Stockton Town extended their winning run to eight games following a hard fought win over Matlock Town
Josh Scott scored his 6th goal in six games to maintain the winning streak.
Michael Dunwell named one change to his Starting XI with star winger Kev Hayes coming in for Mikey Roberts.
Matlock, who had narrowly lost out 3-2 to Macclesfield in the week, named former Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Clayton in their Starting XI.
The Gladiators also handed a debut to new addition Jeremie Milambo and Comoros International Fouad Bachirou.
From the off it was clear Stockton were in for a real battle as both teams cancelled each out in the first half.
After a positive opening ten minutes Matlock had the first effort when Sam Essien curled an effort from distance which was comfortable for Nathan Harker.
Then Josh Scott struck narrowly wide after Stephen Thompson beat his man on the right hand side.
More good work from Stockton saw another opportunity crafted which ended with Kev Hayes firing over.
Matlock had their biggest chance of the first half when a ball over the top found Essien who was thwarted by Harker just before he could convert.
It was then the turn of Thompson to come close but his spectacular effort went narrowly over after he was picked out from a long ball.
Thompson was again found after a fast breakaway at the end of the half but Clayton produced a miraculous challenge to keep the scores level.
Half Time: Stockton Town 0-0 Matlock Town
In the second half, the sides continued to be even. Stockton’s first effort of the half came when Michael Sweet struck a half volley over the bar.
Just after the hour mark, Matlock worked the ball into the space of Sam Smart who stung the palms of Harker.
As the half wore, Stockton began to turn the screw and were rewarded for the persistence from a set piece. Glen Butterworth’s corner from the right bounced around before it was turned in by Scott.
Matlock tried to revive a way back into the game but Stockton kept them at arm’s length for a win which moved them into third.
Full Time: Stockton Town 1-0 Matlock Town
Stockton Town: Harker, King, Baggs, Painter, Nicholson, Coulthard, Hayes (Birtles 87’), Butterworth, Scott, Thompson (Fowler 68’), Sweet (Gallacher 63’)
Unused Subs: Purewal, Spears
Matlock Town: Ravenhill, Boateng (Brisley 76’), Milambo, Clayton, Granite, Oglesby, Smart (Campbell 78’), Bachirou (Wood 90+1), Gibson, Essien (Durose 68’), Thompson
Goals: 1-0, 77 min, Scott
Attendance: 720
Photo: Harry Cook
Words: James Cartwright
