Harriers make it three big wins in just over a week with a victory over Stockport…
By Matty Paddock - 10/04/2018
Posted 8 years ago
HARRIERS were victorious against Stockport County on Tuesday night thanks to an impressive 3-1 victory.
The reds were ahead through Joe Ironside early on before County swiftly hit back – James McQuilkin’s goal sending the hosts through in front at the end of a breathless first half.
Back in the team, Dan Bradley made it three for Harriers, who held on to see out a deserved win.
The reds had the ball in the net and took the lead with just four on the clock; Ironside striding across the edge of the area before driving low past Hinchcliffe, but there was an immediate response from County. After a mighty scramble saw Pearson clear off the line, the Hatters charged forward again moments later when Ball and Turner exchanged passes before the former fired past Hall at the near-post.
On 20 minutes Harriers made it 2-1, nudging themselves back in front as Bradley’s superb pass was latched on to by McQuilkin who drew out the goalkeeper before rolling the ball beyond him and into the bottom corner.
The game was played at a relentless pace, and Harriers could have extended their lead eight minutes before the break when Bradley forced a strong parry from Hinchcliffe.
The hosts were called upon to do some stellar defending – O’Connor at the heart of much of it – but kept the visitors confidently at bay as the second half opened up.
Five before the hour, Croasdale poked the ball beyond Hinchcliffe after a poor pass only for the ball to roll on to the post, before Stockport went close at the other end when Stott struck wide.
The decisive goal came on 59 minutes; midway into his own half, Bradley chested down a pass and strode virtually the length of the pitch before finishing into the back of the net, sub Sonupé almost making it four soon after replacing him with an effort that flashed wide.
Harriers had to mop up plenty of pressure as County looked for a way back into the contest but Brandon Hall’s goal never really came under serious threat – the closest the visitors came to a second goal came on 72 minutes when a Wharburton header landed inches past the upright.
The reds put bodies on the line where necessary to see out the win and gain another important three points.
KEY MATCH DETAILS, LINE-UPS AND MORE AT THE MATCH CENTRE
This article is about: Match
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
