teams had decent chances in the opening quarter hour of the game. A well-worked chance saw Lewis Mansell miss the far post, then Jake Petitjean saw his header saved by Brad Kelly.
The opener came when Kev Hayes cross was brought down by Amar Purewal and he laid it back for Scott who produced a composed finish in a congested penalty area.
Unfortunately Steels was injured in the build-up and was replaced by Owen Gallacher.
Just shy of the half hour mark, Scott had another chance when he had a promising strike which was kept out by Kelly.
Moments later Scott then turned provider for Petitjean who arrived and sent his effort over the bar.
Towards the end of the half, Stockton came close to getting the second they deserved but Hayes had his shot well blocked and it deflected over the bar off Amar Purewal.
Lancaster almost had the half’s final say, but Nathan Harker was equal to Mansell’s strike.
Half-Time: Lancaster City 0-1 Stockton Town
Five minutes into the second half, Kelly had to produce some top goalkeeping to prevent an own goal adding to Stockton’s lead.
Lancaster found the equaliser when Fairclough’s corner deflected into the path of Evangelinos who tucked in.
The home side almost took the lead when Fairclough played an interesting ball across the ball which was turned over by Evangelinos in the six-yard box.
Just after the hour mark, Lancaster were down to ten men when Fairclough received a red card for a late challenge on King.
Immediately from the resulting freekick the ball reached Amar Purewal who headed it straight into the goalkeeper’s arms.
Despite being down to ten men, Lancaster were shading it but were unable to create any clear chances. The best they came up with was some deep crosses which forced Coulthard into a goalline clearance.
With the game heading toward a score draw, the ball fell to King on the edge of the box and his strike on goal was turned in by Sweet for the winner.
Full-Time: Lancaster City 1-2 Stockton Town
A big win for Stockton Town. Next up is the visit of Warrington Rylands next Saturday.
