DANBURY — The stakes were high Tuesday night in Danbury as the Wreckers and Hatters squared off in a match that began the final third of the FCIAC season.

Host Danbury stood one point behind the visitors in the standings, among 12 teams battling for eight league tournament slots.

In a skillful, fast, evenly played and physical match, the Wreckers had a couple of good chances — particularly a rocket by Will Murray that skimmed off the post, and a nearly open look that was blasted high.

But Danbury got the only goal of the game. It came in the 51st minute, on a header off a corner kick. The corner resulted from a defensive mixup.

The Wreckers were paced by Murray and Zach Gorin at midfield. Josh Whitaker contributed strong work on the left side, while Cormac Mulvey and Dylan Shackelford anchored the defense.

The loss drops Staples to 6-6-0. Danbury, now 6-4-2, overtook them in the FCIAC race.

The blue-and-whites look to get back on the winning track against St. Joseph of Trumbull at 4 p.m. Thursday at Wakeman Field. The Cadets have won just once this year. (Game schedules are subject to change; click for the latest updates.)