PEMBROKE – One got it done.

Scituate (12-2) outlasted Marshfield 1-0 in a key Patriot League Division boys hockey matchup which now puts the Sailors in the driver’s seat for the league title as they remained unbeaten in league play at 8-0.

The game’s lone goal came in the second period off the stick of senior Mike Chatterton at 7:21. Chatterton cherry picked a juicy rebound off a faceoff circle blast from defenseman Marty Monahan. Chatterton was parked right off the right post and found daylight in the right top corner over Rams’ goaltender Liam Fullum, who stopped 19 shots in the hard-luck loss.

The defense for both squads was particularly outstanding, led by Monohan for the Sailors. Scituate limited Marshfield to two shots on goal in the first seven minutes of play in both the second and third periods.

The Rams (8-3-1) exploded for seven goals in their last contest against Silver Lake but could not figure out the expert backchecking from the Sailors defense and had limited chances out in front of the crease.

“That’s one thing we struggle with – getting to the net. Scituate did a great job back there, they played solid back there, they blocked shots, and they compete hard, said Marshfield head coach Dan Connolly. “We were hoping to put up a few but they made us work for everything and didn’t give us an inch.”

While Scituate goaltender Mark Francis (21 saves) was not tested much throughout, yet he had two game-saving saves as well as turning away a flurry of shots in the final 1:20 of regulation with Marshfield having the man advantage with Fullam pulled for the extra skater down the stretch.

Francis stopped a rifle from Joe Rotondo midway early in the second period at the last second with the butt end of his stick to keep the game scoreless. Francis was at it again with a stop on another shot from the back line by Jonathan Sullivan at 9:10 of the third which would have tied the game for the Rams.

The one-goal win is the seventh in a row for the Sailors and their second shutout of the season. It was also was the 100th career victory for head coach Brian Hurcombe.

“Our guys knew they had to pick people up in front because Marshfield is so skilled, and they get pucks to the net. We knew we would have to clamp sticks and win the war in front of our net,” said Hurcombe. “They could have scored multiple times, but Mark Francis came up huge and our defense was willing to sacrifice, and it really worked out well for us.”

As for the 100th win, like every head coach, Hurcombe didn’t want to make it about himself but did admit it was nice to get it against a league rival.

“To beat a team like that for the 100th win is special and it’s exciting,” said Hurcombe. “I didn’t even know these guys knew about that, I didn’t want to make it about me, so I didn’t say anything to anybody, but my assistant coaches did the math and it’s a really nice way to do it.”