ANDY RICKETTS knocked Stockbridge off the top of the table with a penalty late in the second half of a game that, until then, had 'nil-nil' written all over it.

Stocks were missing full-back Andy Chainey, who broke his jaw in four places last week and will be out for some time. But Gavin Flye recovered from his dead-leg to play up front, while Pete Swinney and Simon Poultney took their places in a reshaped midfield.

It was a game of few chances throughout. In the first half, the visiting keeper made an excellent save from in-form Charlie Spencer, while at the other end Alan Ralph was relieved to see a long-range shot bounce back off the bar. The second half was much the same with both sides snuffing out each others' attacks.

Tristan Burton, Dean Savage and Paul Barnard again impressed at the back for Stocks, while keeper Ralph looked secure - until an error of judgment cost his side the points.

There appeared to be little danger as Locks Heath played a long ball in behind Ryan Lake. But Ralph hared out, fouled sub James Knight, and could do nothing to keep out Andy Ricketts' resulting penalty.

Stocks mounted a late flurry of attacks, but struggled to find a way past a visiting defence marshalled well by the experienced Glen Stock.

"It was a decent game," reflected Stocks boss Barry Andrews afterwards. "To be fair to Locks Heath, they worked very hard, and both sides cancelled each other out really. "I couldn't see anyone scoring until Ralphy had his brainstorm."