MOTORS put in a spirited display, but Stalybridge took their chances and deserved to take all three points from this entertaining encounter at Rivacre Park.

On 40 minutes, Ellams pulled the trigger from 30 yards out which looked to heading for the top corner but keeper Danny East pulled off a fine save and tipped the ball over the crossbar to safety.

The deadlock was broken just two minutes before the interval when McConville whipped in a dangerous free-kick from the left and captain Matt Regan bundled the ball home at the back post to give Stalybridge the lead.

The away side doubled their advantage on 55 minutes when McConville was hauled down in the area by Owen Davies. Kristian Platt stepped up and calmly slotted home the resulting penalty.

The third and decisive goal for Stalybridge was scored after 67 minutes when Liam Dickinson broke clear on the right wing and squared the ball to Ryan Croasdale who arrived unmarked at the back post and tapped the ball past Jones from close range.

Motors, to their credit, never gave up and grabbed a consolation goal on 72 minutes when the ball was looped over by Karl Clair and was met by teenage substitute Adam Hughes who took one touch before drilling the ball home with a fine left footed strike from 15 yards out.

Next fixture for Motors is this Sunday, March 23, when they travel to Aggborough to take on Worcester City. 3pm kick-off.