Stockport County fight back to beat Burton Albion

Stockport County 2 - 1 Burton Albion

Oliver Norwood struck a stunning free-kick as 10-man Stockport mounted a spirited second-half fightback to beat Burton Albion.

Author | Alan White

Stadium | Edgeley Park

The visitors had the better of the early stages, Jake Beesley volleying narrowly wide before their pressure told midway through the first half. Udoka Godwin-Malife tapped in after Corey Addai had parried Tyrese Shade’s header, and Stockport’s evening worsened soon after when Brad Hills was shown a red card for hauling Shade down with the forward clean through.

From the resulting free-kick, Sebastian Revan clipped the post and Shade then rattled the woodwork as Burton pressed for a second.

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But Stockport grew in belief after the interval. Jack Diamond drilled in a low equaliser just after the hour, before Norwood produced a moment of brilliance, whipping a free-kick into the top corner from distance with 13 minutes to play.

Burton almost forced a late leveller, Godwin-Malife’s effort hacked off the line in stoppage time, but County clung on to complete an unlikely turnaround.

Best reaction

Full-time scenes

James, a Stockport supporter, was delighted with the win. He said: “After what happened on Tuesday and the setbacks we faced in the first half, to respond like that in the second half is a huge credit to the team.”

Danny added: “What a win, what an atmosphere. A really important win in difficult circumstances after that loss in midweek."

One groundhopper posted the following on their Instagram: “In the 2nd half, Stockport were so much better and goals on 70' & 80' gave them a surprising but deserved win, Burton Albion really shouldn't have allowed themselves to lose this game.”

Liam C watched the match as a neutral, he said: "Stockport’s progress over the past three or four years has been hugely impressive. Their comeback today with ten men underlines the character in the side. Best of luck to them for the remainder of the season."