Stopforth delighted to play heroic role

COUNTY midfielder Gary Stopforth felt like a hero after scoring a stoppage time winner in Saturday’s match against Alfreton Town.

Stopforth came off the bench to get the decisive goal and earn his side a 4-3 victory at Edgeley Park, and he was delighted with his contribution.

“It was bittersweet as I thought I would start, but it was fantastic to come on and make an impact,” Stopforth told the club’s official website.

“I got about 35 minutes and the lads started great, but they were struggling a bit towards the end. There were a few sloppy goals but it was good to be the hero and save everybody’s day.

“I don’t really score that many so I was in a bit of disbelief, but if you’re going to win a game then that’s how to do it.

“They got their goal just before half-time and then we scored again to make it 3-1 so we should have seen it out, we should have killed them off.

“The match changed when they had a man sent off and it was foolish. If you’re on a booking and you make silly fouls like that then that’s how you get sent off.

“Jim Gannon drills that into us. If you commit a foul in training then he gives a penalty to the other team, it stops you making stupid fouls.”

Stopforth celebrated his goal with Mike Flynn on the County bench, and he has revealed some words of wisdom he received from the coach.

“He kept telling me to stay still. He told me that you can chase a butterfly all day and you won’t catch it, but if you stay still then one might land on your shoulder!”