Heading in the right direction

14 Jan 2022 11:06
Published by: Scott Callan

STOCKPORT County celebrated the festive season with a one-goal victory at fellow National League play-off contenders Solihull Moors.

Paddy Madden's second half headed goal settled a close encounter, during which each team's crossbar had been rattled, and took County up into the play-off places for the new year.

The Hatters were cheered on by 720 fans who made the trip to the West Midlands.

Going into 2022 County sat sixth in the Vanarama National League table with 36 points from 20 games, seven points behind new year leaders Chesterfield.

Dave Challenor's side have a wait in store before they can bring in the new year on the pitch.

The Hatters' National League fixture away at Altrincham has been postponed, due to several positive Covid-19 cases in the home team's playing squad.

The game was originally due to take place on Monday January 3 but will now be rearranged for a later date.

Stockport's next scheduled fixture is now an FA Trophy tie against Larkhall Athletic on Saturday January 15.

Antoni Sarcevic claimed his maiden Stockport strike as County thrashed Altrincham 5 - 1 in their Boxing Day clash.

Will Collar scored his fourth goal in three games as County dominated the first half at Edgeley Park, with Paddy Madden, Scott Quigley and Ollie Crankshaw also finding the net.

County's FA Cup adventure ended at the third-round stage, with a 1 - 0 defeat away at high-flying League One side Rotherham.

The visitors were roared on in South Yorkshire by a 2,300-plus away contingent for their first competitive meeting in Rotherham since early 2011.

Stockport manager Dave Challinor said: "I thought we deserved something from the game.

"But it also showed the fine margins when you come up against teams from a higher level because I'm sure, when the lads watch the game back, they will be disappointed with the goal that cost us the game.

"I don't think anybody would have noticed the two-division difference between the teams, so I'm pleased with that aspect, but I hate losing and I'm just disappointed to be out of the cup."

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