Ashton United 2 Stockport County 5

This game was listed as an Under 21s fixture, but with the youth team having a fixture on the same night, it was decided that this would be a mix of youngsters, trialists and first teamers.

County’s starting eleven was: Imeson, Wilson (trialist), Raynes, Havern, Rowe, Hatchi (trialist), Lester (trialist), Dinning, Pilkington, Proudlock, Dickinson.

There were also several trialists on the bench.

But despite County’s strong line up, Ashton United took the lead during the first half. Gareth Richards powerful header beat Ben Imeson in the County goal, 1-0 to Ashton.

It wasn’t long before County were back on level terms, Liam Dickinson’s powerful effort went past the Ashton keeper to make it 1-1.

Then a minute later it was 2-1. Tommy Rowe crossed for Tony Dinning, and his header looped over the diving Ashton keeper and it was 2-1 to County.

Just before half time County made it 3-1 as Anthony Pilkington was brought down in the box. Liam Dickinson stepped up to the spot and successfully put the ball in the net to make it 3-1 to County.

Throughout the second half Jim Gannon made four changes, with a trialist keeper and a trialist midfielder coming onto the pitch.

However the County procession continued shortly after the break, Tommy Rowe set up Anthony Pilkington this time who neatly finished to make it 4-1 to County.

Pilkington made it five when he met an Adam Proudlock cross with a fantastic header, 5-1 to County.

Ashton United pulled a late consolation back, Matt Edginton scored from close range as the game finished 5-2 to County.

There was, however, some bad news for County. Adam Proudlock and Michael Raynes both limped off as County finished the game with nine men. Proudlock was extremely tired, but Raynes appeared to have a problem with his hamstring. Lets hope its not too serious.

Cardiff City are County’s next opponents, the game takes place at Edgeley Park this Saturday – 3pm kick off.

10/07/07 19:45 – UCD 1-1 Stockport County
14/07/07 15:00 – Hednesford Town 0-4 Stockport County
17/07/07 18:30 – Cheadle Heath Nomads 1-7 Stockport County U21s
21/07/07 15:00 – Stockport County 2-2 Hull City
24/07/07 19:45 – Ashton United 2-5 Stockport County
28/07/07 15:00 – Stockport County V Cardiff City
31/07/07 19:45 – Worcester City V Stockport County
01/08/07 19:30 – Woodley Sports V Stockport County U21s
04/08/07 15:00 – Crewe Alexandra V Stockport County
07/08/07 19:45 – Kendal Town V Stockport County U21s