The curtain came down on Stockport County’s 106 years in the Football League with a creditable draw with Cheltenham at Edgeley Park.
More than 5,000 fans turned out to witness County’s last game – which was stopped in the second-half after a group of fans staged a sit-down protest in the centre circle - before they drop down into the Blue Square Bet Premier next season.
Junior Smikle’s first-half goal looked to have denied the Hatters the chance to end a miserable season on a high note until Greg Tansey’s late penalty.
Scott Brown and Matt Glennon traded saves early on before a wonderfully-crafted move gave Cheltenham the lead midway through the first half.
Wes Thomas flicked the ball on for Josh Low to skip round Alan Goodall and lay on a simple chance for Smikle, who stabbed his finish past Glennon.
Thomas and Smikle both had chances to double the visitors’ lead after the break before the game was brought to halt five minutes from time after a pitch invasion forced the players off the pitch.
But after they re-emerged, the County fans were finally given something to cheer when James Wallace went down in the box under Danny Andrew’s challenge and Tansey tucked away the penalty.
What is your verdict on the action? Have your say.
Stockport County 1 Cheltenham 1
May 07, 2011
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I support any action that get's across the message we will not tolerate the Gibbon's incompetence or links with BK. My action is to stay away but pitch invasions are equally as good. If the Club gets fined and that puts us into financial difficulties - GOOD. Right at this moment starting again from scratch seems a very attractive option. Disappointed that the crowd was as high as 5000, although if this was a County with a credible board behind it we would have had closer to 10,000. Please. please vote with your feet and stay away because it's going to take a pretty strong message to stop the Gibbons clinging on to witness a slow, agonizing decline into oblivion.
Another point: I should perhaps acknowledge that there has been (finally) a COWS statement that QUANTIFIES the rental situation at EP. However, what the article doesn't say is whether this is a NEW deal for 2011/2012 or the current deal. Because if it's the latter, there still needs to be an explanation as to why (contrary to previous Club statements) playing at EP is suddenly financially viable !? A break-even crowd figure for 2011/2012 would be useful too. Judging by the extended offer on early-bird season tickets (ostensibly due to some computing upgrade) I suggest things are not looking good.
Agree with all you say Phil. A Terrific crowd on Saturday to witness the final demise of our league status. Although I do not get to many County matches these days I have in the past made the effort to get to EP when in the area. Have made decision that I will never put another penny into the coffers of those who are ultimately responsible for County descending into non-league football. However if some outfit comes forward with a plan for taking the club forward next season by getting ground sharing agreement from Alty, Macc, Stalybridge, Droylsden, or wherever, whilst getting commitment from Stockport Councillors to locate possible venues within the borough for a new stadium then I will immediately buy season ticket whether I can attend or not. A statement of intent is needed by fans to leave the current hierarchy in no doubt that there is no future at EP under current set up.
Are there any plans for a public meeting? If so am sure our friends at FC United would be happy to give advice based on their experiences.