Salford City earned a first-leg advantage over Stockport County in their League Two play-off semi-final.
Matt Smith's first-half goal earned the Ammies a 1-0 victory and a slender advantage at the halfway stage.
Striker Smith headed home a cross by former Carlisle United midfielder Elliot Watt in the 17th minute.
That proved the only goal with play-off favourites Stockport unable to find a way back against Neil Wood's hosts.
Just moments after Stockport hit the bar, Salford take the lead! 💥 pic.twitter.com/49GCkbj9GW
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 13, 2023
It was only a second defeat in 21 games for Dave Challinor's Hatters, who had gone close shortly before Smith's strike when Ryan Croasdale hit the crossbar.
Stockport, who had ex-Carlisle loanee Jack Stretton up front, must now attempt to turn things around in the second leg next Saturday at Edgeley Park.
The action unfolded in front of a 3,923 crowd - a figure that will be dwarfed by the second first leg occasion when Carlisle United take on Bradford City at Valley Parade on Sunday night.
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