Josh Scott’s late goal handed Stockton a priceless win at Hednesford Town.
Words by James Cartwright
Photo by Jordan Clarke
The Anchors fell behind inside five minutes from Chirs Hussey’s freekick, but levelled through Adam Nicholson.
Hednesford were reduced to ten men before halftime when Max Sheaf was shown a straight red card after a collision with Jake Petitjean.
Stockton controlled the second half proceedings and got the winner they deserved when Scott converted substitute Michael Sweet’s cross.
Both sides entered the game without a league success since September 20th, and Stockton came in on the back of a demoralising FA Trophy exit at Clitheroe.
Michael Dunwell named just one change to his Starting XI with Captain Nicholson coming for Stephen Thompson. Jamie Bramwell was moved into the midfield.
Stockton made the worst possible start when Nathan Harker failed to make a proper connection with Hussey’s freekick and it resulted in a goal.
The Anchors reacted to the setback as Scott forced a near range save from Tony Breeden. Moments later, Scott forced a defender into a mistake but he was unable to work Breeden.
Stockton found the equaliser on 25 minutes when a freekick from Cam Painter caused all sorts of problems and Nicholson hammered it into the net.
The game unravelled for Hednesford when Sheaf was sent off for an off the ball incident.
At the end of the half both teams had big chances. Painter drew the best out of Breeden with a curling effort into the top corner.
Then Hussey surged forward and struck the Stockton crossbar.
Half time: Hednesford Town 1-1 Stockton Town
Close to the hour mark, Stockton had a big chance to go ahead but Scott’s knock down was put over by Amar Purewal.
Scott then was denied by Breeden who made a strong save.
Scott went close again when he sent a shot whistling past the post from range.
Scott’s persistence was finally met with success when he was alive to turn home Sweet’s low ball into the box to give the Anchors a late lead.
Stockton held out and could have made the win more convincing at the end, but Scott dragged his effort wide of the target.
Full Time: Hednesford Town 1-2 Stockton Town
A huge three points that puts Stockton up to 4th. Next up is the visit of Ilkeston Town on Saturday,
