Stuck in second gear

Report from Mark Vickery

Venue: Rodney Parade

Newport County 1 (Lewis 45)

Stockport County 2 (Hussey 54, Madden 74)

Attendance: 3,753

Match Rating: ***

Form:

Newport County LLDWLWdDWL

Stockport County LDWLWWWWdW

PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS
Stockport are in decent form after a slow start to the season. Expecting them to have effective movement box to box, so key County track runners and stifle threats but be bold to attack them when invited

CONDITIONS
Warm, sunny spells and light wind. Pitch in excellent condition, quick on top.

SUMMING UP OUR PERFORMANCE IN ONE STATEMENT
Costly lapses defending, started well but allowed Stockport to build momentum in spells.

TURNING POINT
Stockport equaliser gave them a lift.

THE MATCH
County made one change at the back from the Leicester cup match mid-week with Declan Drysdale coming in for Adam Lewis who was on the bench with Aaron Lewis switching to left wing back and Cameron Norman reverting to right wing back. County made other changes with both Scott Bennett and Wil Evans returning to the side in place of Matt Dolan and Lewis Collins who were substitutes. County started positively gaining territorial advantage and forced Stockport into several untidy clearances but they were able to re-shape and recover. Stockport worked a couple of thoughtful moves from deep with Horsfall showing prowess to pass long and short. Stockport used the long ball effectively with Wootton contesting well across the line but Farquharson managed the threat well clearing danger in behind. County responded with some forceful moves right side and asked questions from a long throw right side of the area on 7 minutes by Demetriou. The lower throw seemed to unsettle Stockport and as the ball deflected, Bogle stole in but his header from 6 yards under pressure looped over the bar. County worked an even better chance moments when a cross left side by Demetriou pinpointed Drysdale who rose powerfully from 10 yards forcing Hinchcliffe to tip over the bar. With County forcing play, Stockport set their stall out to stifle and attack from deep with Madden, Croasdale and Sarcevic light on their feet supporting Wootton well. County had a warning on 15 minutes, when they lost the ball cheaply inside the Stockport half and Hussey crept forward left side into space vacated. He threaded a low pass inside for Sarcevic who had time but stabbed a first time effort wide of the right post from left corner of the area. Stockport gained some confidence from their approach play which was cohesive and neat causing problems for County. On 20 minutes, Stockport worked a decent move from deep with Horsfall again allowed too much space but this time going short with a clever pass through the middle for Croasdale. He picked space well to pick out Hippolyte left side who found Hussey who cut back a low cross edge of the area for Madden but his first time shot was well blocked by Drysdale. Stockport kept chipping away with some low moves through the middle to unsettle County but they managed to clear their lines somewhat indecisively. County responded with a direct move on 23 minutes which caught Stockport asleep. Evans did well to contest with Horsfall and his loose header went straight to Bogle. He had time to take an extra step with the ball but somewhat rushed his effort right corner of the area dragging the shot wide of the right post. The game degenerated as half time approached with neither side able to build any momentum and defences on top. County struggled to keep the ball under pressure allowing Stockport to flood forward from deep but they managed to recover and get the ball safe with some stout defending. On 43 minutes, Drysdale was close again with a header following a long throw anticipating a header by Norman but he was unable to keep his header from 8 yard down. County took the lead on 45 minutes, against the run of the play when they were more aggressive right side with Norman finding Bogle right corner of the area. He did well to beat Hussey and Hippolyte a trick his way near the right byline and drill a smart pass across the six yard area which Lewis turned home back post.

Stockport came out for the second half with purpose looking to make amends and some moves right side. On 48 minutes, County were given another warning when Croasdale who allowed freedom to turn right side and ping in a cross which flashed deep and just beyond the left post. On 52 minutes, Stockport switched play quickly to the left flank with Hippolyte springing into action and Norman caught him late with a tackle. From the resultant free kick just inside the County half, Madden was first to the ball and set up a snapshot for Hippolyte edge of the area but his effort was rising over the bar. Stockport kept probing and won a somewhat fortuitous free kick on 54 minutes near the right side of the area when Bogle appeared to take the ball cleanly off Wright tracking back well to defend. Hussey took the free kick which appeared to be overhit but the flight of the ball deceived Day and dropped into the left corner. Stockport were energised by the goal and Sarcevic coaxed Drysdale into a mistimed challenges moments later which got him a booking. Stockport were keen work their flank with Southam-Hales gambling with some strong runs but it carried a risk with opportunities in behind for County to exploit. On 60 minutes, that moment came when Lewis won a strong tackle and he released Waite through the middle. He had options either side but elected to thread a pass for Evans right side of the area but he lacked composure blasting well over from 14 yards when calmness was needed. County kept pressing the right buttons with some decent low moves through the middle. On 65 minutes, the referee was at the centre of controversial decision following a long kick by Day. Bogle did well to hold the ball under pressure fending off Horsfall and despite the clambering he managed to turn inside only for Croasdale to handle the ball on the floor. It was a clear handball and yellow card offence but in the confusion the referee elected to play a drop ball and get Stockport to pass the ball back to County after consultation with the linesman. Stockport persisted with right sided moves with Southam-Hales making some strong runs and he drew Lewis into a foul on 67 minutes which got him booked. Stockport remained a threat on the counter and efficient move involving Hippolyte saw him break right side and clip back a decent cross into the area which Madden struck wide of the left post. County made their first change on 71 minutes replacing Moriah-Welsh with Dolan to assert some better control. On 73 minutes, County had a decent situation when they worked a low move left side and Lewis supported the move well with a run left side of the area but his cross was low lacking a cutting edge allowing Stockport to clear the danger. Stockport went on the attack winning a throw right side, which they took quickly allowing Southam-Hales far too much freedom to cross to the back post. County were static with both Drysdale and Norman behind the curve and Madden stole in with low finish which crept over the line despite the best efforts of Farquharson to clear. County made efforts to pick up their game and were close to equalising on 75 minutes with a move left side initiated by Farquharson who drove into the midfield area to make things happen down the left flank. He showed great vision to curl a pass right side for Bogle who carried his run right corner of the box and curled a low shot towards the left corner forcing into a good save low down. County made another double substitution on 80 minutes with Willmott replacing Waite and Demetriou for Collins. Stockport responded with a double substitution on 82 minutes with Sarcevic sacrificed for Johnson and Lewis for Southam-Hales at right back. County pushed on left side with Collins getting on the ball quickly but they were nearly caught out on 85 minutes when a quick break by Stockport invited Collar to attack space right side. With County stretched the cross field ball was met by Madden first time with header from 10 yards. County kept pressing in the remaining and forced two presentable chances around the edge of the area. On 90 minutes, County switched play well from right to left with a direct ball through the middle by Willmott pinpointing the late run of Collins edge of the area. He controlled the pass well and struck a decent half volley which went straight at the keeper. County made another change soon after with Nevers on for Lewis. Stockport were happy to run the clock in the corners in injury time but there was one last chance for County on 90+4 minutes from a bright move right side with Dolan finding Norman well. He caressed a good pass to find Bennett edge of the area who powered a first time effort which the keeper parried away. Stockport held out for a win they just about deserved over the 90 minutes and frustrating for County in matching them toe to toe.

Day (5) — spells of indecision first half unsettled defenders not clearing his lines and taking responsibility. Kicked and handled well in general but costly mistakes on opening goal switching off.

Aaron Lewis (6) — did a job at left back, made some good tackles and strong runs getting reward on goal. Forced deep second half, struggled for quality on crosses and checked back too often

Farquharson (7) — made some towering headers and coped well to block and intercept. Went close several times to getting his first County goal which can only be around the corner.

Demetriou (6) — won his aerial duals but forced into some hurried clearances struggling to deal with some strong runs by Southam-Hales second half. Delivered some decent crosses

Drysdale (5) — put under pressure by Wootton and needed to be stronger with first contact. Had some decent chances from set pieces. Poor marking on second goal leaving Madden ghost in

Norman (6) — started well but went into a shell midway through the match before coming alive late on. Distribution was erratic, made some good runs back post and strong headers

Bennett (6) — forced to turn back several times and did his best to stifle but got wrong side of the man too much. Passed well and arguably had the best chances but shots went straight at keeper.

Moriah-Welsh (5) — struggled to get into the game, got bullied on times, turned in danger several times and played far to deep to effect the game. Should have been replaced earlier.

Waite (5) — anonymous for large spells and got bogged down with ball stuck under his feet and found space hard to find. Made some better runs from deep second half but not enough impact.

Evans (6) — contested bravely, won some good headers but struggled to keep ball when pressed aggressively. Had some impact late on and kept plugging away but needs more shots to goal.

Bogle (6) — had little protection off the referee and got bogged down back to goals too much. Did well on the opening goal and needs to be more bold in and around taking risks.

SWOT ANALYSIS (Stockport County)

Strengths — centre back dealt well with aerial ball and were composed under pressure. Showed pedigree with some cohesive moves from deep and offer quality on crosses.

Weaknesses — thrashed untidily several clearances when forced back, got away with a lot of the pulling and clambering

Opportunities — they were missing some left sided defenders but adjusted well. set their stall out to absorb pressure and play on the break varying passing.

Threats — Madden late runs into area and quick shot or headers in, Wootton decent in aerial duals, Southam-Hales bright energetic runs and crosses. Croasdale decent crosses wide areas

OFFICIALS

A Woolmer (5) — blew up for several free kicks for meek challenges and were no more than collisions. Got the key decisions in and around the area.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Paddy Madden — awareness, guile and clever link play was pivotal, never allowed County defence to settle. Got the winner and could have added to it.

IF YOU WERE GRAHAM COUGHLAN WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

County went into match having won their last three home games but needed to step up a gear and for a time they looked capable but got forced back into their shell. Stockport overall took better care of the ball and defended their box better so had merit to win the game but crucially Stockport were always on top in midfield. Both sides offered verve attacking right side, but County continue to be impaired by imbalance left side and were reliant on Demetriou to provide the best crosses. County have struggled to get their midfield firing this season and they lost too many of the key 50–50 battles today. They lacked physicality and it may be worth putting Farquharson further forward to bolster as he did well when pushed forward late on. Waite and Moriah-Welsh were passive figures and second to the ball which Stockport mopped up. Next up is Gillingham at home before resuming cup action. Gillingham have struggled for goals this season despite playing 4–3–3 and possibly like County have stuttered for midfield consistency with Mandron their main outlet to hold the ball. County need to track supporting runs from Green and McDonald to stifle their creativity and crosses but be more efficient shift the ball when they have the opportunity.