A game of two halves

When I got out of the station at Stockport, I knew that I was 'oop North as the road was cobbled. A short walk to the ground. Having my bag searched before I went in reminded me that I was at a ground whose team has a different pedigree from ours.

I have seen various figures for the number of away supporters ranging from 152 to 194, but I thought it was about 150. Anyway, the Stockport blog I have read thought we were the best away support this year. We were being peppered with wayward shots before the game and one unfortunate took a direct hit and sustained a cut on the bridge of his nose, being helped away by a steward for some first aid. We were right under the flight path for Manchester Airport and any high balls risked hitting a plane.

Attractive printed programme and quite a lot about Leamington for the first ever meeting between the two towns. The comparison of the leagues we had been in in different seasons was striking, eleven levels when we started out. The programme featured a 2-1 win at Manchester City. One contributor dismissed us as 'Leamington? We are Stockport County.' There was a rather laboured attempt at humour over a cup between spa towns, the writer noting that there would have been only seven entrants, but he had forgotten Tenbury Wells.

Stefan Moore was out injured, but sheer joy on the Railway End when Ricky Johnson put the Brakes ahead on three minutes. He intercepted a poor ball from Charnock and calmly slotted home. Within twenty minutes the referee was telling off Tony Breeden, who had to make a good save from Rhys Turner, for time wasting. County used the wing a lot and they were most effective when they put in long angled balls to one of their wingers. After a quick throw from Morley, Lee Chilton put an effort just inches wide.

County brought on Adriano Moke after the break, Tunji Moses also coming on in a double substitution. Moke was complaining in the programme about being treated as an impact super sub, but whether the speedy winger was the reason, County upped their game and the home support found their voice. Moke misused a chance by driving a shot over the bar. Jordan Fagbola was effective for County in defence. Stephan Morley hit the upright with a fierce shot from thirty yards out. It was not a complete surprise when Jevons equalised for the home side, although still disappointing, but 1-1 is a credible result and the players and Holleran received warm applause at the end of the game.

On the way back the train was invaded by Villa founds drowning their sorrows, together with Pompey fans who had been at Burton and this proved something of a volatile mix.

Here is the Manchester Evening News report of yesterday's game: Stockport