If ever there was an example of a goal changing a game then this was it, as Stalybridge came back from 1-0 down to beat Stockport at the Bower Fold.
As Stalybridge struggled to string together a series of passes in the early stages, Stockport looked to take advantage, and they fired an early warning as a 6th minute low shot from the right edge of the penalty area hit the outside of the left post.
Soon after this Stockport went ahead. A short low pass found Shane McConville in space approaching the penalty area, and he had time to control the ball and roll it low into the net as Stalybridge's defence was easily exposed.
Stockport continued to look the better team for most of the first half without really creating any other major chances. Meanwhile Stalybridge struggled to create anything and were guilty of frequent stray passes, a 20th minute close range shot deflected wide of the right post was the only thing of note that they could managed.
This game, an FA Trophy first round replay, followed on from a 2-2 draw at Stockport's Edgeley Park ground on Saturday, and looked all set to be enthralling and full of excitement. But the first half became more and more drab and lifeless as it went on, and the half time whistle probably woke many home fans from a slumber (if they weren't kept awake by contrast shivering in the extreme cold)!
The second half began with Stalybridge playing just as poor, the main difference being that Stockport were beginning to look to take advantage of this. They started with a 20 yard shot caught by keeper Jan Budtz, and it was Budtz who kept Stalybridge in the game around the 52nd minute with an excellent triple save from 3 successive close range shots.
Stockport were clearly looking to turn the screw at this point, and it began to look like a matter of time before they got the second goal. A header from a corner was saved in the 56th minute, and a minute later a low lay off from the right set up another chance, the resulting goalbound shot blocked by a defender.
And then, with a Stockport goal looking inevitable, totally against the run of play Stalybridge levelled in the 59th minute. Greg Wilkinson had the ball on the right edge of the penalty area close to the byline, and as he was unable to cut inside he appeared to be looking for someone to cross to, but he had no options. Then suddenly he smashed a powerful shot into the top left corner for a shock equaliser.
Just like that the game completely turned. Stockport had been completely bossing Stalybridge in the opening 15 minutes of the 2nd half, but as soon as that goal had gone in this reversed completely, as Stalybridge dominated from that point on. It was as though the two teams had changed shirts and played the remainder of the game as the opposite side, such was the difference in how the match went from that point on!
Stalybridge had countless shots blocked, many final balls almost but not quite giving them a breakthrough, and a number of close efforts including a Lloyd Ellams low shot just turned wide of the left post. They even almost got a goal direct from a high cross from the right in the 80th minute, the curl on it almost resulting in it creeping into the left corner, but it went just wide as the approaching players couldn't quite get a touch on it.
After Connor Jennings chipped well over the bar after being put through on goal, the game approached the end with Stalybridge running out of time to take advantage of their total dominance in the final half hour.
And then, in stoppage time, a Stalybridge cross from the left lead to a shot on the edge of the penalty area. With Stockport keeper Matt Glennon diving to the left, Jennings flicked the ball as it travelled goalwards, and it nestled in the right side of goal for a last minute winner, with the home fans absolutely delighted.
In the next round Stalybridge go to Guiseley AFC, with the optimism flowing through the club with their current 2nd place standing in the Conference North. Meanwhile that last minute goal leaves Stockport with the grim scenario of concentrating on the league, where they find themselves in a relegation place at 3rd to bottom in the Conference.
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