STOCKPORT County made it back-to-back victories against Salford City FC on Saturday, recovering from a shaky start to run out 2-1 winners.
Richie Wellens’ cushioned effort opened the scoring at Edgeley Park as Salford dominated the early exchanges.
Stockport looked a shadow of the team that won so comfortably in the FA Cup last week yet, midway through the first half they found themselves level, Gary Stopforth meeting a low cross from Courtney Meppen-Walters.
Despite pressure from Salford in the second, it was the home side that took the lead with substitute Max Cartwright capitalising on some poor Salford defending from a corner.
The wind was firmly taken out of Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s side following the goal and Stockport closed out comfortably in the latter stages.
Salford City made four changes from the side that were defeated 2-0 by Jim Gannon’s side a week ago, notably the return of captain Simon Grand who missed out last week through suspension.
County were forced into one change, Kayode Odejayi coming in for Josh Amis who missed out with a knee injury.
The Ammies started the brighter of the two and in the seventh-minute were rewarded for their positive start.
Seasoned professional Wellens driving home a Scott Burton cut-back from just outside the area.
Minutes later the away side came again, and it took a top drawer save from Ben Hinchliffe to deny Richie Allen from getting on the scoresheet.
Then, in the 30th minute, Stockport levelled.
Former Salford City midfielder Gary Stopforth delicately finished a low-driven cross from the left hand side which was a timely goal that energised the home support.
The game opened up as the half drew to a close, the away side responding well to conceding; Richie Wellens was denied by the alert Hinchcliffe who kept the score at 1-1 going into the interval.
Buzzing with that! Seriously couldn't asked for a better start. Fans were incredible, really got us over the line! Thank you all!! ⚽️⚽️
— Max Cartwright (@MaxCartwright5) October 8, 2016
Despite a lighting start to the half by the hosts it was Salford again who looked the likelier to score.
Michael Nottingham first flashing a shot wide of the post before Jordan Hulme, from a similar position, brushed the post.
Much like their first half equaliser, Stockport struck against the run of play.
Debutant substitute Cartwright took full advantage of some woeful Salford defending from a corner in the 66th minute, smashing the ball into an empty net following a collision between Odejayi and Ammies’ goalkeeper Jay Lynch.
A brawl between Hatters fans’ favourite Danny Lloyd and Salford captain Grand tarnished what had otherwise been a well contested match.
Both players saw yellow, although on another day both may have been sent for early showers.
Gannon’s side defended well in the last 10 minutes to hold onto their slender lead and inflict a fourth defeat in six for the away side.
What a win that is brilliant character and effort from the boys, 3800 ??? absolutely magic that … @StockportCounty #UTH #COUNTY ?
— Danny Lloyd (@dannylloyd1) October 8, 2016
The result sees Salford slip to seventh in the league, with County climbing to 10th, only a point behind their local rivals.
After the match Quays News reporter Joe Canavan caught up with Salford City FC Manager Anthony Johnson:
“We conceded poor goals and that’s being mild, the second one was a shambles. A disgrace of a goal.
“How we play and try to play, it’s all there but when you get on a bad run things don’t fall for you.
“We’re cutting teams up and winning chances so we know we’re on the right track.”
Salford City will hope to put an end to their winless streak in the league at home against Boston United next week, whilst Stockport County take on Bishop Auckland, as they look to get into the FA Cup first-round proper.
Quays News MOTM: Gary Stopforth
Attendance: 3,830 (358 away)
Stockport County FC: Hinchliffe, Ross (c), Minihan, Meppen-Walters (53′ Cartwright), Clarke, Smalley, Stopforth, Montrose, Odejayi (73′ Carney), Ball, Lloyd (85′ Marsden).
Unused subs: Ormson, Spencer.
Salford City FC: Lynch, Nottingham, O’Halloran, Burton, Grand (c), Priestley, King, Barnes, Hulme (73′ Phenix), Wellens (73′ Poole), Allen (67′ Warburton).
Unused subs: Walker, Johnston.
Referee: Simeon Lucas
By Dylan Childs
@ChildsDylan_
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