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Stockport County 1 Darlington 0

Simon Smedley
9/ 4/2008

A POACHER’S effort from Liam Dickinson shortly before half-time means that County keep the pressure firmly on Darlington and Hereford in the race for automatic promotion.

This splendid result, against one of their main promotion rivals, meant the in-form Hatters edged a little closer to third-placed Hereford, who let slip a two-goal lead in their home game against Chester City.

County fully deserved this latest win, their 14th in the last 18 League Two games, and currently look well set for the final six games - a thrilling climax to the season is pretty much guaranteed.

With regard to team news, Hatters boss Jim Gannon left Jason Taylor and Tommy Rowe on the bench as they were replaced by Stephen Gleeson - for a first start since his return to Edgeley Park - and striker Ryan Lowe.

However, in what was also Lowe’s first start since joining on loan from Crewe a fortnight ago, he was to leave proceedings after just 13 minutes with what was later described as potential ligament damage as he went over on his shoulder.

It was a pity as Lowe looked lively from the off, testing Darlo ‘keeper David Stockdale with just three minutes gone.

Lowe’s replacement Rowe was next to go close as his shot following a jinking run was blocked bravely by Alan White.

Rowe then teed up Dickinson brilliantly, but the big striker blasted well wide after racing clear.

Dickinson was then thwarted by Stockdale, who spilled his powerful shot. Anthony Pilkington couldn’t quite force the loose ball home.

The Hatters got their goal on 37 minutes though.

Rowe fired a low drive against the base of a Darlington post, but the ball rebounded out into Dickinson’s path and he rifled in his 17th goal of the season.

It was no more than County deserved, but Darlington did finally show some life just after the interval.

On 54 minutes they were denied a goal by a truly world class save from John Ruddy.

Rob Purdie crossed for Tommy Wright, and his looping header looked destined for the far corner.

However, Ruddy sprang himself and, at full stretch, tipped the ball from under the crossbar and away to safety.

It was a quite breath-taking save which drew gasps from all around Edgeley Park.

Ruddy then denied Jason Kennedy, but from that point on it was all County.

Dickinson saw a shot beaten back by the legs of Stockdale, then the County hit-man saw an effort blocked by centre-back White.

Express Player-of-the-Month Michael Rose tried to get in on the act in the dying minutes, but his exquisite free-kick from 25 yards curled agonisingly inches past the far post.

County had done enough against a Darlington side who are stuttering now and have won just once in their last eight games.