A superb display at Edgeley Park saw Stevenage outclass Stockport County, climbing above the hosts in the table, writes Saad Nazir.
Stockport County were looking to keep up the momentum from their win against Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday. Instead, they came away with a 3-1 loss at home that could mean more than just three points come the end of the EFL League One season.
Stevenage arrived one place below the hosts and was winless in three matches. Like the hosts, they were searching for momentum heading into the new year.
Goals from Chem Campbell – a sublime first-half strike – and Jamie Reid and Louis Thompson in the second-half were the difference between the two sides. Kyle Wootton scored for the hosts with a towering header to give a shot at a comeback, just moments before Stevenage’s third from the resulting kick-off.
County threatened early as Joseph Olowu’s header from Ben Osborn’s free-kick was parried by Fil Marschall and cleared off the line by Dan Sweeney.
Stevenage responded nine minutes later, Jamie Reid latching onto Louis Thompson’s through-ball before striking Ben Hinchliffe’s near post.
The visitors went ahead at the midway point of the first half. Chem Campbell was teed up by Luther James-Wildin and curled a fine effort from the edge of the area into the top-left corner.
Stockport County came out after the resumption, looking for the equaliser. They had promising moments where they came close to restoring parity. However, the next goal was scored by the visitors as they got some breathing space.
Against the run of play, Stevenage struck early in the second half. Thompson’s back-heel on the right found James-Wildin, whose low cross was converted by Reid from close range.
READ MORE: Stockport County invites young adults to free football sessions
It wasn’t the only time County would concede when momentum on their side and when they looked most likely to score the next goal.
They got their goal eventually when Kyle Wootton pulled one back with a towering header from Owen Dodgson’s left-wing cross. Sensing a comeback after the goal, their hopes were dealt a vital blow again.
From the restart, Stevenage hacked the ball long, and Ethan Pye’s header back to his keeper was intercepted by Thompson, who lifted a neat finish over the stranded goalkeeper to restore the two-goal lead.
The Hatters tried to fight back but came up short, remaining without a home win since mid-October. They are now in sixth place, two points off Stevenage, having played a game more.
Dave Challinor’s men will be looking to put this tough outing behind them when they face Mansfield next Saturday.
READ MORE: Hatters eye Wembley as Harrogate await in last-16
Header image: By MGPetch – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=145729592
Got a story? Email us at editor@mancsport.com
For more Stockport County news, click here.
