Very much two points dropped

So, 3,500+ shivering souls together with what seemed like a police officer for every one of the 150 Newport fans who made it to Cheshire, witnessed four goals and a sending off.

To the neutral fan, this would seem decent fare. For Stockport County fans this was another two points dropped. Another lets throw it away again show.

County started with: Youngster Ormson in goals with a back four of Halls, Holden, O’Donnell, Piergianni. In front, Mainwaring, Turnbull, Connor, McConville. The ‘point striker’ Elliot and Danny ‘on-loan’ Rowe completed the line up.

An early goal after 7 minutes from Danny Rowe (he looks a cut above this division) and a bright 45 minutes let to an upbeat half-time chat and stamping of feet. Defensively we did not look rock solid but what the heck, we are in front and the consensus was that we could hold the lead and maybe pop another one in. This feeling lasted just a few minutes as Sandell equalised from outside the area.

On 57 minutes Sandell then got his marching orders. Much debate over whether the hand that did indeed brush McConville’s face had the weight of a pile-driver. To me McConville play-acted, though by the letter of the law it was a red card.

To further aggravate Newport’s players, management and fans Danny Rowe scored a great free-kick a couple of minutes later.

Now, at this point there really was going to be only one result. County pressed on and created chances, hit the woodwork and could have scored another couple when Newport took the liberty of equalising just before full time. County’s defence had yet again fallen asleep. Holden the guilty party (again?) and full time was greeted by visiting celebrations akin to an FA Cup final win.

Newport may feel aggrieved with the red card but overall the Hatters did enough to win. A bitter after-taste then – my word we are making life hard for ourselves. In the cold light of day I still think we will survive this season. The team seem a different outfit from 3 months ago. We ARE moving in the right direction, just very slowly and near to the edge of that BSN chasm.

Other thoughts… Elliott – he is a trier at least. Gritton’s none appearance suggest he has nothing left in his legs perhaps? The on-loan Rowe – do we have him for the season? He does look a good prospect.

Bath are down I think. We are now above Darlo and Kettering who both are in dire straights. Teams below do have games in hand but will they manage to get many points from them?

We’ll be OK. We’ve not had our chips yet. Trust me. I am a Main Stand County Fan with a flask. And we know everything…