Stockport County were forced to settle for a point in their first home league game of the season after a goalless draw with Wycombe Wanderers at Edgeley Park.
County were much the better team, especially during an end-to-end second-half, and were rarely troubled by Wycombe, one of the pre-season promotion favourites.
Robbie Williams recovered from the groin strain that had ruled him out in midweek to make his home debut, and he almost marked it with a goal when his 25-yard free kick flicked the top of the wall and hit the outside of the post after 10 minutes.
It was as close as either side came to breaking the deadlock in a disappointing first half, although Danny Rowe might have done better with a left-foot volley that flashed wide 10 minutes before the interval.
Before the game, County manager Paul Simpson had called on the fans to get behind the team, and five minutes after half-time they finally had a reason to.
Greg Tansey dispossessed Gareth Ainsworth in his own half and sent George Donnelly racing away, but the on-loan striker couldn’t beat Wycombe keeper Nikki Bull.
Barry Conlon then got up above Alan Bennett to cushion a header towards the back post but David Poole couldn’t guide his effort underneath the crossbar.
Wycombe had hardly threatened, but Owain fon Williams was called upon to block Ainsworth’s header at the far post and Jon-Paul Pittman should have done better with a free header from Ainsworth’s left-wing cross after 78 minutes.
Tansey almost found a winner with a spectacular 30-yard free-kick seven minutes before time, but Bull was equal to it to ensure both sides finished with a point.
What is your verdict on the action? Have your say.
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I have to say I was encouraged by County's performance today. Wycombe played with a lot of belief and good passing that justified their status as one of favourites to go up, but they rarely troubled County. I thought County were far better in the second half, demonstrating that Simpson has the ability to assses the first 45 minutes and communicate the improvements needed during the break. Conlon, Donnelly, Williams and Proctor stood out for me. Conlon holds the ball up well and has good awareness of where other county players are (or should be) - only the quality of the passes he subsequently makes is sometimes lacking but this will come as the team start to gel. Donnelly showed incredible pace to get past defenders at time, whilst Proctor is clearly going to prove a handful for opposition defenders during his loan spell with us.
Was a good performance overall can't believe we didn't win it! But central midfield needs some attention the game pretty much by passed Turnball. Defence looks solid though Mani makes me nervous sometimes. Donnelly upfront appears to have a lot of pace and Conlon hold the ball up well and brings others into play. Williams is very comfortable of the ball and could prove to be a real could signing. As Wycombe are fancied to win promotion I personally saw nothing special about them and thought we were better than them for most of the game. Simpson is doing a great job and the team appears to have gelled well and are working for each other. Think we will get our first three points on Saturday. Well done the lads. Come on COUNTY!!!
an entertaining match with good performances from several county players.
george donnelly should have scored when clean through,but it was an excellent save from nikki bull.
well played county and credit to paul simpson.
A very, very good performance by the boys. Donnelly's pace had the Chairboys defence rattled. If we had scored one then we could wekll have got a bagful of goals.
Great start my grandad went he said it was better than drawing his pension ,so onwards and upwards ,Simpson for England !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Type your comment here...I thought the boys played well, shame about the 3800 attendance, i hope that improves. Also how come the away fans get to sit in the sun, and we have to shiver in the shade in the cheadle end :)