December began in disappointing fashion for Stockton Town as they slipped to another home defeat to Leek Town.
Goals either side of the break from Connor Heath and Carl Dickinson were enough to give the away side the points.
Kev Hayes converted a penalty in stoppage time but it was too little too late.
Michael Dunwell named one change from the previous match as Michael Sweet came in for Amar Purewal.
Leek had the better of the early chances as Tunde Owolabi had an effort comfortably saved, he then blazed over after finding a path through to goal.
The visitors took the lead shortly after the quarter hour mark when a corner was swept home by Heath.
Stockton began to create chances of their own. Adam Nicholson had a powerful header saved by Dino Visser. The South African was then forced to cover up his own error when he failed to punch the ball properly clear and it spun back towards goal but he was there to claw it away.
The pressure continued from Stockton, but they were unable to make anything of it. A succession of four corners in a row only saw a strike hammered over by Jamie Bramwell.
Approaching half time, the goal continued to be elusive to the Anchors. Jake Petitjean had a header blocked on the line, then Nicholson flashed a ball across goal but it evaded those sliding in.
Half Time: Stockton Town 0-1 Leek Town
Early in the second half, another chance went Stockton’s way as Michael Sweet was found in the box but his turn and strike sailed over.
Close to the hour mark Leek had a second. Nathan Harker made a sharp save to deny Heath his brace, but from the resulting corner Dickinson was there to slam in.
Stockton made changes to try to get back into the game Stephen Thompson, Amar Purewal and later Ryan Barrett all came on.
Barrett had a chance when Coulthard’s flick on reached him but his effort lacked direction.
Owen Gallacher then sent a fizzing effort on goal but Visser was equal to it.
Heading towards full time, Nathan Harker’s freekick reached Barrett but his tame effort was saved.
In stoppage time Stockton were given a glimmer of hope when they were awarded a penalty after Amar Purewal was felled.
Hayes stepped up and confidently dispatched.
In the final moments Stockton pushed into the Leek half in the attempt to find joy, but they were unable to create any further chances.
Full-Time: Stockton Town 1-2 Leek Town
Words by James Cartwright
Photo by Harry Cook
