Kev Hayes’ first half penalty earned Stockton a win on the road against ten-man Workington.
The Reds were reduced to ten early on when Charlie Barnes saw red for a foul on Cam Painter.
Later in the half Stockton were awarded a penalty when Hayes was felled by Tyler Maloire. Hayes stepped up and dispatched.
Stockton could have had further daylight in the second half, but Amar Purewal had a goal ruled out and later hit the post.
For one of the final games at the historic Borough Park, home to Workington since 1937, Michael Dunwell named one change as Amar Purewal came in for Jamie Bramwell.
The league’s bottom side Workington had the game’s first chance when a delightful cross from Josh Galloway was flicked onto the post by the head of Steven Rigg.
Ten minutes later the Reds were down to ten men when a heavy foul on Painter from Barnes saw the referee show no hesitation. Painter continued for a short while before he was forced off with the injury.
Stockton then had a penalty when persistent play ended with a ball threaded through for Hayes who was brought down by Magloire just as he was about to get a shot away. Hayes converted to give the Anchors the lead.
Hayes had another dead ball which he sent fizzing in but it had too much on for Adam Nicholson who arrived to apply a finish.
Moments later, Danny Eccles had to be sharp to keep out a low drive from Stephen Thompson.
He was again called into action when Hayes had an arrowed strike which he tipped over.
At the other end, Coulthard made a huge block to deny Galloway who was a bright spark on the wing throughout the contest.
Half Time: Workington AFC 0-1 Stockton Town
Stockton started the second half brightly. Amar Purewal headed over the bar, and Gallacher poked an effort wide after nicking the ball off Magloire.
On the hour mark they had the ball in the net again when Amar Purewal touched home after Eccles spilled the ball into his path. However the linesman’s flag was soon up for an apparent offside.
Amar Purewal had another big chance to make the points safe in the final ten minutes when he was through one-on-one but his low shot struck the post.
In the final moments of the game, Workington pushed for a leveller. They dragged an effort wide from close range, and forced Nathan Harker into a near post save from a freekick.
Full Time: Workington AFC 0-1 Stockton Town
A huge three points on the road for Stockton Town, next up is the visit of Hebburn Town on Boxing Day.
Words by James Cartwright
Photo by Harry Cook
