Stockport move closer to play-offs after hard-fought win

Rotherham United 0 - 1 Stockport County

Stockport produced a far sharper second-half performance to claim a hard-fought victory at Rotherham.

Author | Alan White

Stadium | New York Stadium

Stockport County corner

The first half offered little between the sides, with neither team doing enough to warrant an advantage. Jamal Baptiste spurned Rotherham’s best opportunity, slicing a volley wide after Jordan Hugill had nodded the ball into his path. At the other end, Benony Andresson dragged a shot past the post following a clever pass from Ollie Norwood.

County emerged with greater purpose after the break and pushed the home side back. Odin Bailey stung the palms of Cameron Dawson with a drive from distance before the breakthrough arrived just after the hour, Norwood delivering from the right for Kyle Wootton to finish.

The visitors might have stretched their lead in the closing stages. Substitute Nathan Lowe was twice denied by Dawson, while Ethan Pye sent a free header wide from another Norwood delivery. But the single goal proved enough to secure Stockport the points.

Reaction from those Stockport fans who made the trip

Mark: Three points safely collected. The stadium is impressive, but the atmosphere was flat, more like a library. Thankfully the County fans made themselves heard.

Adam: Good win for County. The referee was poor for both sides. We still need to be more clinical in front of the goal, but it is a relief to see a safe pair of hands back in goal. The GOAT returns.

Scott: A solid three points. Rotherham away will be a difficult trip for others once they are back to full strength. Joseph, Pye and Hills will be immense in a back three when fit. Odin Bailey has always had talent and he has looked sharp in recent weeks at this level. The key is keeping possession and playing out of pressure, which he does well.

Anthony: Three points and a clean sheet, much improved. We need to make more of our chances but another shutout for Ben, his 150th for the club if I recall correctly, which is a remarkable achievement. Hopefully this is the start of a winning run. Come on County.