Report
Vanarama National League North
Phillips 66 Community Stadium
Tuesday 22nd January 2019
Brakes went to toe to toe with the National League North’s in form team, and though few could argue that Stockport deserved the three points they were pushed all the way by Paul Holleran’s side, the only goal coming courtesy of a fortunate deflection in the 37th minute that left Darren Stephenson with a simple close range header to delight the sizeable travelling support, who already seem convinced that they are on the way to promotion. Chorley would no doubt have something to say about that, but Stockport clearly have momentum at present, and this could well be their year.
The visitors opened brightly, Tony Breeden punching an early corner away from his goal, before Junior English instigated the first piece of Leamington pressure when cutting in from the right and beating his marker, but only finding the arms of keeper Ben Hinchcliffe.
The visitors engineered several half chances before extending Breeden fully just past the half hour, Matty Warburton driving powerfully towards goal only for the Brakes number one to dive full length and push the ball behind.
Leamington used the wings well in the first half, and Ahmed Obeng beat Sam Minihan on the left but picked the wrong pass, and Stockport were comfortably able to clear the danger.
The visitors edged in front with the only goal of the evening eight minutes before half time, Warburton picking up a cross from the right and firing in a shot that clipped the heels of Joe Clarke and looped towards goal. Stephenson timed his dart away from the line of Brakes defenders just right, and had the simple task of nodding the ball in from close range, Breeden looking on helplessly.
It was a disappointing way to concede for Leamington, but they pushed forward once more in search of a leveller, and after forcing two corners just before half time, Colby Bishop headed towards the far post, where Jamie Hood, perhaps not expecting the ball to reach him, stabbed a good opportunity weakly wide.
Breeden rose well to punch Stockport’s first corner of the second half well clear of his goal, but the visitors continued to create chances, Hatters skipper Ash Palmer heading wide from another corner after Frank Mulhern’s shot was deflected wide. Mulhern himself then back heeled wide from Stephenson’s cross, before setting up Adam Thomas, who dragged his shot just past the far post.
Jordan Keane’s well struck volley from a half cleared corner was well held by Breeden, who was called into action once more when Minihan’s cross from the right deflected and looped down towards goal. The danger had not passed however, and Sam Walker drove in another effort that was parried by the skipper.
West Bromwich Albion youngster Sam Wilding was introduced for his debut just past the hour mark, and the loan man, along with Obeng, saw a shot blocked as Leamington attempted to make an impression on the Stockport goal.
Brakes began to enjoy more of the ball as the game entered its closing stages, but despite some bright approach play the visitors were in no mood to surrender their advantage.Connor Taylor exchanged passes with English and drove into the box, but could only find Hinchcliffe with his cross, while Jamie Stott was well placed to deflect a stinging effort from the substitute away from goal for a corner, from which Bishop headed over the bar, and Stockport were left to celebrate another win which takes them to within four points of the National League North summit. With this being their sixth consecutive victory over Leamington over Brakes’ two spells in the division, it is fair to assume that Paul Holleran’s men would be quite happy to see them promoted.
Attendance: 604
Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Junior English, Jack Lane, Joe Clarke (14 Sam Wilding, 64), James Mace, Jamie Hood, Jordan Murphy, Reece Flanagan (12 Connor Taylor, 69), Colby Bishop, Jack Edwards, Ahmed Obeng.
Subs not used: 15 James Bowen, 16 Callum Gittings, GK Ben Newey.
Stockport County: Ben Hinchcliffe, Sam Minihan, Scott Duxbury, Jordan Keane, Ash Palmer ©, Jamie Stott, Adam Thomas (14 Elliot Osbourne, 82), Sam Walker, Frank Mulhern, Matty Warburton (12 Dan Cowan, 78), Darren Stephenson (15 Jake Kirby, 85).
Subs not used: 13 Ian Ormson, 16 Nyal Bell.
Referee: Mr Elliot Swallow
Assistant Referees: Mr Tom Bowkett & Mr Dean Statham
Brakes Man of the Match: Tony Breeden.
