All new County get off to a flyer
STOCKPORT’S preseason schedule got off to a good start after they ran out comfortable winners against Clitheroe.
Goals from Lamin Colley, Abdulai Bell-Baggie and Karl Ledsham helped the Hatters record a 3-0 win at Shawbridge.
All but two of Neil Young’s close-season signings featured in the match, with only the injured Sean O’Hanlon and new arrival Joe Garvin absent.
It was Clitheroe who threatened first when Jonny Hession went close, while goalkeeper Danny Hurst was forced into early action when stopping a dangerous move into the box by leading scorer Sefton Gonzales.
County appeared to compose themselves after that let off and they soon began to enjoy much more of the possession as the first half continued.
Kevin Holsgrove was the first Stockport player to have a go, firing a shot narrowly wide after a good move involving Gareth Roberts.
With around 20 minutes gone, County’s increasing pressure paid off with an opening goal through Colley.
The striker hit a delightful chip over the opposition goalkeeper and into the back of the net to make it 1-0 to the away side.
The Hatters quickly doubled their lead after half an hour when BellBaggie curled an effort home from outside the box to put his team firmly in the driving seat.
Stockport carried that lead into the second half, and they were forced to defend immediately after the break as Clitheroe looked to get back into the match.
First, substitute Jamie Matthews forced a good save out of Hurst, before the County goalkeeper then denied Dom Mulkerrin.
His heroics soon earned him a well-earned rest, with Paul Tyson coming on to replace him on the hour mark.
Just over ten minutes later, the Hatters scored their third in what was their first chance since half-time.
A Bell-Baggie free kick found the head of Ledsham at the far post, and the unmarked midfielder made no mistake by nodding the ball home.
Ledsham’s 71st minute strike turned out to be the last significant action of the match, with County picking up a well-deserved 3-0 victory in their first pre-season match of the summer.