Stockport hung on for a priceless win against one of their main rivals for automatic promotion as they beat Darlington 1-0 at Edgeley Park.Ryan Lowe went close early on as his shot was well saved by David Stockdale, then Liam Dickinson should have done better when he blasted well wide from close in as the Hatters dominated.

Stockdale spilled a powerful shot from Dickinson after 33 minutes, but Anthony Pilkington couldn't quite force home the rebound.

There was no mistake from the hosts four minutes later though as Tommy Rowe's shot struck the base of a post, but the rebound fell kindly for Dickinson who smashed home his 17th goal of the season from 10 yards.

In the second half Stockport 'keeper John Ruddy produced a magical save to keep out Tommy Wright's well-directed header, but in the end the hosts were good value for their win, with Michael Rose's late free-kick flashing inches past a Darlington post.

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