Jim’s calm over Trophy
STOCKPORT County boss Jim Gannon was happy with his side’s 0-0 draw in the FA Trophy semi-final first leg, but denies that it makes his side favourites for progressing past National League Fylde to reach the final.
Despite a host of excellent opportunities for both sides, the game finished goalless in front of 2,605 fans at Mill Farm, 1,350 of which were travelling Hatters.
It leaves the tie finely poised, with neither side making a breakthrough the second leg will be a winner-takes-all showdown for bagging the trip to Wembley.
And Gannon says his players can be pleased to have put themselves in this position.
“There were a lot of good performances, a lot of energy expended, a lot of graft and I was really pleased for the lads because they deserved at least what they got out of the game,” said Gannon.
“I just wanted the players to do what they’ve done in all the other games – show our strengths, protect against their strengths, and I think we did that really well today.
“We’ve got a one-off tie at Edgeley Park to see the winners go to Wembley.
“When you start the season you want some big moments, and this game is going to rank among the best because there could be some real memories built here.
“The tie’s not over. I don’t think we’re favourites, they’ve still got the player and, the structure to prepare themselves and they’re an extremely good side.”