Gainsborough Trinity slip out of play-off spots after defeat at rivals Stockton Town

The only goal of the game came deep in first half stoppage time, amidst a swirling gale that swept across the Map UK Stadium as Stockton leapfrogged the Holy Blues up into third place.

Keeper David Robson was at full stretch to push the ball away from danger after Josh Scott had got in behind down the Stockton right, Harrison Beeden clearing the danger.

Then Petitjean's set-piece picked out Nicholson, who powered his header toward Robson's top right corner, but the Trinity keeper got across to tip the ball over the bar.

Ten minutes before half-time, Trinity did get in behind, but Mulhern's ball to Tuntulwana, unmarked in the centre lacked conviction and Stockton were able to clear their lines.

As the half drifted towards the break, Robson was called into action again.

A floated ball in behind found Kevin Hayes, one of the Anchors' dangermen.

In too much space with too much time, he was able to set himself and rifle an effort goal-bound. But Robson was equal to the effort, making the block behind for a corner.

Trinity needed the half-time whistle, but Stockton grabbed the lead before that came.

The towering Nicholson made the first contact from the corner, stabbing the ball goalwards before Petitjean applied the finishing touch to poke the ball home.

After the break Stockton managed the game effectively, ensuring Trinity couldn't get up a head of steam.

Poor delivery also prevented the visitors exerting any real pressure.

Trinity did have the ball in the net, when Mulhern sent Javelle Clarke away, but the offside flag saw that one ruled out.

Scott then also saw his strike ruled out following a foul on Robson by Purewall earlier in the build-up.

Trinity, getting it down and playing, allowed Aaron Simpson the opportunity to deliver from the right. But Theo Williams was unable to guide his header on target.

Stockton went close to doubling their lead when Josh Scott crashed a header off the post from Barrett's teasing cross from the right.

Just two minutes later, there were two more key moments, both ultimately meaning the scoreline stayed the same.

A long ball forward got caught up in the artificial turf, threatening to leave Robson in no man's land as Kev Hayes looked to fire past the stranded stopper, but he produced a fine stop to keep Trinity in the game.

Trinity swept down the other end and Williams raced in behind. But with just the keeper to beat, he blazed wildly, high and wide.

Things went from bad to worse, when Bobby Johnson limped off, with nine minutes to play, managing just under 25 minutes as a sub.

Still Stockton looked to run the clock down - and even with five added minutes, Trinity struggled to really make Harker work.

Purewall went close in the final moments of the game.

Racing through from left to right, he was forced wide by Robson and, as the angle became more difficult, he could only find the sidenetting.