Josh Baggs’ second half header earned Stockton Town a valuable win at fellow Play-Off hopefuls Ashton United.
Baggs met Glen Butterworth’s pin-point cross in the 72nd minute to earn the three points.
Stockton Town headed into the game in 5th- a place and four points behind their hosts Ashton.
Michael Dunwell named two changes from the side which drew with Basford two weeks ago. Adam Nicholson and Butterworth came in for Owen Gallacher and Fenton John. The shape was changed as he opted for a back three.
Ashton had the ball in the net on eleven minutes through Josh Doherty but it was ruled out for a foul on Nathan Harker.
The majority of the half saw Stockton with the ball in the Ashton half and their best chance came when a looping header by Nicholson clipped the post.
Josh Scott worked tirelessly throughout and he almost profited from that when he blocked a kick by Connor Eastham but the goalkeeper was quick to dive on it.
Eastham then spilled a cross by Butterworth but he was thankful for Alex Byrne who was there to touch it away as Hayes was primed to score.
Half-Time: Ashton United 0-0 Stockton Town
Stockton almost had the opener when a low ball across the box towards Scott was cleared by defender onto the leg of Baggs and deflected wide.
The Anchors continued to have the better of the game. Butterworth sent an effort wide of the target from outside the box.
The game’s decisive moment came with less than twenty minutes remaining when Butterworth’s superb cross was met by Baggs who headed it beyond the dive of Eastham.
Ashton threw on their big man Tom Denton in quest to get back into the game. He put himself about and came close with a header wide from a freekick.
In the end, Stockton held on for a huge three points and return to the MAP Group UK Stadium next Saturday for a crucial home clash against Ilkeston Town on Non-League day.
Full-Time: Ashton United 0-1 Stockton Town
Ashton United: Eastham, Cowan (Baird 6’), Doherty (Jeffers 90’), Newton, Burke, Efunnuga, Bryne (Denton 77’), Rowe, Hardy (Gilchrist 60’), Osei, Chimalilio (Waters 78’)
Unused Subs: N/A
Stockton Town: Harker, Baggs, Purewal, King, Nicholson, Coulthard, Butterworth, Painter (John 67’), Scott (Fowler 85’), Sweet (Thompson 72’), Hayes (Gallacher 80’)
Unused Subs: Roberts
Goals: 0-1, 72 min, Baggs
Attendance: 333
Photo: Harry Cook
Words: James Cartwright
