Stockton Town’s Play-Off challenge took a dent with defeat at Hebburn Town.
Gary Martin’s first half goal was all that separated the sides in the end.
Michael Dunwell named one change to his Starting XI from Friday’s win over Gainsborough Trinity. Amar Purewal came into the line-up on his return to Hebburn who he successfully served for several years.
It was a game with a lot on the line and it started as such. For Hebburn Elsdon headed over from corner early on, while at other end he made a great block to deny Jake Petitjean.
Close to the 25-minute mark, Hebburn took the lead when some lapse defending allowed Gary Martin to take advantage when he burst through and fired beyond Nathan Harker.
Stockton had the chance to respond through Amar Purewal but his effort flashed across the face of goal.
Half Time: Hebburn Town 1-0 Stockton Town
It took until almost the hour mark for the next big chance to come. Matty Cornish burst into the box and forced the save from Harker.
Stockton were then forced into change as Ryan Barrett came off due to injury and Arjun Purewal replaced him.
More changes were made as Vinnie Steels and Michael Sweet came on for Owen Gallacher and Josh Scott.
They then had their best chance when Sweet’s cross when into the danger area and Allan had to push away before an Anchor could apply a finish.
Amar Purewal then beat Allan in the air but Donaghy was there to deny him.
Allan was again in the thick of it when his weak punch could only find Nicholson but his strike was blocked.
The Anchors pushed until the very end but the closest they came was a flick from Amar Purewal which Elsdon almost put into his own net.
Full Time: Hebburn Town 1-0 Stockton Town
Defeat has seen Stockton slip out of the Play-Offs. Next up is the visit of Rushall Olympic on Saturday
