Stockton Town took home all three points after a solid win at Ilkeston Town.

Josh Scott found the only goal of the game, his fifth across his last six starts, just past the 1/3 mark, which proved vital.

Michael Dunwell was given a short list of first team players to choose from ahead of the game, naming three U18’s onto the bench alongside Tom Birtles, who has returned from Guisborough Town.

Neither goalkeeper was overly tested in the early stages, which remained a common occurrence for the remainder of the game as a whole.

The best chance in the first half hour went Stockton’s way, when Michael Sweet found space for a left-footed effort which made Alfie Roberts work for the save.

Sweet played a crucial role in the only goal of the game on the 35 minute mark, playing a low ball back across the box to Josh Scott whose deflected effort made its way into the net.

Ilkeston nearly found an equaliser right before the break, when a cross from the right was importantly put wide by Adam Nicholson.

Half-time: Ilkeston Town 0-1 Stockton Town

Stephen Thompson nearly added a second not long after the restart, he won the ball high up the pitch and went for goal from 30+ yards out, beating the goalkeeper but being denied by the post.

Nathan Harker made his only real save of the game in the 55th minute, keeping out a long-ranged effort from Thomas Marshall that was straight at him.

Chuka Unigwe played an important part in the game, and caused some problems when he came on, and should have been awarded a penalty when he was barged to ground as the clock hit 90, but his appeals were waved away.

Ilkeston captain Marshall did find space in the box to meet a cross, but luckily it was straight at Nathan Harker.

Stockton remained resilient in their defensive duties in the seven minutes of added time, and saw out the game to take all three points home.

Full-time: Ilkeston Town 0-1 Stockton Town