Stockport stunned by already relegated Port Vale

Stockport County 1 - 2 Port Vale

Stockport’s push for a League One play-off place will go down to the final day after they were beaten by already relegated Port Vale 

Author | Mark Lee

Stadium | Edgeley Park

The Hatters still need a point to prolong their season, after first-half goals from Martin Sherif and Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel secured only a 10th win of the campaign for Jon Brady’s side.

With Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in attendance, Everton loanee Sherif put the visitors ahead in the fourth minute, sliding in from close range to meet Ben Waine’s cross from the left.

Vale added a second after 23 minutes when Lawrence-Gabriel capitalised on hesitation from Malik Mothersille to curl home a composed left-footed finish.

The home side fought to get back in the game

Jack Diamond twice threatened to pull one back, while team-mate Che Gardner was fortunate to receive only a yellow card after halting Waine’s run on goal.

Captain Ben Garrity almost extended the lead to three, only for Corey Addai to tip his effort away.

Stockport manager Dave Challinor responded with three half-time changes, including the introduction of last weekend’s hat-trick scorer Louie Barry.

But fourth-placed County, who remain at risk of being overtaken by seventh-placed Luton, could manage only a late consolation, with Odin Bailey scoring six minutes from time.