Heartbreak as County drop

County are all-but relegated to the Blue Square Premier after a pulsating 2-2 draw with struggling Northampton Town at Edgeley Park today.

The game was vital for both sides with Northampton needing a result to strengthen their fight for survival, and The Hatters needing to win to keep alive any hopes of staying in the Football League.

4807 turned up to will County on, but it all started to go horribly wrong after just two minutes when Guillem Bauza turned in Shaun Harrad’s deflected effort in front of the Cheadle End.

County fought back and were soon level through a Paul Rodgers own goal, the Town defender slicing Adam Griffin’s cross into his own net.

From then on it was all about the 12th man – the magnificent support of the County faithful willing the home side onto a victory and renewed hope.

As we laid siege to the Northampton goal in the second half without ever really threatening, it was typical County as we got caught on the break. A big up-and-under from the Town defence flew all the way up the pitch to Bauza, who took a tumble in the box under the pressure of young Andy Halls.

The referee, quite a distance away, gave the spot-kick and Harrad easily converted.

With Barnet winning at home to Oxford, it was a nail in the coffin for Ray Mathias’ side.

But in the 88th minute, Greg Tansey found himself with the ball at his feet and standing about 40 yards from goal. Egged on by the cries of ‘SHOOT!’, he let fly and saw his effort absolutely hammer it’s way into the visitor’s goal.

County had now four minutes of injury time to salvage the win we needed, and the home fans responded with belting chants throughout.

The one chance came in the 95th minute, with real drama surrounding the final kick of the match.

Sub Cameron Darkwah tricked his way through the defence before being hacked down just on the edge of the area, and Tansey claimed the free-kick.

Edgeley Park fell silent as Hatters fans knew the importance of the moment as Tansey ran up to strike.

The Liverpudlian struck it with considerable power, and time seemed to stop as the ball whisked towards the goal.

Bang. 4500 hopes were crushed as the set-piece shaved the upright and skimmed wide, just seconds before the full-time whistle was blown on the match, and on County’s Football League stay.

Brian Kennedy, The Trust, and everyone else, I hope you’re proud.