Shildon AFC moved up to fourth place in the Northern Premier League East Division after a last gasp 2-1 away win at Hebburn Town on Saturday.
With the weekend storms putting paid to most of the league programme, only the ties taking place in the North East survived the weather.
The Railwaymen leapfrog Stockton Town after their play-off rivals suffered defeat at the hands of Dunston UTS.
Shildon now have a six-point cushion in the play-off positions, albeit they have played two more games than sixth-place Worksop Town.
The sides in second to fifth place will contest the end of season play-offs.
After an even start at the weekend, Shildon took the lead in the 23rd minute.
Michael Sweet had the easiest of tasks to nod home after Hebburn keeper, Mark Foden allowed a long ball to slip through his hands, leaving the Shildon striker alone at the back post to guide the ball into the empty net.
Five minutes before the break, former Shildonian, Amar Purewal drew the sides level.
The hosts won the ball back in midfield and Purewal found time to turn at the edge of the box before driving a deflected shot past Shaun Newbrook.
With neither side able to break the deadlock as the clock wound down, Shildon’s late pressure, proved the difference.
Sweet was there again, rising highest to head home Joe Posthill’s corner in the dying seconds to claim all three points.
The win ensures the Railwaymen begin an enforced two-week break with a positive mindset.
With the league comprising an odd number of clubs, Shildon will sit out next weekend’s fixtures, returning to action away in Sheffield on Saturday 5 March.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
