Blackstones beat Clay Cross Town in the United Counties League

Blackstones stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to four games after a super success over high-flying Clay Cross Town on Saturday.

The Stamford side ran out 3-2 winners to inflict only the second United Counties League Division One defeat of the season on their Chesterfield visitors.

Nathan Rudman netted twice for Stones after Johan Coughlan had given Ryan Wood and Jon Harrison's side an early advantage.

They then had to withstand a barrage of late pressure from their free-scoring visitors to secure the win which leaves them on the cusp of the play-off places.

Coughlan had given Stones a fourth minute lead which was preserved by a penalty save from goalkeeper Max Peverell shortly after.

Peverell had saved three spot kicks in the recent Lincolnshire Senior Trophy triumph over Louth Town and continued his run to keep Stones in front.

The lead was then doubled on the stroke of half-time as Rudman was brought down in the box and, although his penalty was saved, he was first to convert the rebound.

Stones introduced Louis Venni after the break on his return to the club after a spell in the Peterborough League Premier Division with Uppingham Town.

A header from the division's top scorer Ahmed Tahar then cut the deficit midway through the second half.

However, within six minutes, Stones had restored their two-goal advantage as Rudman took possession on the edge of the penalty area before beating his marker and firing home.

Clay Cross reduced the arrears three minutes later through Ross Duggan and they dominated the final 10 minutes of the match.

But Stones stood strong to repel the raids and continue their good run of form ahead of Saturday's home match with Selston.

Stones have added summer signing Herbie Panting to their management team after he called time on his playing career.

Panting was part of the Bourne Town squad that lifted the Division One title last term before returning to Stones in the close season.