Stockport claimed a priceless win over play-off rivals Darlington.

County started well and Ryan Lowe was denied by David Stockdale before Liam Dickinson fired wide from close range.

Dickinson had another effort saved by Stockdale before he put Stockport, following up to slot home the rebound after Tommy Rowe's shot hit the post.

Darlington's best chance saw Tommy Wright test keeper John Ruddy with a header but Michael Rose almost added a second for County with a free-kick.

Stockport: Ruddy, James Smith, Raynes, Owen, Rose, Gleeson, Dicker, Blizzard, Pilkington (Taylor 58), Dickinson, Lowe (Rowe 13).
Subs Not Used: Johann Smith, McNulty, Conrad Logan.

Booked: Rose.

Goals: Dickinson 37.

Darlington: Stockdale, Austin, White, Foster, Parker, Purdie, Cummins, Ravenhill (Keltie 77), Kennedy, Joachim (Nelthorpe 43), Wright, Nelthorpe (Wiseman 82).
Subs Not Used: Miller, Kazimierczak.

Booked: Austin, Nelthorpe, White, Keltie.

Att: 6,460

Ref: Mike Thorpe (Suffolk).