MATCH REPORT - MAINE ROAD FC AWAY

Maine Road FC 2 – 1 Stockport Town FC

Saturday 26th February 2022 @ Brantingham Road

Attendance – 74

Town’s starting line up – Schofield, Johnston, Edwards, Johnson, Ebhote ©, Wrench, Green, Banda, Elstone, Walsh (Goal 1 Minute), Tanswell-Vargas. Subs; Kenny, Oliver, Turnbull, Jackson.

MOM – Jamie Wrench

Town suffer defeat In Manchester

Despite taking the lead after just 18 seconds Town fell to defeat in the North West Counties 1st Division South, conceding a last gasp goal away at fellow Mid Table side Main Road FC.

Straight from Kick Off Town attacked down the right hand side, Keith Banda, back from injury floated a deep cross into the hosts box and Jamie Walsh headed home inside the first minute. The Lions continued to attack and started much the brighter, this time Striker Mike Elstone raced clear and just had the Maine Road keeper to beat, but his effort was saved.

Maine Road seem to grow in confidence and were causing issues down either wing, with tricky pacey wingers driving at the Town defence. Although Schofield had little to do in the first half mainly collecting loose balls and set pieces. However in the last minute of the first half Town defender gave away what looked a harsh penalty, he slid in and looked to have played the ball against the Maine Road striker and out for a Goal Kick. But the referee pointed to the spot, Joshua Schofield guessed the right way but couldn’t get to the penalty and the sides went in equal at Half Time.

On a difficult, heavy pitch. Town struggled to get going again in the second half and the game became scrappy with a lot of misplaced passes. Entering the last 10 minutes of the game Kai Johnston went on a mazy run, he looked up and shot at goal which looked certain to go however the Maine Road keeper was equal to it and tipped it over magnificently.

Town did have the ball in the back of the net, Keith Banda heading in from a Kai Johnston corner, but the referee chalked the goal off for an alleged foul on the goalkeeper. It looked a harsh decision and one that gave Maine Road confidence to push on for a winner

The game looked to petering out for a score draw, one which would’ve been a fair result given the conditions and general chances created by both sides. However 3 minutes into stoppage time a high floated cross was met by Maine Roads substitute striker and he headed past Schofield and won the game for the hosts.

A disappointing afternoon for the young Lions, but they have a great chance this week to pick up more points and put things right

Town’s first defeat under Paul Turnbull’s leadership, however they get a chance to put it right quickly on Tuesday 1st March as they travel to Alsager in a re-arranged fixture. This is quickly followed by the next Home fixture at Stockport sports Village where the Lions welcome Eccleshall to Woodley on Saturday 5th March.