My 'on-the-whistle' report for Quays News
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One goal in each half from John Marsden, together with a penalty save by Ian Ormson, ensured that Stockport County marked the League homecoming to Edgeley Park of manager Jim Gannon with a first victory for the Hatters in SK3 since British Summer Time ended in October..
The Hatters have started many a game as the stronger team this season without finding the back of the net in the early stages. But on this occasion they managed it - with Marsden turning in a low drive after just five minutes.
County continued to dominate the opening exchanges - and Richard Brodie came close to doubling County’s lead, when his header from a corner shaved Trinity’s crossbar.
As Trinity settled down, Darryn Stamp was twice denied by Ormson. The County goalkeeper had, earlier in the day, signed an improved contract through to the summer of 2017 - and he made an early couple of repayments towards the faith shown in him by, first, blocking a Stamp shot with his legs and then tipping the Trinity striker’s header skywards.
The visitors did have the ball in County’s net just over ten minutes before half-time, but Liam Davis’ strike was ruled out for offside. They proceeded after the break, however, to threaten the County goal - and looked set to get back on level terms just past the hour-mark, on being awarded a penalty after Stamp was impeded in the home box by County skipper Sean O’Hanlon.
Simon Russell’s spot-kick was well taken, but Ormson guessed correctly - diving to his left and tipping it around the post.
The Hatters doubled their lead fifteen minutes later, when, following a break upfield, Marsden fired home from fifteen yards.
Man of the Match Ormson came to County’s rescue once more - pulling off a brilliant reflex save to keep out a header from substitute Marc Newsham. And Stamp went close again in the closing stages, as he connected with a corner to head against the left upright.
Result: Stockport County 2 (Marsden, 5 and 79), Gainsborough Trinity 0.
Teams:
County: Ormson (GK), Connolly, Roberts, Montrose, O’Hanlon (C), Smalley, Morton (Joyce, 82), Anoruo (West, 63), Brodie (Odejayi, 73), Marsden, Ledsham.
Gainsborough: Hedge (GK), Roma (C), Lacey, Brogan, D’Laryea, Picton, Russell, Davis (Newsham, 73), Stamp, Jarman, Hodge (Yates, 82).
Bookings:
County: Anoruo (45).
Gainsborough: Hodge (45), Brogan (78).
On Target: County 7, Gainsborough 8.
Off Target: County 3, Gainsborough 3.
Corners: County 5, Gainsborough 3.
Offsides: County 3, Gainsborough 3.
Attendance: 2,990.