Stockport boost promotions hopes with hard-fought draw

Luton Town 1 - 1 Stockport County

Ollie Norwood’s late equaliser strengthened Stockport’s League One play-off push as they earned a draw with Luton.

Author | Mark Lee

Stadium | Kenilworth Road

Norwood struck with 12 minutes remaining after Manchester City loanee Emilio Lawrence had put the hosts ahead with a superb effort.

Luton defend a Stockport corner

Luton threatened early on

For the home side, Jordan Clark volleying wide from 10 yards after nine minutes, while Hakeem Odoffin’s attempt was comfortably gathered by visiting goalkeeper Corey Addai.

Josh Keeley produced a key save to deny Ethan Pye midway through the first half, but Luton went in front on 28 minutes as Lawrence curled a fine strike into the corner from just outside the box for his first senior goal.

The hosts pushed for a second, Clark’s delivery drifting just beyond Devante Cole and Odoffin, while Stockport grew into the contest late in the half, Brad Hills glancing a header over.

After the restart, Luton almost doubled their advantage on 65 minutes when Kal Naismith’s looping header was tipped over by Addai.

READ MORE | The sides will soon meet again at Wembley

Substitute Gideon Kodua tested the County goalkeeper, but Stockport drew level on 78 minutes when Norwood caught Keeley out at his near post. 

This was a battling performance from the away side. A few more performances like this should guarantee County a play-off spot.