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Stockport County 1 Northampton 1

Simon Smedley
17/ 9/2008

YOUNG Irishman Leon McSweeney smashed in a deserved 75th minute County equaliser against Northampton at Edgeley Park last night.

The Hatters found it difficult to up the tempo at times against a determined Northampton side, who took the lead early on through Karl Hawley.

However, a much-improved performance in the second half saw County on top, and a share of the spoils in the end was the least they deserved.

The point lifted County up to a hugely satisfying 10th place in League One, following the weekend’s thumping away win at Leyton Orient.

Boss Jim Gannon said: "We’ve picked up a fair collection of points [nine] so far this season now, and we’re in a respectable position in the table.

"Whether we’ll be seen as serious contenders later in the season I don’t know, but I’m delighted with how it’s gone so far. If we keep working hard we’ll keep improving."

There were a couple of team changes last night.

Defender Johnny Mullins made a welcome return from injury, replacing hamstring strain victim James Tunnicliffe, while Anthony Pilkington went up front as Northern Ireland striker Peter Thompson dropped to the bench.

The night started badly for the Hatters though, as they fell behind with barely four minutes gone. Colin Larkin crossed from the right, and his strike partner Karl Hawley was allowed plenty of time in the middle as he fired home from 10 yards.

County reacted well though. They soon started to dominate possession and both Pilkington and Jimmy McNulty missed half-chances.

Gary Dicker’s 20-yard drive was saved by Chris Dunn, but just before the interval skipper Gareth Owen had to be alert as he slid in to block Hawley’s powerful low drive.

More penetration was required in the second half as County attacked the Cheadle End, and Stephen Gleeson fired over from just outside the box. Pilkington produced a smart turn and shot which was saved by Dunn, but time was starting to run out for County.

However, the gutsy Hatters did get their goal, with 15 minutes left. Gleeson skipped clear down the left, his cross wasn’t cleared, and there was young McSweeney who joyfully rammed home his second goal of the season.

COUNTY: Fon Williams; McMcNulty, Owen, Raynes, Mullins; Rowe (Thompson, 75), Dicker (Turnbull 75), Gleeson, Blizzard, McSweeney (Vincent, 87); Pilkington. Subs not used: Rose, Rigby.