Bradford Park Avenue 2, Stockport County 0

LATE goals in each half earned Bradford Park Avenue a much-needed three points in Vanarama Conference North at the expense of Stockport, who were bidding to climb into the play-off places.

The result came courtesy of a Richard Marshall penalty and a freak strike by Luke Dean to give John Deacey's men the boost they needed in their battle to beat the drop.

Marshall had an early chance and also a penalty appeal midway through the first half but there were fleeting chances for the visitors.

Richie Barker struck a shot wide, Avenue keeper John Danby did well to palm a Kristian Dennis free-kick around his post and Danny Glover also put an effort wide of the target.

A short corner for the hosts found Sam Patterson in space but his shot was blocked in a packed area.

There was just one minute of stoppage time before the interval whistle but that is all Avenue needed as Marshall was fouled in the area before getting up to beat Hatters keeper Danny Hurst from the spot.

County made two changes during the break and Dennis put a volley wide soon after the restart. But Avenue came close to doubling their lead when Hurst saved a Billy Priestley shot following Jamie Price's free-kick.

Chib Chilaka and Patterson both had chances but the Hatters finished strongly as they sought an equaliser. Then after weathering a spell from the visitors, Avenue sealed the game with a bizarre strike.

Dean went in for a challenge 35 yards from goal and the ball flew over Hurst and into the net.

Meanwhile, Eccleshill United also had a home game but they lost 2-1 to Penistone Church in Division One of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League.

Charlie Flaherty gave the Eagles a late lead but a penalty and a last-gasp header undid the home side.