STOCKPORT County gave Championship outfit Leicester a real run for their money last Friday night.

The Hatters took an early lead thanks to the impressive Michael Malcolm, but Rob Kellyés side hit back before the break, then wrapped up victory with two late goals.

County boss Jim Gannon wasnét too glum after the game.

He said: "There were plenty of positives tonight, but we had set ourselves some targets and one wasnét giving away free-kicks in our defensive third. You could see how you get punished by good teams.

"Some of my lads looked fantastic though, they looked fit and strong and in great shape.

"However, there are a few who are lagging behind a little. Theyéve still got to get up to speed.

"But there were a lot of positives, we created a lot of chances, and a couple of setplays that we had been working on almost came off.

"I can see that we are getting a little bit stronger, weére going to be a good side."

In their first meaningful pre-season friendly on a sultry evening at Edgeley Park, County had the better of the early exchanges during an encouraging opening half-hour.

Keith Briggs saw an early header saved by Foxes ékeeper Paul Henderson, then Malcolm should have done better when he glanced a free header wide from close in.

The Hatters took a deserved lead on 18 minutes, but it was brought about by a cock-up from Leicesterés former County trialist Gareth McAuley.

The big defender attempted a simple header back to his goalkeeper, but it was well short and Malcolm nipped in before lobbing a shot over Henderson and into the net.

City got back on terms on 34 minutes though. County goalkeeper James Spencer parried Chris OéGradyés initial shot, but Elvis Hammond poked home the rebound from eight yards.

Hammond almost doubled his tally two minutes before half-time, but his glancing header came back off the crossbar.

Countyés second-half performance pretty much mirrored the one of the first. The home side opened brightly with Malcolm forcing a fine save out of Henderson following a mazy run and shot.

Henderson then did superbly well to beat out a free header from the unmarked Briggs.

However, it was Leicester who wrapped up their victory late on when sub Gareth Williams curled in a free-kick which disappointingly beat Spencer at his near post.

Matty Fryatt made it 3-1 three minutes from time when he robbed Ashley Williams before coolly slotting home from 15 yards.

• THERE were encouraging performances from trialists Matty Burke (from Salford City) and Jamie McGuire (from Cammell Laird) on Friday night.

However, Liam Dickinson was only on the field for 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute in the second half.

He got involved in an off-the-ball tangle with Patrick Kisnorbo and was immediately taken off.

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