Stockton Town returned to the Play-Off places after a huge victory at Ilkeston Town.
A penalty from Kev Hayes and a goal from Arjun Purewal put the Anchors in charge at the break.
Sam Parker pulled a goal back for Ilkeston to make it a nervy finish.
Josh Baggs and Kev Hayes returned to the Starting XI, while new loan signing Fenton John was handed his debut.
Inside three minutes, Stockton had the ball in the net when Josh Scott’s effort was saved by Matt Yates and the rebound was converted by Michael Sweet. Unfortunately the linesman’s flag was raised.
Hayes then had a low which was kept out by Yates.
Hayes continued to get forward and look to cause issues. That paid off when he was awarded a penalty after he was felled in the box.
Hayes took on the responsibility and sent Yates the opposite to give Stockton the lead.
Stockton almost increased their lead when an exquisite take down by Scott put him though on goal but he saw his effort cleared off the line by Parker.
From the resulting corner, John put it straight on the head of Purewal who steered home the second Anchors goal.
Ilkeston almost pulled a goal back before the half hour mark but Harker was sharp to keep out Jordan Stevens prod towards goal.
Half-Time: Ilkeston Town 0-2 Stockton Town
Ilkeston came out looking to get back into the game but were met by a defiant Stockton.
King and Baggs combined to make a crucial challenge inside the box, and Harker reacted quickly to deny substitute Alex Hardwick.
lkeston did pull a goal back when Parker found the net following a freekick delivery from Declan Erratt-Thompson.
Stockton defence held resilient for the remainder of the game. A long range effort blazed wide by Jonathan Wafula was closest Ilkeston came to a leveller.
Full-Time: Ilkeston Town 1-2 Stockton Town
Stockton return to the Play-Off places with victory. It’s a third and final trip to Derbyshire to take on Matlock Town this coming Saturday.
Ilkeston Town: Yates, McDonald (Kirby-Moore 76′), Parker, Mielke, Marshall (Wauchope 59′), Minkley, Stevens (Hardwick 45′), Daniel, Abdullah, Dixon (Wafula 76′), Walker (Erratt-Thompson 45′)
Unused Subs: N/A
Stockton Town: Harker, Baggs, Gallacher, Painter, Purewal, Coulthard, Sweet (Fowler 75′) King, Scott (Thompson 86′), John, Hayes
Unused Subs: Leech, Roberts, Johnson
Goals: 0-1, 16 min, Hayes; 0-2, 21 min, Purewal; 1-2, 67 min, Parker
Attendance: 372
Words: James Cartwright.
Photo: Harry Cook
