Stockport County began their Bristol Street Motors Trophy campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Accrington Stanley, thanks to a double from Jack Stretton and late strikes from Callum Camps and Louie Barry.
The Hatters, currently flying high at the top of League One, found themselves trailing early on after Ash Hunter netted for Accrington. Hunter, a summer signing, opened the scoring just seven minutes into his full debut, neatly finishing after being set up by Alex Henderson. However, Stockport quickly took control of the contest with two goals in quick succession.
Jack Stretton proved to be the difference-maker in the first half, drawing Stockport level in the 33rd minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the area. Just two minutes later, the forward capitalised on a pinpoint Odin Bailey cross, left unmarked to calmly slot home his second goal from close range.
Accrington, having made nine changes from their weekend draw with Colchester, fought to stay in the match but struggled to create any real threat against a solid Stockport defence. Manager John Doolan handed full debuts to several players, including goalkeeper Billy Crellin and Jake Batty, but they could not turn the tide after falling behind.
As the second half wore on, Stanley continued to press but found clear-cut chances hard to come by, with Stockport defending resolutely. The Hatters, content to absorb pressure, struck a killer blow in the 82nd minute. Louie Barry’s effort was parried by Crellin, but Callum Camps reacted quickest to head home the rebound and all but seal the victory.
Dara Costelloe came close to pulling one back for Stanley late on, but Ben Hinchliffe denied him with a fine save. Any lingering hopes of a comeback were dashed in added time when Barry capped off an impressive performance with a stunning strike from the left side of the box, curling the ball into the far corner to make it 4-1.
The result is another boost for the Hatters, who have made a fine start to their League One campaign, with three wins and a draw. Their only defeat in the campaign remians the 6-1 reverse against Blackburn Rovers in the League Cup.
Writer’s View
There’s no doubt that Stockport look the real deal. All the headlines were written about Wrexham last season, but it’s the Hatters who have caught the eye in League One, and now in the EFL Trophy.
They were able to put a strong side out, with the likes of Camps and Barry key figures in their first team, and it showed against a Stanley outfit that are struggling in the division below. They never really looked like winning this, not even after that early goal, and their supporters will be fearing a season of real struggle.
Everton Under 21s are up next for Stockport in this competition, and given how easily they blew Accrington away, that should be a formality, meaning the November 12th clash with Tranmere should allow them to rest players, and still progress to the knockout stages.
Don’t rule out a Wembley appearance for Dave Challinor’s men.
Be the first to comment