County Shock Forest Green

Stockport County caused a shock on Saturday as we sent fourth placed Forest Green tumbling in a spirited performance under the temporary guidance of Alan Lord.

After the sacking of Jim Gannon in the week, there was a strange feeling around Edgeley Park amongst the fans. A small minority were behind the sacking of Gannon, with the majority unhappy at the little patience the board had with what was going on on the pitch despite little backing from themselves.

Red cards stating ‘SNAPE OUT’ were given out before the game and held up 6 minutes into the game to represent the number Jim Gannon often wore for Stockport County during his playing career.

Alan Lord made just one change to the team from Tuesday night, with Sam Sheridan coming in to replace Joe Connor. James Tunnicliffe took over the captains armband.

There was not a lot of difference from a normal performance, at times County moved the ball about well, they played with freedom often gave to them under Gannon but because we won it was picked up on. Good passing off the ball created chances and spaces for players but County couldn’t create any clear cut chances early on.

Forest Green were unlucky not to be ahead when Richard O’Donnell saved well in a one-on-one chance for the Rovers.

But County did go ahead through a bit of individual brilliance from Sean Newton. Alex Kenyon was pushed over blatantly by a Forest Green defender and Newton struck a free kick beautifully over the wall and into the top corner of the goal to give County the lead.

It gave Edgeley Park a half time lift, and showed the real fickle side of Football despite playing the same players and formation Jim Gannon would have normally done.

And just minutes into the second half Jon Nolan doubled County’s lead with a good left foot finish after the Forest Green keeper had fumbled.

Another fantastic finish, this time for Forest Green, gave them a chance and brought them back into the game. Reece Styche picked up the ball on the half way line, with Jordan Fagbola unable to get near him and Styche fired into the top corner from the edge of the area – a great individual effort.

There was bit of fight from County too, unusual to see Andy Halls at the centre of it but really good to see the players together and backing him up.

At the end of the game an emotional Alan Lord lead the players right up to the Cheadle End advertising boards, not once did he show any appreciation towards the villains of the day Snape & Fearn – although they had left the directors box before the full time whistle.

Lord thanked the fans and dedicated the victory to them in a sign off on Pure FM.

Thanks for the hard work over the years Alan. Well done County.