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Season 2007-08 - Season 2006-07

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ON THE EDGE

Gleeson's Dream Strike Sets Up Edgeley Thriller

Stephen Gleeson's stunning volley enabled The Hatters to get back on level terms after falling behind in their League Two Play-Off Semi Final first leg at Wycombe Wanderers

In football and in life in general, you make your own luck, and whilst Stephen Gleeson's strike would grace any stadium anywhere in the world, the sun drenched County fans who came in their droved to Adams Park would have thought with a slice of luck themselves, they could have been going back to home turf on Saturday with a lead after an uncharacteristic error by the usually dependable John Ruddy gave the home team the lead.

After resting most of his stars in last week's glorified kick about against Brentford, the big guns all came back apart from Jason Taylor; Paul Turnbull in the middle to partner player-of-the-season candidate Dominic Blizzard. Liam Dickinson shrugged off his injury he sustained in the Chester City draw to start, and it was the big striker who made the game's first impact. Riding a heavy challenge but his shot was wide.

Wycombe, relative experts of the play offs in comparison to their Cheshire counterparts, were continously looking dangerous; target man Delroy Facey was giving skipper Gareth Owen a hard time and Sergio Torres - all ponytail and step overs, supplying the ammunition from the right.

Wycombe's first real effort on goal came when Tommy Doherty drilled a super shot through a crowd of players and John Ruddy tipped over to earn the plaudits of the 1000+ Hatters that had made the lengthy journey south.

Facey attempted an audacious lob from just outside the box that flew over whilst at the other end a rare moment from Tommy Rowe ended in Anthony Pilkington's bullet header being superbly tipped over by Frank Fielding in the Wycombe goal after the young winger had tip-toed to the bi-line and delivered a superb cross to the back post.

As Wycombe pressed, a routine back pass to Ruddy was sliced and Facey pounced, and despite the attentions of Owen and sub McNulty, the former Bolton striker buried his shot past a dejected Ruddy to send the home fans into delerium. 

For County, the game was lost in midfield. Paul Turnbull, a selection that always make the County masses scratch their head looked a lost soul in the middle as Woodman and Stefan Oakes ran riot, stopping County play and seizing on the youngster's inability to stretch a pass more than five yards.

With minutes remaining before the break, a vicious lunge on Dickinson by Tommy Doherty had Gannon spitting feathers. The ball had already gone dead when the midfielder flattened the County top scorer and whilst other brave referees would have sent Doherty packing, another terrible official branded yellow, one of five thrown at the home team during the ninety minutes, and all could (and in another game should) have been red as tempers were tested.

Torres flattened Rowe with an ugly high challenge earlier, again that only saw yellow. With the Sky cameras watching, the pundits would have had something to say about the over-exhuberant challenges that were dished out by the home team.

After going in to the break one down, Gannon decided to change things; Dominic Blizzard was replaced for Stephen Gleeson, and the young irishman started to break up the dominant Chairboys midfield and with a few solid runs forward, showed The Hatters the right direction as the away side went in search of the equaliser.

Dickinson's superb footwork inside the Wycombe box enabled him to cross low into the area but Tommy Rowe, again largely ineffective yet again, failed to make any contact with the ball, but with Wycombe on the back foot again, it was a sign of intent from The Hatters.

Sub Matty Phillips was another player who was lucky to stay on the pitch after blood-thirsty two footed lunge on Gary Dicker, but the referee overlooked the challenge yet again as the game threatened to boil over. 

Gary Holt went close at the other end, whilst Ruddy made up for his error by keeping County in it, smothering the ball at the feet of the woeful Scott McGleish and then a lovely neat post effort as Wycombe entered their own purple patch.

The ball was in the net when Dickinson drilled home but the referee pulled it back for offside. Keeper Frank Fielding racing out of his box pleading for the ref to book the striker didn't help his club's cause, but County didn't bow to their level and were deservedly level with nine minutes remaining.

Wycombe on half cleared and Gleeson, who had not really been the same player since his second spell on loan at Edgeley Park, rifled a glorious volley past Fielding from twenty-five yards that sent the travelling fans to spill onto the pitch in sheer ecstacy.

With the home team rocked, County were on fire; Pilkington went agonisingly close to sneaking a winner when Dickinson's shot at the near post was fumbled by Fielding and moments after his wonder strike, Gleeson lined up another after again Wycombe failed to clear but his time the ball zipped wide to the relief of Fielding, who will probably blame himself for his positioning for the goal.

On the whole, the game was a great advertisement for League Two and anyone tuning in on Saturday evening will be in for a treat, as a winner takes all decider will take place.

Wycombe - Fielding, Martin, Williamson, Johnson, Woodman, Oakes, Holt, Doherty (Phillips), Torres, Facey (Sutton), McGleish (Knight). Subs Not Used - Young, McCracken.

County - Ruddy, Smith, Rose, Owen, Raynes (McNulty), Dicker, Turnbull, Blizzard (Gleeson), Rowe (McSweeney), Dickinson. Subs Not Used - Logan, Proudlock.

Att - 6,371

YOUNG GUNS WHACK BEES

Future Looks Bright After Cameo Roles Down Brentford

Youngster Gianluca Havern's debut goal gave County the perfect send off before they embark on the League Two Play Offs as Gannon's gamble paid off in the final game of the regular season at Edgeley Park.

Gannon handed debuts to a host of youngsters as he shuffled his pack ahead of next week's Semi-Finals. Promising defender Gianluca Havern slipped in neatly at right back, James Tunnicliffe partnered Jim McNulty in the centre and Michael Rose, slipping out of contention in recent weeks, was brought back into the left back role. 

In the centre, Paul Turnbull - his first start since arriving back from his loan spell at Altrincham - alongside Stephen Gleeson, with forgotten pair David Poole and Leon McSweeney hugging the wings. Adam Proudlock partnered Ryan Lowe up front and with Conrad Logan again deputising for John Ruddy in nets, it looked a very capable team, and with nothing really to play for but fourth place, the game was largely uneventful, but it was the visitors who drew first blood when Glenn Poole's rocket shot beat Logan but bounced to safety via the base of the post. 

The new-look County side were holding the ball up very well with Adam Proudlock, who gained praise from manager Jim Gannon after his inpromptu introduction at Tuesday, looking particularly lively. 

It was fast becoming one of those typical end-of-season dour affairs, with neither side willing to add urgency, Leon McSweeney went close with a low effort and Michael Rose went close with a free kick that arced majestically over the Brentford wall, but was never going to test rookie Bees keeper Ben Hamer.

County were wasteful after forcing a flurry of corners as Brentford, with nothing really to play for after an indifferent season, were willing to stop County play their game with some no-nonsense tackling and a neat pass and move demonstration which bodes very well for Brentford for next season.

McSweeney burst through again but his first touch let him down, and another Rose free kick went over and at the other end the lively Alan Connell twice tried to open the scoring but was himself wasteful, the first was a wild shot from the edge of the area and the second was from a corner, his header wide after County went to sleep momentarily at the back.

Five minutes after the break County got their heads in front rather fortuitously; Gianluca Havern linked up well on the edge of the area and his attempted flick back into the box turned into a shot and with a sign of an apology beat Hamer low to his left. 

County started to up the game with the impressive Paul Turnbull driving hard through the centre and James Tunnicliffe had the Edgeley Park faithful on their feet with a cool and collected skillful burst down the right, but as this was fast becoming into a pre-season affair, Gannon changed things round a bit; Amari Morgan-Smith was introuduced; the winner of County's Soccer Factor was handed his first appearance in the first team, and went close when he neatly turned on the edge of the box but his shot was blocked.

Jamie Vincent, a late sub for Havern, looked dangerous coming forward as County looked to double their lead, Proudlock's Ronaldo-type skill on the left gave the County fans something to cheer, but Brentford held out and could have grabbed a late leveller as in quick succession Ricky Shakes headed over when it could have been easier to score and then Conrad Logan, largely redundant in the County goal, kept his nerve to deny The Bees with a superb double save from Gary Smith, his tremendous agility rewarded by a standing ovation by the County faithful but more importantly, a round of applause from his opposite number Ben Hamer.

County - Logan, Rose, Havern (Vincent), Tunnicliffe, McNulty, Turnbull (Raynes), Gleeson, McSweeney (Morgan-Smith), Poole, Lowe, Proudlock. Subs Not Used - Imeson, Tansey.

Brentford - Hamer, Bennett, Sankofa (Heywood), Osborne, O'Connor, Smith, Dickson (Charles), Mousinho (W Brown), Poole, Shakes, Connell. Subs Not Used - Pead, S Brown.

Att - 6,286

NATURAL BORN NIL-NILLERS

Drab Draw At Deva

A mixture of questionable refereeing and a lacklustre Stockport County side contrived to provide Cheshire rivals Chester City their priceless point that lifted them away from the drop zone and thus sent Mansfield Town tumbling into the Blue Square Premier.

The game, when rearranged, was billed to be County's swansong; the game in hand that County would be gunning to win to cement their place in League One, but after The Hatters' defeat at Barnet on Saturday and with a play off place guaranteed, the focus was quickly switched to the home team and right from the off it was obvious who wanted the game more. 

County boss Jim Gannon made wholesale changes from the side who lost at Underhill; Conrad Logan was given his first start since his red card against Bury in February. Current number one John Ruddy was rested after a sportsman's hernia could result in a pre-season operation. Jason Taylor and Anthony Pilkington were also recalled, with Michael Rose and the out of sorts Stephen Gleeson dropping to the bench.

After the vitriol that was spat when the original game was abandoned after 60 minutes a month ago, Jim Gannon must have wondered whether his strong words had come back to bite him on the bottom as firstly Liam Dickinson and then Jason Taylor both limped out of the game. Adam Proudlock and Paul Turnbull - back after his loan spell at Altrincham - were given early bows.

Chester had the lion's share of possession in the opening exchanges but without threatening Logan's goal. Then a dire first half sprung to life when a damp Deva pitch caused Ryan Lowe - formerly of Chester - to slide in to an already prone Laurence Wilson and despite the fury of the home fans and bench, the referee, who was to be the centre of attention throughout the ninety-minutes, gave only yellow.

Gannon, who had spotted his new recruit had lost it after having a relatively anonymous first half, pulled the striker straight off and replaced him with Stephen Gleeson.

When you have the speed of Richie Partridge and the strength and guile of John Murphy, you are bound to make chances and just as the game at Edgeley Park earlier this season, the pacy Partridge was causing all sorts of problems for the County defenders although Jim McNulty stepped up his claims for a place in the play off sides with a few superb tackles that kept Chester at arms length.

The home team should have gone in front with half time approaching. A superb looping cross from Wilson found the dangerous Murphy who rose high above Gareth Owen and set up Mark Hughes, but the midfielder placed his free header just over.

County entered the second phase a completely different team and threw caution to the wind as the visitors aimed to be party poopers. Adam Proudlock was to be twice denied by Chester's man-of-the-match Jon Danby in quick succession as the tide turned County's way.

Pilkington's superb touch gave Proudlock his chance as he spun his marker but Danby stood strong, then after another neat through ball, Proudlock beat the strict offside trap but Danby thwarted the out-of-favour striker with his legs.          

Skipper Gareth Owen headed an effort wide and Gary Dicker also warmed Danby's gloves with a long range effort as County started to turn the screw.

At the other end, Conrad Logan was leading a relatively charmed life but had to be alert as Murphy's pile-driver from the edge of the box was well parried by the on-loan Leicester City stopper.

Then, with twenty minutes left and the game springing to life, the referee waved away a stone-wall claim for a penalty as Adam Proudlock was felled in the area after initially miscontrolling a shot.

The Linesman started to lift his flag to signal an infringement against Paul Linwood but then quickly recinded his decision which marred an otherwise eagerly contested Cheshire Derby.

With the minutes ticking away and County camping their hosts into their own half, Danby became the survival  hero when he produced an unbelievable double save to deny a point-blank header to ensure Chester picked up the point that they desperately needed.

Danby parried Anthony Pilkington's effort following some great work from Gleeson and Turnbull and then scrambled back to scoop the goalbound ball over the bar to earn the plaudits from both sets of fans.

There was no Jimmy Glass-type celebrations at the end of the game for Chester as their survival was completed, but they did have their goalkeeper to thank as they secured their League status after their flirtation with the possibility of their final match with Macclesfield could have made it a nail-biter.

Chester - Danby, Vaughan, Kelly, Linwood, Wilson, Partridge (Grant), Roberts, Hughes, Sandwith, Murphy, McManus (Rutherford). Subs Not Used - Palethorpe, Mitchell, Rule.

County - Logan, Taylor (Turnbull), Owen, Smith, McNulty, Pilkington, Blizzard, Dicker, Rowe, Dickinson (Proudlock), Lowe (Gleeson). Subs Not Used - Ruddy, Rose.

Att - 3,060

CLIFF-HANGER

Records End Again At Underhill After Akurang's Header

As Hereford United slipped unchallenged into the third and final automatic promotion spot, Stockport County produced one of their worst performances this season as they slipped to back to back league defeats for the first since October at Barnet.

Although youngster Tommy Rowe restored parity for the visitors, County's woeful record at Underhill continued as Cliff Akurang's header gave The Bees the three points and left County clinging on to the play-off lottery.

Jim Gannon shuffled his back four to accommodate Shaleum Logan's premature return to Manchester City; James Smith moved to right back, with Jim McNulty moving infield to partner skipper Gareth Owen. This meant a recall for fans' fave Michael Rose to left back.

Ryan Lowe and Stephen Gleeson were also drafted in to replace Jason Taylor and Anthony Pilkington, and it was the former who almost unlocked the home side after just ten minutes. The former Chester man's cross was met by Tommy Rowe but luck was on Barnet's side as the ball bounced to safety off the base of the post.    

Rowe, rejuvenated after a barren goalscoring spell that ended at Peterborough a fortnight ago, was helping out at the other end when he cleared a dangerous cross as the home side, playing for pride after sealing their League Two Status recently, made a game of it.  

County, with third place firmly in their sights, continued to press and when Liam Dickinson produced a sublime back heel for Tommy Rowe it looked like County were to go ahead as Rowe found Gleeson in space only for a brilliant last ditch tackle from Josh Wright to deny the on-loan Wolves man.

County were starting to take the game by the scruff of its neck as Lowe glanced Gary Dicker's cross wide and at the other end Puncheon, who was Barnet's best player, piunced when McNulty only half cleared but his shot was over John Ruddy's bar.  

A half-time tannoy message apologized for an earlier announcement giving out the score of the Brentford -Hereford game whilst the first half was being played - a message that infuriated County fans and officials, but whilst Gannon and assistant Peter Ward would have been mightily upset with the unprofessionalism of the Underhill outfit, they must have been even more upset with County's defending just after the restart, as the deadlock was broken within two minutes of the restart.

Jason Puncheon drilled the ball home from 20 yards after his initial free-kick - given for a sloppy foul by Jamie Smith -had been blocked. County, although not firing on all cylinders were not behind for long and in the 51st minute the lively Rowe capitalised on an error from Michael Leary to coolly lob the advancing Harrison from the edge of the box.

With Hereford extending their lead at Griffin Park, County seemd to run out of steam, although Stephen Gleeson had a great chance to give The Hatters the lead but Lee Harrison pulled off a terrific save.

John Ruddy had to be at his best to keep out Adam Birchall's scorching volley, but could do nothing with Cliff Akurang's bullet header with nine minutes remaining.

Barnet, who ended County's amazing wins and clean sheets record in last season's 3-1 win, brought an end to County's club record unbeaten away record as sub Danny Hart crossed and Akurang did the rest.

County's terrible record at Barnet continues, but with a Play Off berth guaranteed, maybe, just maybe, we have seen the last of the slope at Underhill.

Barnet - Harrison, Porter, Nicolau, Leary, Gillet, Adomah (Hart), Puncheon, Carew (Parkes), Wright, Birchall (Grazioli), Akurang. Subs Not Used - Thomas, St. Aimie.

County - Ruddy, Smith, Rose (Tunnicliffe), McNulty, Owen, Dicker, Gleeson (McSweeney), Rowe, Blizzard, Dickinson, Lowe (Proudlock). Subs Not Used - Logan, Taylor.

Att - 3,074

OWEN, OWEN DON

County Don For As Ince's Men Get Promotion

An uncharactistic error by Hatters' skipper Gareth Owen enabled Milton Keynes Dons to grab victory and a place in League One next season after an eagerly fought contest at Edgeley Park.

Owen's stumble fourty yards out was pounced on by Dons' midfielder Keith Andrews who raced away and neatly chipped over the advancing John Ruddy to send the Dons up, but it was a real emotional roller-coaster for the 8,800 inside Edgeley Park as Stockport County threatened to spoil Paul Ince's promotion party.

Jim Gannon made one change to the side who won magnificently at Peterborough United last week; Michael Raynes' injury forced him to sit this one out. James Smith, who deputised excellently for Raynes at London Road, kept his place. Anthony Pilkington, a sub last week, getting the nod at right wing with Shaleum Logan slipping neatly into his more accustomed left back role.

Despite predictions that the home side would be pressing The Dons back early on, it was the visitors who got out of the blocks the quickest and when the impressive Danny Swailes headed against the cross bar early on the message was clear - despite the pitch not being the best - Milton Keynes Dons were not going to allow County to play and were given very little time on the ball.

County were denied by a assistant referee's flag when County's top scorer Liam Dickinson fed Tommy Rowe, but the flag denied County a goalscoring opportunity, a decision which angered the Hatters' faithful.

Dominic Blizzard, a former Don, went close but his header zipped wide and after a moment of indecision, Dons keeper Willy Gueret was caught ball watching as Dickinson's neat twist and shot from an acute angle almost unlocked the Dons' defence. 

The Dons were well marshalled in defence, the impressive duo of O'Hanlon and Swailes were a tower at the back for the visitors, and the busy Mark Wright and Lloyd Dyer on each wing giving County problems, but the middle three of Gary Dicker, Blizzard and Jason Taylor were awesome, thwarting the usually inspirational Keith Andrews and Alan Navarro.

Shaleum Logan's superb run from the back stretched The Dons but Dickinson's wild effort was well off target, and Aaron Wilbraham, the returning former Hatter who had scored three times in previous returns to his first club, looked a little lacklustre up front and it was the aging and slightly overweight Kevin Gallen who was looking the most dangerous.

It was in interesting few moments after half an hour that shaped the game. News had filtered through that promotion rivals Hereford were one down at home to Peterborough, and almost instantaneously, Liam Dickinson timed his run to perfect, picked up a slide rule pass and slid County into dreamland.

Just as the delerium inside Edgeley Park settled, Dons were back level. Mark Wright's stunning strike from the edge of the area silenced the Blue Army and it was certainly game on.

Aaron Wilbraham had a soft effort sail wide as the game opened up before the break but this game was anything but friendly, right from the off there was tugging of shirts, nasty off the ball incidents and when Jude Sterling felled Tommy Rowe viciously, it was first thought that the yellow card given may have calmed the rest down, but Shaleum Logan's vicious lunge on Lewington took the half's tally of yellows to two shortly before half time.

The shocking Jude Sterling almost gifted County the lead just after the restart when his horrendous sliced clearance beat his keeper but also the cross bar as County went in search for a quick score. The Dons were firmly on the back foot as a succession of corners peppered the goalmouth. Willy Gueret, usually reliable under pressure, flapped at a Tommy Rowe corner and after Dickinson managed to head the ball across the face of goal, Dominic Blizzard was denied on the goalline by a superb block by Sean O'Hanlon.

With the game entering a stale period, Gannon opted to change things. A relatively redundant Anthony Pilkington made way for Adam Proudlock, and he made an immediate impact as County regained the lead after 57 minutes. Superb work from Dom Blizzard opened up a chance for Proudlock, who, with his first touch, drilled a superb strike with the outside of his right foot and not only gave County the lead, but with Hereford still trailing at Edgar Street, placed one foot in third place.

However, just like the first, The Dons showed tremedous spirit to fight back and were level again a minute later. Dyer's driving run from the right opened up County and although Ruddy pulled off a superb save to deny the marauding winger, Alan Navarro slotted home.

County, to their credit, never let their heads drop and saw the game as theirs and with the vocal help of a packed Cheadle End, went in search of a winner. Tommy Rowe's twinkle toes almost unlocked the Dons defence as his wizardry took him to the edge of the area, and although he was fouled, the referee, who was very pedantic to say the least, waved the appeals away.

Adam Proudlock's corner brought the best out of Gueret as Taylor was unlucky not to regain County's lead and Dean Lewington and Keith Andrews had good efforts saved as the game opened up into a sparkling spectacle and a superb advert for League Two football.

The woeful Wilbraham could have secured The Dons' promotion before their rather conspicuous winner, but the leggy resident Hall Of Shamer blazed a golden opportunity high and wide with Ruddy committed to his near post.

The game threatened to boil over as a vicious Jemal Johnson lunge on Jamie Smith saw yellowm and was quickly followed into the referee's book by Jason Taylor although victim Dean Lewington did seem to make a meal of the challenge as his team mates raced to confront the combatitive midfielder.  

County went agonisingly close to get a deserved leveller at the end as Dickinson's free kick was defelected wide, and Gueret was found scurrying across his line as another superb County corner looked to have finally unlocked the Dons but the keeper managed to fingertip away.

County - Ruddy, S Logan (Gleeson), Smith, Owen, McNulty, Dicker, Blizzard, Taylor, Pilkington (Proudlock), Rowe, Dickinson. Subs Not Used - Rose, C Logan, Lowe.

MK Dons - Gueret, Sterling, Lewington, O'Hanlon, Swailes, Wright (Regan), Navarro, Andrews, Dyer (Johnson), Wilbraham, Gallen (Hadfield). Subs Not Used - Miles, Abbey.

Att - 8,838

TOMMY GUNS DOWN POSH

Peterborough Pipped As County March On

Jim Gannon's Promotion Bandwagon steamrollered on as young crusader Tommy Rowe's first goal since February was enough to dump second placed Posh as their own promotion party was pooped by super County.

Posh, lying second behind leaders Milton Keynes Dons, could have been promoted if results went their way, but will have to wait a little longer to cross the finishing line after County came, battled and took their chance whilst ladyluck was also on the Hatters' side.

Gannon was relieved that a training ground injury to top scorer Liam Dickinson wasn't as bad as first reported, as he declared himself fit for County's biggest game of the season although the Edgeley Park gaffer had one enforced change to make; Stephen Gleeson's niggling hamstring injury lead Gannon to give the nod to Shaleum Logan. Michael Rose dropped to the bench, with James McNulty coming in for his first start since his injury.

Playing in front of their first 10,000+ crowd since November, it was Posh who upped the ante early on. Gary Dicker's needless foul on the edge of the area caused consternation throughout the County ranks, although the usually dangerous Dean Keates was thwarted with the eventual free kick. Another mistake by Dicker again gave the home side a chance but George Boyd put his effort wide.

It wasn't all Peterborough though; Dickinson looked to have handed County a shock lead when his superb header beat former County loanee stopper Joe Lewis but had Jamie Day to thank as the defender was on hand to nod the goalbound effort off the line.

With the game opening up and both teams stretched, both wer playing some fantastic football. Blizzard, Taylor and Rowe all linked up neatly to almost strike whilst the iron was hot, and at the other end Hatch and the dangerous Aaron McLean were to be denied when Michael Raynes and Dom Blizzard blocked shots as Posh entered their purple patch before the break. The luckless McLean also had a lame header confortably saved by Ruddy.

Jason Taylor, not known for his dangerous runs into the box unlocked United as he found Jamie Smith, but the former Liverpool full back spurned his chance.

County were riding their luck when within a couple of minutes close to the break; Chris Whelpdale and McLean unlocked County with a superb one-two but Ruddy was on hand to deny. At the half time break Jamie Smith would have been mightily relieved not to have given away a penalty.

At the break Jim Gannon would have been the happier of the two managers after sailing close to the wind towards the end of the first half but he had to reshuffle his pack as Micheal Raynes failed to appear for the second half, Anthony Pilkington entering the fray, meaning Jamie Smith reverting to centre back with Shaleum Logan reverting to right back.

It was Pilkington who had a superb opportunity to make an immediate impact when he superbly won the ball in the middle, drove on and found Taylor but his first touch took him wide of the goal and the chance went begging. 

Midway through the second half a clash between Jason Taylor and the now niggly McLean ended in them both being booked and also Liam Dickinson saw the yellow card, although he was seen as peacemaker as the game threatened to boil over.

The game from then on lifted itself from a momentarily coma to spring to life when County got themselves ahead courtesy of a relatively ineffective Tommy Rowe.

The inspirational Jason Taylor shrugged off his caution to find the youngster in space, and with the County fans thinking the chance had gone after his lost the ball under his feet, he managed to redeem himself by popping the ball past Joe Lewis to send the travelling masses into ecstacy.

Just like Milton Keynes in October, the home team were starting to take a strangehold on the game ansd then County came and sucker-punched the home team with a superbly taken opening goal, and as Tommy Rowe couldn't hide his delight, with Hereford being held by Darlington at this point, County were in the third automatic place, and delerium hit London Road.

To their credit, Ferguson Jnr is certainly not the type of person to let heads drop, and played their way forward. George Boyd, easily the best player for Posh, had two chances within a few minutes saved by Ruddy, whilst Liam Dickinson was continuing to give Chris Westwood a hard time, getting better of his man again but his snap shot was well wide.

Charlie Lee looked dangerous when he was introduced and he forced County back with a few impressive runs but found County stopper John Ruddy equally as impressive, saving Craig Morgan's header. Posh were wasteful again when Gary Dicker again felled McLean on the edge of the area, but the free kick was woeful and was met by ironic cheers from the County contingent.

It was a nervy end as the young referee managed to conjure up an additional five minutes injury time and with conspiracy theories about the name Ferguson and Playing Until United Score were rife in the County end. Morgan went agonisingly close to levelling it late with a header that skimmed the cross bar, but County held out. 

A superb victory that will bode very well when long time League Two leaders Milton Keynes Dons come to town next weekend.

Peterborough - Lewis, Newton, Morgan, Westwood, Day, Whelpdale (Lee), Keates, Hyde, Boyd, McLean, Hatch (Rendell). Subs Not Used - Low, Williams, McKeown.

County - Ruddy, Ja. Smith, McNulty (Rose), Raynes (Pilkington), Owen, S Logan, Blizzard, Dicker, Taylor, Rowe, Dickinson. Subs Not Used - C Logan, Jo. Smith, Proudlock.

Att - 10,023

CARRY ON DICK-O

Spot Kick Seals Comeback And Lifts County Into Dreamland

A rare moment of brilliance in an otherwise dull Edgeley Park encounter gave County the upper hand in a tightly contested game in what should have been a walk in the park for the promotion seeking Hatters.

Mansfield Town, fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table, came with a game plan, and ably assisted by former Hatter Matthew Hamshaw, stuck to it, although County were always going to create chances on their home ground, despite taking a shock lead, The Stags were never going to add to their tally.

With Ryan Lowe out injured after playing just a handful of minutes in a County shirt at the weekend, Tommy Rowe - Lowe's replacement against Darlington - was given the nod to partner top scorer Liam Dickinson up front, but County fans were stunned to see marauding winger Anthony Pilkington dropped to the bench for Jason Taylor. The fans favourite was drafted back into a central midfield berth with Dominic Blizzard, with Gary Dicker sitting deeper.

It was County who took the game to their Nottinghamshire opponents and with just a couple of minutes in Michael Rose's through ball found Dickinson, but his shot was blocked. With the wind in their sails, County managed to force a few corners early doors, but failed to find a way through.

Gary Dicker's headed effort was well saved by Carl Muggleton in the Mansfield goal, whilst Tommy Rowe, still searching for his first goal since his treble at Rotherham in February, was inches away from Dickinson's cross.

Mansfield, unbeaten in their last three games, had a few chances themselves; the impressive Nathan Arnold was allowed to skip through the County defence but his shot was straight at John Ruddy, Jelleyman's deep cross was headed back across the face of goal but again Ruddy was first to it, then a deep Hamshaw cross fell to Johnny Mullins who ghosted in at the back post to head goalwards and with the gasps behind the Cheadle End goal the ball bounced wide with Ruddy for once beaten.

Mansfield were never going to arrive at Edgeley Park and allow County to play their game and with a battering ram like Jefferson Louis, it was always going to be physical. Dickinson was doing very well holding the ball up despite the sometimes over exuberant Stags' defenders and as County were trying to create a bit more urgency, a controversial moment five minutes before the break gave Mansfield a shock lead.

Hamshaw's devilish cross fell to Michael Boulding, and as Ruddy came to collect it looked like the loanee stopper had felled the former County target, but the ball somehow managed to go in off Gary Dicker and the cross bar and whilst the linesman was flagging for an infringement, after much deliberation the referee gave the goal.

In all fairness there was no real complaints from the County boys and huge credit must be given for them to brush themselves off and go in search for the equaliser, and after forcing Mansfield back towards the break, veteran keeper Carl Muggleton managed to fumble a routine Stephen Gleeson corner into his own net.

Many of the elder Hatters' wouldn't have been surprised at the slightly balding Muggleton's latest gaff after his far-from-successful month at Edgeley Park back in March 1990, but with Mansfield Town his fifteen club in a career that started in 1986 at Leicester City, a schoolboy error gave County a much needed springboard.

County were given a superb chance just after the restart as Rose's powerful cross was knocked off the line by Keith Briggs. the two-time former Hatter was a half time sub and was welcomed with a great ovation by the Edgeley Park crowd.

Ten minutes into the second half, and County huffing and puffing and struggling to break down a resolute Town defence, Gannon made two changes. Jason Taylor made way for Adam Proudlock and Anthony Pilkington replacing the out of sorts Stephen Gleeson.

This gave County a much more attacking feel and immediately went at Mansfield. Rowe's hapless form continued as his long range effort sailed harmlessly wide, and Proudlock, sporting a new crew-cut hair style and also a few inches on the waistline, certainly didn't look out of place as he created a few chances for County with a mixture of neat flick-ons and well weighted passes.

Rose's corner almost went straight in as Mansfield were caught ball watching, Pilkington's darting run looked to have unlocked the Stags' defence but a timely interception kept the home side at bay and from a similar cute one-two Jamie Smith got to the bi-line but once again the visitors held firm.

Then, with time running out, a rare moment of genius eventually ground down The Stags. Tommy Rowe, again flattering to decieve after a few ineffective performances since his coming of age in South Yorkshire, collected the ball twenty five yards out and drove at the defence, with a little jiggery-pokery, he danced into the box before he was cynically taken down by Jake Buxton. The red card looked harsh but it gave County the opportunity to take the lead. 

Liam Dickinson neatly dispatched the spot kick to send the Cheadle End into raptures.

With Mansfield running out of ideas and looking more and more likely to concede again, County swarmed all over the visitors. Dickinson spurned a superb opportunity, and Rowe and Blizzard were denied by Muggleton. Then, with Mansfield pushing men forward for a relatively undeserved equaliser, Adam Proudlock robbed Alex Baptiste on half way, drove hard at the Mansfield defence before squaring for Dickinson, and with the whites of Muggleton's eyes, he decided against slipping the ball to the unmarked Proudlock and shot straight at the keeper.

Michael Rose had the Cheadle Enders out of their seats when his superb first time twenty-five yard volley zipped past the outstretched Muggleton, but where County have been guilty of wasing chances and losing games, it was far from pretty, but at the final whistle it was job done. Three points and a leapfrog over Darlington into fourth.

County - Ruddy, Rose, Smith, Owen, Raynes, Dicker, Blizzard, Gleeson (Pilkington), Taylor (Proudlock), Rowe, Dickinson. Subs Not Used - S Logan, C Logan, McNulty. 

Mansfield - Muggleton, Mullins, Buxton, Baptiste, Jelleyman (Briggs), Hamshaw, Dawson (Wainwright), D'Laryea, Arnold, Boulding, Louis (Horlock). Subs Not Used - White, Brown.

Att - 4,982

DICKO THE DARLINGTON DARLING

Six Pointer Goes County's Way

Super Stockport's motor towards the top three gathered further momentum as The Hatters edged past fellow promotion seekers Darlington at a wet and windswept Edgeley Park.

The match was never going to be a classic; a mixture of egg-chasing on the Friday night ripping up the pitch and the weather never deciding whether to shine or rain, but County carved open an average looking Quakers who again flattered to decieve despite their lofty position in the table. 

Jim Gannon made two changes to the side who play at last weekend's debacle at Chester. Ryan Lowe, who came on loan from Crewe Alex just in time to be named on the bench at The Deva, was selected up front with top scorer Liam Dickinson, and in the centre of midfield a familar face in Stephen Gleeson, starting his first game since he returned back to Edgeley Park on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Tommy Rowe and Jason Taylor made way.

Darlington showed their promise despite their woeful away following. The usually well supported Quakers only managing to muster up a few hundred fans to make the journey south. If a game that could by seminal in your team's promotion aspirations can only spark interest in a few shows the confidence they had in this game. Although the visitors saw plenty of ball in the opening exchanges, County caused the first goalscoring opportunity; Ryan Lowe's neat control and shot was easily saved by David Stockdale in the Darlington goal. 

It was an interesting first quarter of an hour in a County shirt for the loanee. Wrestled to the floor inside the box after skipping through a lame tackle, despite the muted claims for a penalty, Ryan Lowe's action was over. Clutching his shoulder, he walked gingerly off the pitch. 

His replacement, Tommy Rowe, almost scored with his first touch as Dickinson's hard work opened up the Quakers' defence but his low cross evaded the lunge of the youngster. Anthony Pilkington had a great chance on the turn but his shot was blocked and Liam Dickinson again cut through the defence with strength and skill but spurned his chance as John Ruddy's goal lead a charmed life.

Liam Dickinson saw his low shot fumbled by Stockdale as County took a firm control on the game, but the keeper redeemed himself, smothering the loose ball with Pilkington breathing down his neck.

With the half ticking on, it was only a matter of time before the home team would open the scoring, and with a slice of luck, County went into the break deservedly ahead. 

Tommy Rowe's burst of pace took him past a static Darlington defence and although the shot beat Stockdale, the base of the post stopped the youngster celebrating his goal but Liam Dickinson was on hand to pounce and give County the priceless goal.

Dickinson's delight was clear to see, but his celebrations may have to be scrutinised as he pulled down County Assistant Manager Peter Ward's tracksuit bottoms as the scoring ran to celebrate with the management staff.

Tommy Rowe thought he had doubled County's leade when his shot shortly after the restart was wiped off for offside, and Gary Dicker slotted a glorious through ball to the winger, but the ball got caught up under his legs and the chance had gone. 

Many had thought that Darlington, with a little self belief, may up the ante and go for it after the break, but again held back. A lack of any real enterprising forward play, little or no urgency and for a team who lied third in the table before play, many inside Edgeley Park would have seen worse places teams play a lot better.

Whether it was Darlington's lack of desire or a well-marshalled Hatters line up keeping them at arms length remains to be seen but Darlington could do no worse than in the first half, where the lack of a killer ball made the game a walk in the park for new centre half duo Michael Raynes and Gareth Owen, with Julian Joachim's departure with two minutes remaining in the first half leaving Darlo very short of outlets.

In a rare glimpse of what the visitors could muster up, a relatively redundant John Ruddy produced a world-class save to deny Tommy Wright. A long ball through the middle was lost by County skipper Gareth Owen and Ruddy managed to produce an acrobatic fingertip save to deny an already celebrating Wright.

The Goodison Park lost child was again on hand to deny Jason Kennedy as a momentary lapse of concentration by Michael Raynes allowed the former Bury midfielder to stride through unchallenged. With Darlington starting to sieze the initiative with a lot of 50-50's going their way, the Edgeley Park crowd, high in numbers but low in volume, sensed an equaliser, and at the other end chances were starting to pass County by.

Liam Dickinson had a glorious opportunity to put the game well and truly out of the visitor's reach when he shot straight at Stockdale, Tommy Rowe's luck seemed to have deserted him in recent weeks as he saw his effort blocked; Michael Rose's free kick was marginally wide and with time running out, Liam Dickinson showed just why he's on of League Two's feared strikers after brushing off the attention of Stephen Foster but Stockdale saved with his legs.

County - Ruddy, Rose, Ja Smith, Owen, Raynes, Dicker, Blizzard, Gleeson, Pilkington (Taylor), Lowe (Rowe), Dickinson. Subs Not Used - Logan, McNulty, Jo Smith.

Darlington - Stockdale, Austin, White, Foster, Parker, Purdie, Cummins, Ravenhill (Keltie), Kennedy, Joachim (Nelthorpe/ Wiseman), Wright. Subs Not Used - Miller, Kazimierczak. 

Att - 6.460  

BUCKS LOSES ITS FIZZ

County Halted In Chairboys Stalemate

It would have have very easy to claim that this Bank Holiday clash simply came too soon after Friday Night's derby win against Macclesfield, but record seeking County never got out of first gear as The Hatters' superb away winning streak ended abruptly at The Causeway.

Although County remain unbeaten on their travels since Boxing Day and thanks to results elsewhere inched closer to the top three, chances to take three priceless points were at a premium, as both Wycombe and County cancelled each other out, and with it the home team avenged their six goal drubbing at Edgeley Park earlier this season.

Jim Gannon had a mixed of news before naming his side; Shaleum Logan pulled up in training and twice within a matter of days has returned to Manchester City to resume treatment, whilst Anthony Pilkington declared himself fit despite hobbling out of the Cheshire Derby on Friday.

It's not often County managers have had to chop and change through International call-ups, but as predicted Michael Raynes got the nod to partner Gareth Owen after Ashley Williams' call up to the Welsh squad to face Luxembourg in midweek.

In the corresponding fixture last season, County were one down within minutes, but any chance of a quickfire goal at The Causeway was thwarted after a nervy opening between the division's fifth and sixth placed teams. Both sides afraid to show their cards early on and chances were few and far between, although Tommy Rowe mis-cued his effort wide and Anthony Pilkington had a low effort just wide.

Wycombe, on the back of a decent run themselves saved their best first half chance until the final five minutes of the first half, when Edgeley Park own goaler Russell Martin found Leon Knight with a deep cross but the finish was wasteful.

The Chairboys came out of the blocks quicker after the break. The impressive Gary Holt crossed from the left and veteran Scott McGleish looked to have opened the scoring when he wrongfooted John Ruddy but Michael Rose's last ditch clearance kept the scores level.

County will feel a little upset when Wycombe keeper Frank Fielding was given only a yellow card after he brought down Liam Dickinson on the edge of the area where as a few weeks ago a similar incident made County stopper Conrad Logan see red against Bury. Fielding would have been mightily relieved dispite the strong Hatters following baying for blood.

With the game closing out to an unevntful draw, both managers played their ace cards and produced double substitutions; Pilkington and Friday's goal hero Jason Taylor were withdrawn for Johann Smith and David Poole, but even the positive move from Gannon failed to lift the team.

John Ruddy, whose goal lead a charmed life at times, had to be alert as Stefan Oakes' free kick sneaked through the County wall, and at the other end Wycombe very nearly made it three own goals in two games against County as Tommy Doherty's header from Rose's cross in injury time brought a superb reflex save from Fielding. With County sensing the win, Dickinson, who had been kept relatively quiet played the ball neatly to Tommy Rowe, but an untimely slip saved The Chairboys' bacon.

Wycombe become the first team since Darlington on 14th October to cause County to draw a blank. Who knows whether this will be the last time this season they meet? 

Wycombe - Fielding, Martin, Williamson, Johnson, Woodman, Herd (Sutton), Holt, Oakes, Doherty, Knight (Torres), McGleish. Subs Not Used - Stockley, Young, Lennon.

County - Ruddy, Rose, Ja Smith, Raynes, Owen, Taylor (Jo Smith), Blizzard, Dicker, Rowe, Pilkington (Poole), Dickinson. Subs Not Used - Tunnicliffe, Logan, Turnbull.         

Att - 5,380

JASON GLORY

Taylor Double Eases Hatters To Derby Victory

A rare double from Jason Taylor eased Stockport County to a league and cup double over their Cheshire neighbours - their sixth straight win, whilst nailing The Silkmen's relegation troubles at the same time.

Midfield General Taylor, not known for his goalscoring attributes, must relish the games against the local teams, as after just one goal before this season, he has now scored four, with this double adding to goals against Chester City and Bury. Whilst not possessing a killer touch like his peers, Taylor had to be alert to poke hom the first before a rifled well-timed finish put the game to bed just after the break.

County boss Jim Gannon, despite grabbing an extension to Manchester City fullback Shaleum Logan's loan deal, kept with the same team that neatly dispatched the threat of Lincoln on Saturday, with Liam Dickinson the lone strike abley abetted by marauding wingers Tommy Rowe and Anthony Pilkington.

On the County bench, Johann Smith, a month loanee from Bolton, with Logan's Conrad and Shaleum. Adam's Proudlock and Griffin making way. 

Macclesfield, however, came to a ground they have never won at, and it wasn't long before the inevitable County surge commenced. Pilkington's superb run from the right gave Dickinson the opportunity to add to his impressive tally this season but the big striker skewed his low shot wide.

Michael Rose's cross was superbly tipped over by Jonny Brain after Rowe's glancing header looked to have given The Hatters the lead but Brain's enginuity kept Hatters at arms length, but couldn't do anything with Taylor's opener with nine minutes on the clock.

Pilkington's inswinging corner was only half cleared by Sean Hessey and Gary Dicker's neat touch back into the mixer unsettled Macclesfield and Taylor had time to trap and drive County ahead. Taylor was thoroughly delighted with the goal, his first league goal at home and well-deserved after some terrific perfomances of late.

The goal kick started the visitors into action and through the nippy Thomas they were always to have an outlet, but found the defencive duo of Gareth Owen and Ashley Williams, brimming with confidence after his Wales call up, unpenetrable. Martin Gritton's lame header was Macclesfield's best chance, although the chance was never going to trouble John Ruddy in the County goal.

Liam Dickinson had his effort ruled out for offside, whilst Tommy Rowe threatened to emulate Ryan Giggs' terrific solo effort against Arsenal as he picked up a loose ball inside his own half, weaved through the Macc Town defence and only a desperate lunge on the edge of the box halted what could have been a real goal of the season candidate.

It was glaringly obvious from the start of the game which team was gunning for promotion and which one was struggling at the wrong end of the table, as County played with a swagger whilst Macclesfield played with safety first in their minds. If the ball came too them, it was cleared too easily to half way and this allowed County to come back at them, but The Hatters would have been a little upset to enter half time with just a one goal lead. Tommy Rowe's ambitious long range effort was testiment to County's frustration.

With the second half barely a minute old, Gary Dicker looped a superb ball over the top for Liam Dickinson, the big striker drew the full  back in, and with a neat change of feet drilled the ball hopefully towards goal. Jonny Brain, who pulled off a superb save in the first half from Tommy Rowe, will be having nightmares as he spilled the shot into the path of Jason Taylor, who delighted the home fans with a superb finish into the bottom corner to double County lead.

With County now buzzing and Macc stretched again, it was a matter of wehn the visitors would be breached next, but County were guilty of missing guilt edge chances. Tommy Rowe's silky skills unlocked The Silkmen again but Pilkington's finish was high and mighty, Dickinson was inches away from Rose's corner and at the other end Ashley Williams almost scored an own goal but John Ruddy managed to scramble across and save his skipper's blushes.

Gannon, with the game entering a lull, withdrew Pilkington to hand Johann Smith a debut and he showed some neat touches, but it was the other substitute, Shaleum Logan, who looked the most dangerous when he came on for Tommy Rowe. After linking well with Jamie Smith, Logan skipped through unchallenged but his effort was blocked by the impressive Richard Walker.

County tried in vain to seal a comfortable three points as they went in search of third goal but Macc held firm towards the end although a majority of County's biggest crowd of the season would have gone home happy. 

County - Ruddy, Rose, Ja Smith, Owen, Williams, Dicker, Taylor (Raynes), Blizzard, Rowe (S Logan), Dickinson, Pilkington (Jo Smith). Subs Not Used, C Logan, Poole.

Macclesfield - Brain, Cresswell, Walker, Hessey, Tolley, Thomas, Jennings (Spencer), Dunfield, Brisley, Green (I Reid), Gritton (Evans)

Att - 7,824

HATTERS MAKE HISTORY

Stockport Feeling Gr-Eight After Another Record Tumbles 

David Poole eventually broke down a resiliant Lincoln City as Stockport County were entered into the record books once again with a single goal victory at Sincil Bank - their eighth consecutive away victory. 

As was reported by County 4 Life, Jim Gannon was forced to make one change from the team who cruised past Rochdale on Tuesday Night; right back Shaleum Logan picked up an injury that prematurely ended his loan spell at Edgeley Park and he was replaced by Jamie Smith.

The Former Liverpool youngster placed his mark early in the game. His neat pass found Liam Dickinson, who turned Lee Beevers and delivered a snap shot across City stopper Marriott but the veteran keeper saved well with his legs and prevented an early Hatters lead.

The 1000+ County fans were celebrating when Anthony Pilkington bulged the net with just nine minutes on the clock but their joy was silenced when the in-form wide man, who signed an extension to his County contract this week, was ruled to be offside.

Liam Dickinson was slowly becoming a bit of a nuisance for the Lincoln defence, beat the offside trap but shot straight at Marriott before Anthony Pilkington cut in from the right minutes later but his shot was also saved by the Lincoln keeper.

By this time County had the hosts camped in their own half, with Lincoln resorting to half hearted counter-attacks that failed to cut through a solid Hatters' defence. Michael Rose's free kick pegged The Imps back, and Dickinson, who scored twice in midweek, failed to find his killer touch as midway through the first half, the best clear-cut opportunity fell to the striker, yet Lincoln were still yet unbreached.

Dickinson, looking suspiciously offside, ran on as Jason Taylor's through ball was unchallenged but his shot lack and conviction, and Marriott was starting to gain more confidence as he saved again.    

A rare sortee forward gave the home side a chance to prove their worth and went close when Dany N'Guessan's shot was blocked by Smith, and the young full back again proved his worth when he bravely got in the way of Louis Dodd's effort. Mark Stallard, returning to the Lincoln side after his red card at Rotherham saw him miss the last three games, was wide with the ricochet.

With Lincoln slightly on top as the first half petered out, this gave Iffy Onoura's men used that as a platform to create more chances after the break and really should have gone ahead when Paul Green'snfree-kick found the unmarked Danny Hone at the far post but somehow he managed to head wide with the goal at his mercy. 

County were riding their luck a little as the home side came forward in their numbers, Dodds again was involved, this time his shot was skewed wide after it looked like Ashley Williams' superb block on Clarke was gifted wrapped as the ball bounced favourably for Dodds, then Jamie Forrester, who was relatively quiet for Lincoln was mightily close to breaking the deadlock when his turn on the box had Ruddy stretched.

Stockport were to find Lincoln guilty of wasting opportunities as County got the decisive strike in the 68th minute when Lincoln failed to clear a corner.

Dickinson and Proudlock had gone close before David Poole, a second half substitute for Anthony Pilkington, guided his shot through a crowd of players to give County the lead and send the travelling masses into raptures.

Some felt it was justice after the referee had denied County an opening when he wrongly pulled up Adam Proudlock for offside when David Poole ran through, but more importantly, not only had County had one hand on another three points, records were tumbling again. Just as the game was looking as if it was going to fade into an unenterprising goal-less draw, another record was set. Twenty-six consectutive games County have scored, and only twice this season have The Hatters failed to score, an achievement many top managers couldn't boast.

The goal made the game more open and N'Guessan was looking increasingly more dangerous as the game progressed. His snap shot from the edge of the area had to be saved by Ruddy and Ashley Williams, growing in confidence since his mid season injury, was brave to block his cross as the former Boston striker managed to skip past Taylor.

Tommy Rowe was starting to show his agility as Lincoln were showing signs of fatigue. Rowe's superb run ended in him almost doubling County's lead after Dickinson's low cross was inches away from the youngster, then with a neat turn and step over, found the space for Rose, who crossed for Proudlock who forced a superb diving save from man of the match Marriott.

But in injury time, and with County's now obligatory celebratory anthems ringing around Sincil Bank, Jamie Forrester thought he'd grabbed a late leveller when his effort was heavily deflected, but Ruddy managed to readjust his position and produce a world class save to keep break the Imps hearts.

Lincoln - Marriott, Brown, Beevers, Hone, Green, Kerr, Clarke, N'Guessan, Dodds (King), Forrester, Stallard (Wright). Subs Not Used - Duffy, Ridley, Pembleton.

County - Ruddy, Smith, Rose, Williams, Owen, Dicker (Proudlock), Taylor, Blizzard, Rowe, Pilkington (Poole), Dickinson (Raynes). Subs Not Used - Logan, Griffin.

Att - 4,544

DOUBLE DELIGHT

Dicko's Deuce Downs Dale

A now obligatory goalkeeping gaff from Dale keeper James Spencer contributed to County's fourth straight league win as a Liam Dickinson double helped County bury the ghost of Rochdale past.

Spencer's rush of blood decision making was part of the reason why County binned him off to Spotland last summer, so when he inexplicably raced out of his box after Liam Dickinson had been released it was inevitable he was going to be beaten by the flying forward and Rochdale, at this time a goal down, were dead and buried.  

After their superb performance against Bradford City at the weekend, it was no surprise Jim Gannon had chosen to keep faith with the same XI, and were in the box seat as early as the ninth minute.

Tommy Rowe's superb wing play forced a corner, and Liam Dickinson rose unchallenged to meet Anthony Pilkington's corner kick to give County the lead. It was the striker's third goal against Dale this season, after his doube at Spotland earlier this season. It was, however, needed to bring the game to life, as the blustery weather conditions blew away any chance of a controlled and cultured game of football, with the ball swirling in the wind.

In the corresponding game last season, Rochdale blew away County 7-2, but there was no repeat of that scoreline although the dangerous Gary Jones did show why Gannon was after him in the summer with a good effort off target and Adam Le Fondre, himself playing his first game at Edgeley Park since his summer transfer, was buzzing about and making a nuisancde of himself early on, but with the goal behind them, County were looking so much more controlled on the ball and Rochdale had no answer to the dynamic wing play on show.

Tommy Rowe looked the livliest of the wingers; his neat one-two with Michael Rose almost unlocked the Dale defence whilst Anthony Pilkington, although the quieter of the two wingers, was doing the grafting and pedalling back.

Shaleum Logan almost doubled County's lead when his audacious chip from thirty yards out almost caught out the hapless Spencer and at the other end Adam Rundle's shot kept Ruddy busy.

Le Fondre, for so long an Edgeley Park fave, was causing Ashley Williams a few uneasy moments; his turn and volley almost caught County off guard as it zipped wide and after losing his marker, Rundle's pass was just too strong for the youngster as Rochdale entered their purple patch midway through the half.

Jason Taylor, who created one of the passes of the season to eventually unlock a resiliant Bradford on Saturday, glided a first time ball over the defence to Liam Dickinson but a last ditch challenge kept County at arms length.

Adam LeFondre's header into John Ruddy's hands signalled Dale's intentions just after the break as the visitors, still in the game despite showing no real urgency in front of goal, upped the ante in the second half. Gary Jones' effort sailed wide, Rene Howe's close range effort was parried away by Ruddy and Muirhead's cross had the loanee keeper stretched when his cross caused a bit of panic in The Hatters penalty area as Dale closed in on an equaliser.

That wasn't to be as Spencer's gaff gifted County three points. Liam Dickinson linked well with Anthony Pilkington's superb chip over the defence and despite a defender tracking back, Dickinson's superb finish was celebrated by a commemorative t-shirt remembering a lost loved one. Dickinson crossed himself and pointed to the heavens as the Cheadle End masses swarmed towards their goal hero.

The game was no effectively over. Rochdale had lost all hope, and even know they were kept ticking along with impressive duo David Perkins and Gary Jones, they were defunct of any ideas up front, with LeFondre relatively anonymous for long periods, his threat snuffed out by Ashley Williams and Gareth Owen, who was superb throughout.

Although Tommy Rowe, Anthony Pilkington and sub David Poole could have given the scoreline a more flattering look, County were again industrious and now look odds on for a play off place. For Rochdale, it seems on tonight's showing they are punching above their weight. A side clearly lacking any confidence despite their position in the top ten.     

County - Ruddy, Logan, Rose, Williams, Owen, Taylor, Dicker (Raynes), Blizzard, Pilkington (Poole), Rowe, Dickinson. Subs Not Used - Logan, McSweeney, Smith.

Rochdale - Spencer, Ramsden, McArdle, Stanton, Kennedy (Basham), Rundle (Buckley), Perkins, Jones, Higginbottom (Muirhead), LeFondre, Howe. Subs Not Used - Holness, D'Laryea.

Att - 5,530

A TAYLOR-MADE VICTORY

Midfielder Outstanding As County Show Play-Off Credentials 

Jason Taylor's best game in a County shirt was instrumental as County engineered a superb fightback to grab all three points against a resolute, yet largely unimpressive Bradford City.

Bradford came to Cheshire unbeaten away from home since the turn of the year but found it tough at Edgeley Park despite going in front with a hotly disputed penalty, but goals from Anthony Pilkington and a superb free kick from Michael Rose saved County's bacon and gave the home team a win that lifted them up to sixth in the League Two table. 

As predicted, County boss Jim Gannon kept with the same team who won at Hereford United last weekend but announced three changes on the bench. Adam Proudlock who missed the game at Edgar Street was named with Michael Raynes and David Poole, with Adam Griffin, Leon McSweeney and Paul Turnbull missing out.

County, shooting towards the heavily populated Railway End in the first half, set out their stall early to catch a City side unawares but despite their dominance early on had to wait for their first clear opening. Pilkington's corner was headed on by Dominic Blizzard but Jason Taylor, slightly off balance could only touch the ball wide.

It was going to be an interesting game for Jason Taylor as County took a firm hold on the game. Taylor's glorious through ball almost gave Tommy Rowe a clear run on goal but veteran David Wetherall's neat intervention stopped the youngster's run on goal.

Liam Dickinson went close with a snap shot from the edge of the area as Bradford found it hard to close County down, resorting to few chances, as John Ruddy's goal was living a charmed life.

One Bradford player who was looking dangerous was local lad Peter Thorne. Brought up in Flixton, the former Stoke and Cardiff man twisted on the edge of the area and fed Evans, but his shot was blocked.

Thorne himself warmed Ruddy's gloves with a headed effort but most of the action was at the other end as County tried in vain to get in front. Anthony Pilkington's ambitious overhead kick failed to hit the target and Dickinson, who was well marshalled by the City defence, wriggled away from a defender but failed to connect with Shaleum Logan's cross.      

County, despite the heavy pitch and the sometimes over-exhuberant City players, were playing some delightful football, with the midfield trio of Gary Dicker, Blizzard and Taylor all combining well and when Taylor released Rowe, the youngster darted into the box, fed Pilkington, but Scott Loach in the City goal was equal to it.

As half time approached, Loach had to be alert as Dickinson dropped deep, outmuscled the defender and delivered a superb near post cross to Tommy Rowe and with the home fans rejoicing Roach pulled off a world class save to keep the scores level.

County could have gone in front in first half stoppage time when Rowe and Dickinson looked to have unlocked the visitors' defence, but Eddie Johnson's block tackle gave the ball no sting and Roach saved easily.

It wasn't all one way traffic, Evans almost gave the Yorkshire side a shock first half lead but his shot from the edge of the box was always sailing wide.

After the break Bradford upped the tempo, and with County without a home win in three games, they knew the game was theirs, and were awarded a spot kick just eight minutes after the restart when Joe Colbeck looked to have been brought down by Ruddy. Despite the protests, Peter Thorne calmly netted home the resulting penalty and Bradford were ahead.

With County smacked with a kick in the pants after dominating long periods of the game, they were doubly determined to get back on level terms as soon as possible. Tommy Rowe was upended on the left as the silky winger tried to get the better of the full back and Pilkington's header from Logan's free kick went over. Michael Rose was peppering the City box as County won a succession of corners and then with a stroke of genius, County were level.

Taylor's sublime ball dissected two City players and Shaleum Logan, who was impressive throughout the ninety minutes, fed Pilkington who beat Loach with ease. It was more than County deserved. A richly deserved equaliser and the huge relief around the ground was clear.

County were by this time rampant. Taylor's turn and shot was blocked by the impressive Loach, Tommy Rowe skipped through a few lame City challenges but he took one touch too many. Liam Dickinson, for once sprung the offside trap, saw the whites of Loach's eyes but the striker, who had scored the winner at Hereford saw his shot blocked.

With City holding on for dear life, it was only a matter of time before County would eventually grind their visitors down and following a foul on the superb Jason Taylor on the edge of the area, Michael Rose superbly arced his left footed free kick around the wall and past Loach. The ghost run of Logan had committed the City wall and Rose pounced. It was a goal worthy of winning any game and it was a real kick in the teeth for Bradford, who possibly deserved more with their second half showing who were rather fortunate not to grab a late equaliser as Wetherall's header zipped wide.

Rotherham's point at Shrewsbury helped County jump up to sixth and with ninth placed Rochdale up next at Edgeley Park in midweek, who knows, the gap between County and Darlington in third is starting to look like a achievable target.

County - Ruddy, Rose, S Logan, Owen, Williams, Dicker, Taylor (Raynes), Blizzard, Rowe, Pilkington, Dickinson. Subs Not Used - Proudlock, C Logan, Poole, Smith.

Bradford - Loach, Williams, Wetherall, Moncur (Bower), Heckingbottom, Colbeck, Evans (Conlon), Johnson, Bullock, Rhodes (Daley), Thorne. Subs Not Used - Nix, Topp.

Att - 5,763

DADDY DICKO DOES THE TRICK

Liam's Record Equalling Winner Banishes Baby Blues

Liam Dickinson's spot kick enabled County to record their seventh-successive away win and with results elesewhere going their way, Jim Gannon was doubly delighted with the success at Edgar Street over a very strong Hereford United side.

The County boss however had to make a forced change from the side who came away from Accrington Stanley with a win last weekend; Adam Proudlock injured his ankle in training and Anthony Pilkington, a sub at The Fraser Eagle Stadium, was given the nod to start, and it didn't take him long to place his footprint on the game as his blistering shot from the edge of the area was superbly saved by Hereford keeper Wayne Brown.

Brown was the busier of the two keepers in the early exchanges, as Liam Dickinson, playing his first game since his arrival of his child, also bringing the best out of Brown.

Hereford, who started the game in the final automatic promotion place, were starting to up the game, seeing lots more ball and really utilising the wide Edgar Street turf with some glorious cross-field passes and had County stretched, but John Ruddy, enjoying his second appearance since his second loan move to Edgeley Park from Everton, was not to be threatened as Hereford wasted a superb chance to take the lead.

Gareth Owen mis-timed a through ball and Theo Robinson pounced, the Watford loanee then had his head in his hands as his lame effort trickled wide with just Ruddy to beat.

County, although dangerous when coming forward, were threatened themselves when they lost the ball. Sherjill MacDonald, six goals in six games before this clash, went close with a header and Gary Hooper, himself with an impressive scoring record with six goals in 2008 since his loan move from Southend United, found his shooting boots desert him as Ruddy's record again remained in tact as his shot was over.

The hosts were looking decidely dodgy when facing pace, and when you have the pace of Tommy Rowe and Anthony Pilkington on each wing, it was obvious County were to creat chances. Pilkington went close with a couple of quickfire chances whilst Gary Dicker's wonderful ball to Rowe resulted in his shot being deflected wide.

The youngster, who has shunned the limelight since his impressive trio at Rotherham United, had a superb chance close to the break as Gareth Owen's clearance turned County into the route one specialists, but this time, his effort was caught by Brown.

Jason Taylor would have been receiving his praise in the dressing room at half time as not only is his midfield partnership with Gary Dicker flourishing with every game, his miraculous block to deny MacDonald an almost certain half time lead was spectacular, and had both sets of supporters standing to appreciate the sheer bravery.

John McCombe denied County in a quick flurry of County attacks shortly after the break. He was in the right place at the right time to block Anthony Pilkington's effort then moments later managed to sneak in to rob Liam Dickinson on the edge of the area as The Hatters pushed for an opening goal. However the impressive defender was reduced to zero status as Liam Dickinson was pulled back and the referee pointed to the spot.

Michael Rose opted to take and missed at Accrington Stanley, but after dusting himself off, Liam Dickinson stepped up himself and drilled County ahead.

The Hatters fans, who had braved the elements to make the journey south, were sent into ecstacy and after Rose's freekick caused mayhem in The Bulls' defence, with Dicker going close to opening him County account, the Blue Army could sense a second goal. Hereford, however had other ideas, and forced County back and winning a flurry of corners. Adam Griffin's slice caused consternation in the box but Gareth Owen's tremendous block with minutes remaining was key to County success.

With Hereford determined to unlock a shaky County defence, Simon Johnson, McCombe and Ben Smith all wasted golden chances whilst at the other end Leon McSweeney went close to finising the game but in the end, a record equalling seventh-successive victory on the road was completed, a record that has been held for half a century. The precious gold kit struck again.

Hereford - Brown, McClenahan, Broadhurst, McCombe, Threlfall, Robinson, Smith, Gleeson (Easton), Taylor (Johnson), Hooper, MacDonald (Benjamin). Subs Not Used - Ingham, Rose.

County - Ruddy, S Logan (Smith), Williams, Owen, Rose, Pilkington (McSweeney), Blizzard, Dicker, Taylor, Rowe (Griffin), Dickinson. Subs Not Used - C Logan, Turnbull.

Att - 3,526

SIX OF THE BEST

Away Day Glory Again As Accrington Axed

Two long overdue goals from Liam Dickinson sealed a precious away day victory for Stockport County as Accrington Stanley were simply brushed aside as The Hatters secured their sixth consecutive away win.

Jim Gannon dipped his toe into the loan market yet again, drafting in Manchester City's Shaleum Logan and also a familiar face to most County fans, the return of keeper John Ruddy as Conrad Logan's red card last weekend resulted in gannon snubbing Chris Adamson and youth teamer Ben Imeson to bring in the Everton stopper.

Despite the hype, the game was scrappy with very little being given away. Jason Taylor, slightly relieved to be in a more accustomed central midfield role, lifted the hefty travelling army when his rifled effort zipped wide, but on the whole, both sides were holding their cards very close to their chest.

Logan, who knows a little about League Two after his loan spell earlier this season at Grimsby, was a little spark amongst the embers as his fierce pace got the better of the Accy back line on a number of occasions but his smart cross-cum-shot was aching to be pounced on but none of the three strong County forward line could react.

Accrington's best chance fell to the dangerous Paul Mullin when he managed to squeeze inbetween Ashley Williams and Gareth Owen but glanced his header wide.     

On the half hour, Liam Dickinson ended his mini-drought that has spanned since the end of January when debutant Shaleum Logan's floated free kick was headed home. Dickinson was upended by Leam Richardson and Logan's delivery was superb. Dickinson's header from inside the six yard box was too much for Kenny Arthur in the Accrington goal, who up to then, had been keeping County at arms length.

At the other end as the game came to life a little, Ruddy, a little rusty after long periods in the Goodison Park shadows, had to be alert to thwart Andrew Proctor, but in all honesty Accrington weren't impressibng in front of their own fans.

Taylor and Dickinson attempted to unlock the Stanley defence again as Logan's corners and crosses were causing a bit of concern in the host's goalmouth, but Accy were fortunate to keep the score respectable as the break encroached.

With Stanley fading this season after a promising start that saw them threaten the play off places, Jim Gannon obviously told his players to wreck havoc and immediately after the restart Liam Dickinson had a great opportunity to double his tally but Logan's cross was headed wide. Sean Webb's brave blockage prevented another Dickinson chance and Adam Proudlock saw his effort deflected wide.

County were starting to take a grip of the game and Sean Webb was again involved, this time the industrious Stanley defender brought down Adam Proudlock in the area and the referee had no question but to point to the spot.

Michael Rose, a surprise selection with Dickinson and Proudlock both on the pitch, stroked his spot kick well but Arthur guessed the right way and miraculously, Accrington Stanley with only one notible shot all game, were still in this game.

Whilst Logan's pace and skill was causing the home defence problems, he seemed quite decent at set plays as well; his free kick warmed Arthur's hands as he became a bit more confident.

There was no Millmoor showboating from Tommy Rowe as Dickinson's ball bobbled on the hard Crown pitch but the longer the game went on, the more likely County were to score and seal a sixth straight away win.

Dickinson brushed off Andy Todd on the edge of the box and curled an unstoppable effort after Michael Rose put his penalties woes behind him by delivering a superb through ball after Proudlock's lovely lay off found the full back in space.

The second not only put the game to bed, but also made the travelling masses breathe a huge sigh of relief as Accrington were starting to get a little self-belief and gave the Hatters back line a few anxious moments but in all honsty were never going to affect John Ruddy a maiden clean-sheet.

Proudlock's ambitious lob was headed off the line as County swarmed all over the hosts who had nothing to reply with and Dickinson could have had his hat-trick after Rowe and Proudlock linked up well.

His last injection into the game was a fourty-yarder that wasn't too far away as Gannon brought off the goal hero to rapturous applause and was replaced by a fit-again Anthony Pilkington. Adam Griffin was the other change in a double substitution as Tomy Rowe, inaffective again also made way.  

County were ripping Accrington apart and when Griffin went agonisingly close to a much-deserved third, it wouldn't have been a flattering scoreline.

Accrington - Arthur, Richardson, Thomas, Webb, Edwards, Todd, Mannix (Mangan), Proctor, Whalley (McGivern), Mullin, Craney. Subs Not Used - Dunbavin, King, Roberts.

County - Ruddy, Rose, Logan, Owen, Williams, Taylor, Blizzard, Dicker, Dickinson (Pilkington), Proudlock (Turnbull), Rowe (Griffin). Subs Not Used - Tunnicliffe, McSweeney.

Att - 2,576

KEEPERS JEEPERS

Logan Red Card Ends In Disaster

It was a tale of three keepers as County's proud unbeaten start to 2008 came to an abrupt end at the hands of struggling Bury at Edgeley Park.

Conrad Logan's straight red card could put County's play off hopes into severe doubt, and Bury took advantage of stand-in stopper Adam Proudlock's inexperience and ground County down until two second half goals gave County their first home defeat since early December.

The third keeper in this amazing scenario was Bury's Darren Randolph, who quickly became Randolph The Red Faced Shaker when a routine collection from Michael Rose's corner slipped out of his grasp to give County a deserved first half lead.  

Jim Gannon must have thought is was not to be his day when he was dealt a massive blow before kick off when Anthony Pilkington declared himself unfit with a calf strain. Gannon had to reshuffle his pack, bringing back Paul Turnbull and also giving forgotten midfielder Dominic Blizzard for his first start since November.  Tommy Rowe's hat-trick in midweek cemented his place in the starting line up alongside Liam Dickinson, with Adam Proudlock taking Pilkington's place on the right wing.

It all started so brightly for County, a spiritely Tommy Rowe won the game's first corner after his wing wizardry saw the Shakers' defence panic and although Jim McNulty's effort sailed over the bar it was a clear signal of intent from the play off seeking Hatters, camping Bury back in their own half for long periods and it would be only a matter of time before County's superiority would pay off.

It wasn't all completely one-way traffic; Nicky Adams' snap shot was well saved by Conrad Logan, who also had to be alert to stop Jason Taylor scoring an embarrassing own goal.

Jim Gannon's day slightly worsened when defender Jimmy McNulty's heavy fall resulted in him being stretchered off, the fit-again Gareth Owen slipping in nicely alongside skipper Ashley Williams in the heart of County's defence.

On Tuesday night at Rotherham, two of Tommy Rowe's three goals were assisted by Liam Dickinson, and the deadly duo almost struck again when Taylor's neat through ball found Dickinson, who drove into the box but Rowe's near post flick was superbly saved by Randolph.

Randolph was to go from hero to zero in a matter of minutes however, as Rose's corner was dealt with like a bar of soap and despite the attempts from Dickinson to save the blushes of the rookie keeper by claiming the goal himself, the keeper was clutching his face after the goal, injured or completely overwhelmed with embarrassment?

Ashley Williams was let off the hook moments later when he mistimed his clearance and Bishop pounced but Logan watched his harmless shot go wide. Adam Rooney tried his luck from distance as the visitors upped the ante themselves despite the setback, meanwhile at the other end County were looking rampant. Proudlock with the neat touch. Dickinson with the cross and Tommy Rowe, in an almost identical situation at the near post, his shot this time was angled wide.

Then, with three minutes of the first half remaining, the game's turning point. A routine collection from Conrad Logan ended in him rolling the ball out and unaware that Efe Sodje was still behind him, the Nigerian International sneaked in, tapped the ball past the shell-shocked Logan and with the goal at his mercy, the Irish keeper hauled the defender down just outside the box. 

Uriah Rennie, far from his Celebrity Ref status had no option but to send off the keeper. With Gannon again stupidly not naming a sub keeper on the bench - although Chris Adamson was warming up with the rest of the squad before the game - Adam Proudlock was quickly donning the goalkeeper's jersey although Bury didn't test Proudlock enough and despite the onslaught, County kept Bury at arms length until half time.

Knowing that a second goal possibly would have knocked the stuffing out of the visitors, County went all gung-ho after the restart; Tommy Rowe's run and cross was blocked and Liam Dickinson outsprinted Dave Challinor for a lost cause down the right and Bury were on the back foot but Gary Dicker, not yet opening his account for County, side-footed wide.

At the other end Bury were starting to get a firm grip on the game as County defended deeper and deeper to protect Proudlock's goal. Brian Barry-Murphy's effort was well saved by Proudlock, and despite a shaky mid-air punch that could have ended in disaster for the home team, the Cheadle Enders were rejoicing Proudlock as their new number one, but is wasn't long before Bury got themselves level and in all honesty, deservedly.

Although Elliot Bennett should have been cautioned for simulation minutes earlier, his cross was well met by Paul Scott and even if Logan was still on the pitch, he would have been in top form to keep the header out. Bury, with their tails up and a shock victory in their sights, got themselves in front eight minutes later when Jamie Smith's lame defensive header fell to Nicky Adams who stunned Edgeley Park with a crisp drive that left Proudlock standing.

Bury had been Edgeley Park party poopers in their last two visits and a smash and grab job had done the deed a third time. County's nine-match unbeaten run was over, but with a three match ban looming for Logan, who knows whether Gannon will draft back the confidence-battered Chris Adamson or retain with the competent Proudlock remains to be seen.

County - Logan, Rose, Taylor, Williams, McNulty (Owen), Proudlock, Blizzard (Smith (McSweeney)), Dicker, Turnbull, Rowe, Dickinson. Subs Not Used - Griffin, Tansey.

Bury - Randolph, Haslam, Sodje, Challinor, Woodthorpe (Buchanan), Adams (Mangan), Scott, Barry-Murphy, Bennett, Rooney (Hurst), Bishop. Subs Not Used - Futcher, Baker

Att - 5,704

THE ROWE TO GLORY

Youngster's Treble Puts County Back On Track

Tommy Rowe is tonight the toast of Stockport after his fine hat-trick for County as fourth-placed Rotherham were mauled at Millmoor.

Rowe, a patient on-looker from the youth team since his arrival on to the first team scene, started his first game of the season at Bury last week and paid the Gaffer back with a maiden goal against Notts County at the weekend, but he was the difference as Rotherham United - for so long this season up amongst the leading pack - were simply blown away by the magic of Rowe.

Jim Gannon made one change from the team who drew with lowly Notts County at the weekend; Jim McNulty, who missed the Magpies clash due to a niggling injury, was brought back, with Michael Raynes pushing forward into a more holding midfield role, Liam Dickinson started as a lone striker, with Rowe and Pilkington providing the ammunition down the flanks.

The visitors, roared on by a healthy following from over The Pennines, were on the offensive straight away as County's pass and move game was simply too much for the hosts. County weren't hopefully launching the ball up to Dickinson to hold up, there were lovely interchanging of passes through the middle; Gary Dicker was buzzing in the centre with Jason Taylor displaying some lovely touches. Rotherham were camped in early on until County forced Dickinson wide.

The striker, who has been playing remarkably well without scoring, managed to carve out a glorious cross despite the heavy attentions of a Millers defender and Tommy Rowe, not the tallest of players, rose the highest to guide County ahead via the upright.

It was no more that County deserved after a lengthy sustained amount of pressure with Rotherham resorted to half chances on the break through Derek Holmes. His header from a cross from namesake Peter warmed Conrad Logan's hands and then a similar left wing cross was well blocked by Ashley Williams as Rotherham stepped up the pressure after going behind.

Conrad Logan was then earning the plaudits of both sets of supporters as a quick-fire double save inside a matter of minutes kept United at bay. Firstly a superb save to deny Holmes as his goalbound effort was topped onto the bar by Logan, and then after a uncharacteristic lapse of concentration from McNulty allowed a far post effort but Logan against thwarted the Millers attack with a brilliant reflex stop.

Rotherham, with a large crowd behind them and with their tails up, got back level in rather fortuitous circumstances.

County failed to clear and after Paul Hurst's through ball created a goalmouth scramble, Mark Hudson toepoked the ball goalwards but with Logan committed, the ball deflected off a defender and Rotherham were rather undeservedly level.

Liam Dickinson kept County ticking along with a snap shot across the face of goal shortly after and Jason Taylor's header from Rose's corner could have given County a half time lead but Rotherham entered the break on top after Ashley Williams' foul on the impressive Chris O'Grady provided United the opportunity to pack the County box but Pablo Mills' effort was simple for Logan although he was beaten to a high ball but McNulty was on hand to knock the ball off the line.

At Bury last week, County took a deserved lead, got pegged back at half time and then lost a sloppy goal just after the break, but the visitors had to be alert as Rotherham upped the ante after the break, Derek Holmes again becoming a handful but Logan against produced a superb save from Tonge but as Derek Holmes latched onto the loose ball, Ashley Williams' miraculous goal-line clearance had everyone stunned as how Rotherham didn't take the lead and how the County skipper managed to scoop the ball over the bar from underneath the crossbar.

It seemed that the fortunate twist of luck was to be the decisive moment as moments later County got their noses in front for a second time with an almost carbon copy of the first. Liam Dickinson's non-stop running gave him the ball on the touchline, his neat touch got him past the defender and his nearpost cross was just too tempting for Rowe. A special mention must go to sub Dominic Blizzard, whose superb defence splitting run from inside his own half caused Rotherham to be on the back foot and without this ingenuity, County would have been under the cosh. 

County were rampant and assisted by shooting towards their own fans who had made the short-ish journey, were simply awestruck with what was turning out to be The Tommy Rowe Show. Seasoned professionals would have been having nightmares about this youthful, spritely and largely unplayable Hatter whose touches would have not been out of place in a red number 7 shirt playing in Trafford.

A neat twist on the edge of the box gave Pilkington the chance to pick out a cross. A reverse scoop over a defender's head left him for dead, and inside the box, a nonchalant flick caught Rotherham flat and with the home side looking anxiously at the linesman, Anthony Pilkington showed his emergence as a real star with a first time superb finish past a bewildered Warrington in the Millers' goal.

With the roars of 'ole' with every completed pass echoing around a misty Millmoor, the home fans, completely disillusioned with their team's lack of creativity were unlocked again eight minutes later as McNulty's far post header wasn't cleared and Tommy Rowe, the man who can do no wrong at the moment, siezed on United's indecisiveness and netted County's fourth.

All credit to Rotherham who didn't let this massive home defeat damped their spirits and went in search for a second goal. Mark Hudson went close with a looping header, O'Grady missed with his effort and in added time Conrad Logan tipped a hopeful rasping Harrison drive past the the post.

With Rochdale losing and Chesterfield not playing until Wednesday, County took their rightful place in the Play Off places for the first time this season, and rather akin to last season, have hit top form after the festive period, it's now seven wins and two draws from nine games for The Hatters, for Rotherham its yet another game against their peers where they have failed to win.

Rotherham - Warrington, Tonge, Sharps, Coghlan, Hurst, Harrison, Mills, Hudson, P Holmes, O'Grady, D Holmes (Taylor). Subs Not Used - O'Donnell, Duncum, Yates, Pettigrew.

County - Logan, Rose, Smith (Blizzard), Williams, McNulty, Dicker, Raynes (McSweeney), Taylor, Rowe, Pilkington (Tansey), Dickinson. Subs Not Used - Griffin, Tunnicliffe.

Att - 4,004

UNINSPIRING

Score Bore At Edgeley Park

For long periods it was like an end-of-season mid table tussle, but in the end the two Countys cancelled each other out and both extended their unbeaten sequences at Edgeley Park.

The home side will be kicking themselves they didn't snatch a winner as Rochdale, Chesterfield and Morecambe all stumbled, meaning maximum points agsinst struggling Notts would have given The Hatters a play-off berth, but thanks to Tommy Rowe's maiden County goal they had to settle for a point that lifts them above Sammy McIlroy's men into ninth.

Tinkerman Gannon again meddled with the winning formula from Tuesday night; no starting berth for James McNulty or Leon McSweeney, bringing back Michael Raynes after his cameo appearance at Gigg Lane and liking Greg Tansey instead of the impressing McSweeney, who was on the bench.

Two familar faces in the Notts County line up. Ali Gibb, for so long a Edgeley Park hero and Gavin Strachan much less a hero, but an interesting month on loan at County in October 2005.

County, shooting towards the Cheadle End in the first half, produced a good opening, with both wings doing their jobs. Dickinson's hard work winning a lot of ball and Anthony Pilkington buzzing around making a nuisance of hinmself, but Notts, struggling at the wrong end of the table took the lead in controversial circumstances.

Richard Butcher's deep free kick was prodded goalward by Mike Edwards and the referee judged the ball to be over the line despite a livid Conrad Logan charging out of his box towards the linesman. It was a kick in the teeth as Notts took the lead against the run of play, and with the childish 'Easy Easy' chants from the travelling Notts following, County had to pick themselves up.

Anthony Pilkington could have given County a dream start after just a few minutes after Taylor's neat touch released the midweek goal hero but his shot was charged down.

Liam Dickinson was lucky to stay on the pitch after a blood-thirsty lunge on Notts full back Lee Canoville, the full back was rather fortunate to escape without punishment as the reaction to Dickinson's tackle threatened to boil over.

County were ruling the roost in the centre where Jason Taylor, fresh from his rare goal against Bury in midweek, threaded a superb ball through to Dickinson, who, with his back to goal, squeezed the ball through to Pilkington, but again, his shot was blocked. Notts were looking rather sloppy at the back, but dangerous when they were coming forward, and when Ali Gibb nipped in after a momentary lapse of concentration from Michael Rose, Dudfield linked up well with Strachan but Jarvis' shot was saved at the second attempt by Logan.

It wasn't long before the home side took control and levelled the game up after a superb pass and move play that had Notts stretched. Greg Tansey's ball winning tackle in the centre started it, his driving run took the ball past a statuesque Notts defence before feeding Pilkington hugging the left touchline. His first time ball into Taylor was sublime, and Taylor returned the ball with a well weighted pass through the channel. Tommy Rowe's deft finish at the near post rounded off a superb move.

County were gifted a great opportunity to take into the break a lead when Pilkington was upended by Adam tann's desperate lunge just outside the box and Micheal Rose's left footed free kick beat the wall, Pilkington's dive but also the upright.

A flurry of Hatters corners opened up the second half, and when Notts half cleared, Anthony Pilkington drove hard at the Notts defence and was inches wide with his drive.

Gary Dicker was guilty of wasting lot of ball and his day wasn't to improve any when he