Frank Nouble found the target with just a minute remaining to see Stockton Town beat Bury one-nil at the MAP Group UK Stadium.
Nouble forced home a superb Josh Scott delivery in the 89th minute to get the home supporters celebrating.
Mitch Allen was the first goalkeeper called into action when he got low to deny Josh Scott’s effort inside the box.
But Nathan Harker made two saves in two minutes, the second very much earning his eventual clean sheet when he poked Owen Robinson’s header over the crossbar from just a few yards away.
Both defences showed their quality in the first half, and it ended a goalless 45 minutes.
Half-time: Stockton Town 0-0 Bury
Jake Petitjean had a huge opportunity for the Anchors four minutes after the restart when his header was clawed away by Allen on the line as it looked to be heading into the bottom corner.
Minutes later, the visitors had a big chance of their own when Rustams Stepans struck the woodwork with a curling strike from range.
Owen Gallacher nearly opened the scoring after finally finding a way in-behind, but his effort was well saved by Allen, with the rebound met by an even better stop.
Minutes later, Adam Nicholson struck the crossbar for the Anchors when he forced Jake Petitjean’s free-kick towards goal.
But Michael Dunwell’s side did find a way through, when Josh Scott’s cross found Frank Nouble, who just needed to get any sort of contact on the ball to guide it towards goal – and he did, with the ball flying past Allen and giving the Anchors a lead in the 89th minute.
Stockton’s defence, who were immense all night long, coped with the late pressure from the visitors, and Stockton held out for a massive three points at home.
Full-time: Stockton Town 1-0 Bury
Stockton are home again on Saturday when FC United of Manchester become the next side to make the trip to Teesside.
