Greg Tansey’s winner deep into stoppage time saw Stockport County come from behind to beat 10-man Oxford United at Edgeley Park.
Matt Paterson cancelled out Tom Craddock’s opener for Oxford, who played the last 25 minutes with 10 men after Anthony Tonkin’s dismissal, before Tansey stepped off the bench to earn all three points with almost the last kick of the game.
Asa Hall forced Ian McLoughlin – making his home debut after arriving on loan from Ipswich – into an early save but it was County who created the best chance of a scrappy first half.
James Wallace – who was instrumental on his return - won the ball in midfield and, after a neat one-two with Paterson, picked out David Poole who saw his effort loop just wide of the far post.
But just five minutes into the second-half and the Hatters were behind. Craddock was allowed to get goal side of County’s back four and raced away to slide the ball through McLoughlin’s legs. It might have been worse if the 20-year-old keeper hadn’t beaten away James Constable’s fierce drive moments later.
County were thrown a lifeline when former Hatter Tonkin was sent off for a second bookable offence. Peter Ward sacrificed Poole for striker Tom Fisher and was rewarded almost immediately.
Ryan Clarke’s punch, under pressure from Anthony Elding, landed at Fisher’s feet and the 19-year-old had the awareness to find Paterson who curled home his second County goal.
And it looked like the Hatters would have to settle for a point until substitute Tansey collected the ball 25-yards out before beating Clarke with a low drive.
What is your verdict on the action? Have your say.
Stockport County 2 Oxford United 1
March 05, 2011
Comments
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I feel for all of those who watch County week in week out. I live down south now but am still an avid County fan, amongst the hoards of Arsenal, Chelsea and Man U fans down here. As you can imagine of any County fan, I've done my time of going to matches (you can't count any County fan of being a glory hunter). I'll still argue that Oshor Williams rates up there with the all time greats.
I have regularly read the comments of the last couple of seasons describing how badly the team plays and, whilst it would be nice to give up and choose a more successful team, once you have a love for a team, you can't change. I just want to say how good it makes my day that County actually win a game - well done and let's hope the miracle happens.
It doesn't sound like the best of games but who cares ? Three lovely points, another double and at last a bit of luck on our side.Things seem to be improving lately, no embarrassing thrashings, and a couple of wins against teams near the top.We've now got to keep this good form going right through to the last game and just hope that the other teams with games in hand,find that 3 games a week prove to be too much for them.
Terrible game, but three very, very welcome points.
Fantastic performance from Wallace the Everton lad and Paterson the Southend lad is a fantastic striker, what a peach of a finish. Tansey take a bow, great strike.
Roll on Stanely - can we dream?
Up the County
Wins are always welcome but although it is not mathematically certain I think we should be preparing for the probable relegation. If we are not prepared then it could be a long stay outside the football league and TBH, in the unlikely event that we are not relegated this year, if we are not prepared then we could certainly be relegated anyway next year. I said it earlier in the season that half division two were potential relegation fodder and would struggle to get back up again. County's achilles heel proved to be the paper thin squad and the inaction of our owners and board who seemed to be just hoping that we would be lucky and muddle through somehow.
Happy for Wardy and the players but I believe that no matter what happens, right now is when preparations MUST begin for next season.
Three welcome points and the fight goes on. I posted on these pages a few weeks ago about the similarities with five years ago when County had an early March fixture against the then Brian Talbots Oxford and scraped a win - the season finished with a match against Carlisle - we finish this season with a match against a 'C' club (Cheltenham) so still hoping for a miracle repeat five years on. Its happened before but at other end of table. When County got promoted in 66/67 season they started with away draw at Barrow and final fixture was Lincoln home, uncannily I think they were the same fixtures as in 1936 the previous occasion when they got promotion.
Anyhow back to the two matches this week - a win at Stanley tomorrow would be welcome but even more is the crucial match against Burton on Saturday - to have any realistic hope of a miracle survival then two wins would keep us in with the 'mix. Keeping fingers crossed. Kenny (Cornwall) now Cyprus.
Sorry Phil, but you sound a bit negative there, you are starting to sound like Dora, but while there is still a chance to stay up, keep believing it's possible. The other teams around us have to win their games in hand, and they all have to play each other, so if we can put a few wins together, hopefully, we can do it. Talking of Dora, no post yet, just like the Bury game.