Browse Sections

• Stockport County FC
• Sale Sharks
• Local football
• Local cricket

Stockport County 1 Grimsby Town 1

24/12/2007

MICHAEL Rose’s wonderful free-kick seven minutes from time rescued County from defeat at Edgeley Park.

Grimsby had taken control of the first half after taking the lead in the 25th minute when Martin Butler stabbed home Nick Hegarty’s cross from the edge of the six yard box.

County keeper Conrad Logan then pulled off a reflex save to keep out Butler’s diving header in the 38th minute.

Stockport had Grimsby pinned back in their own half at the start of the second period without creating any clear cut chances.

And when Rose curled a cross into the visitors’ box on the hour the otherwise impressive Michael Raynes miscued his header well wide.

But in the 83rd minute, after a shocking two-footed challenge by Sam Hird on Anthony Pilkington, Rose curled the free kick over the Grimsby wall and into the top corner of the net for County’s equaliser.

Adam Nowland tried the same two minutes later, but his free-kick was saved by diving keeper Phil Barnes.