Stockport unlucky not to take three points against Cardiff

Stockport County 1 - 1 Cardiff City

County were unlucky not to take three points in what would have been a statement victory.

Author | Alan White

Stadium | Edgeley Park

Stockport County take the lead

Yousef Salech’s last-minute header earned Cardiff City a point as Brian Barry-Murphy’s side came from behind to claim a draw against a dominant Stockport County.

The key events

Stockport will rue missed opportunities, having controlled much of the game, only for Salech’s free header to snatch a share of the spoils for the Bluebirds.

The hosts had several chances to open the scoring, with Benony Breki Andresson twice threatening Cardiff’s goal before referee Simon Mather awarded a penalty for a foul on the Icelandic striker by Perry Ng. Norwood converted from the spot, sending Cardiff goalkeeper Nathan Trott the wrong way. It was the first goal Trott conceded since joining the club on loan from Copenhagen.

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Stockport continued to press, with Joseph Olowu, Jack Diamond and Andresson all going close, while Cardiff offered little in return. In the 96th minute, Chris Willock’s looping cross found an unmarked Salech, who nodded the ball past Corey Addai, sparking jubilant celebrations from the travelling supporters.

Away end celebrates

The draw leaves Stockport in 10th place in League One, while Cardiff maintain their position at the summit on goal difference, setting up a key clash with Bradford City at the Cardiff City Stadium next weekend.

A closer analysis of what happened

The first real opening came in the 25th minute when Kyle Wootton’s flick-on set up Andresson. His shot beat Trott but struck the post and bounced to safety. Seven minutes later, a cross from Ben Osborne found Andresson between Cardiff’s centre-backs, but his header was straight at Trott, who had to make a sharp save.

Shortly after, Stockport were awarded a penalty as Ng misjudged a challenge on Andresson. Norwood stepped up and converted, giving the hosts a deserved lead. Stockport should have doubled their advantage when Ryan Wintle lost possession and Wootton found Andresson inside the box, but Will Fish made a crucial block. From the resulting corner, Olowu was left unmarked eight yards out but could not keep his volley down.

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The second half followed a similar pattern, with Stockport pressing high and creating further chances, including a Jack Diamond effort denied by Trott. Cardiff thought they had equalised when Salech poked home a Chris Willock cross, only for the assistant referee’s flag to rule the goal out for offside.

Salech’s dramatic header secured a point for the league leaders, leaving the hosts frustrated after dominating much of the match.