Stockton Town returned to winning ways with a hard fought victory at Carlton Town.
The Anchors got off to fast start when Stephen Thompson put them ahead inside two minutes.
Carlton levelled minutes into the second half when Captain Khyle Sargent netted.
Stockton were not behind for long as Tom Coulthard scored what proved to be the winner.
The home side ended the game with ten men when Sargent was given his marching orders for a second yellow card.
Michael Dunwell named three changes to the starting XI from the midweek defeat to Newton Aycliffe. Dan McWilliams, Kev Hayes and Stephen all came into the side.
Stockton Town were ahead when a low corner from Glen Butterworth was steered in by a vacated Thompson.
The Anchors almost doubled their lead minutes later when Mikey Roberts was found in the box but Felix Annan made an excellent save with his feet.
At the other end, Nathan Harker had to stay strong as he made a huge save from Micah Jebbison when he bared down on goal.
Just after the half hour mark, Butterworth tested Annan with a strike from range which the goalkeeper held at the second attempt.
Half-Time: Carlton Town 0-1 Stockton Town
Carlton were on level terms right at the start of the second half when a corner fell at to Sargent who smartly guided the ball into the top corner.
That joy was short lived for the home side as Stockton restored their lead when Coulthard headed in Butterworth’s freekick from the right.
Carlton’s attempt to get back into the game was stunted on 65 minutes when Sargent was given a second yellow for late tackle on Thompson.
Stockton looked to make Carlton pay for that instantly as good play between Hayes and Thompson led to the ball reaching Fowler who unfortunately fluffed his lines when the goal was inviting.
Substitute Lamin Manneh added a little bit pace and unpredictability for Carlton and he went on promising run which was halted by a good challenge from King.
Fowler could have wrapped up the win in the final ten minutes but his effort struck the post from the edge of the box.
Carlton had one last opportunity to take a point but Stockton defended a late freekick to seal a huge three points.
Full-Time: Carlton Town 1-2 Stockton Town
Carlton Town: Annan, Stewart, Durow, Brown, Freeman, Tempest, Jebbison (Manneh 59′), Howes (Davie 59′), Hardwick, Sargent, Hylton (Ford 80′)
Unused Subs: Adegbola, Dearle
Stockton Town: Harker, King, McWilliams, Portas, Nicholson, Coulthard, Hayes, Butterworth, Fowler (Sweet 85′), Thompson (Painter 80′) , Roberts (Beddow 75′)
Unused Subs: Baggs, D.Mulligan
Goals: 0-1, 2 min, Thompson; 1-1, 47 min, Sargent; 1-2, 51 min, Coulthard
Attendance: 155
Photo: Harry Cook
Words: James Cartwright
