‘Ben is best in league’

STOCKPORT County goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe,

has been described as the best goalkeeper in the National League North by his manager Jim Gannon.

Hinchliffe arrived at Edgeley Park earlier this year, and kept a clean sheet during the 1-0 victory over Chorley on Saturday.

The 28-year-old made a number of smart saves during that game, and Gannon has heaped praise on his goalkeeper.

“Ben is one of the best goalkeepers at this level, if not the best. He’s been a very well respected goalkeeper for some time and his distribution is definitely the best in the league,” he said.

“We tried to invest in really good National League North players, and you can see why we brought Ben in.”

Hinchliffe has had a long professional career, having started it with Preston North End over a decade ago.

He has gone on to play for the likes of Derby County, Oxford United, Tranmere Rovers, AFC Fylde and several other clubs during his time.

Another player that Gannon was pleased with in Saturday’s game against Chorley was goalscorer Danny Lloyd.

He netted the only goal of the match to earn his side all three points, and the County boss was happy with the midfielder.

“In the first half Danny got into some good positions and then we’re over the moon that he got the goal,” he said.

“We always say to the lads that no matter what, just keep doing what you do well and we’ll get opportunities, and we managed that.”