STOCKPORT 3 SPENNYMOOR TN 2 It’s a level playing not enough for a
THESE two clubs have followed completely separate paths, but have found themselves meeting in the middle.
Seven years ago, Stockport County were still a Football League club, while Spennymoor Town had just begun their Northern League dominance under current manager Jayson Ainsley.
Who would have thought in 2017 the Hatters and the Moors would be competing at the same level? And, Spenny being the team that occupies a play-off spot.
However, despite the Moors giving a good account of themselves at Edgeley Park, the afternoon belonged to Stockport – courtesy of a Jason Oswell hat-trick.
Spennymoor started brightly with Glenn Taylor striking close on a few occasions.
Taylor’s early desire eventually paid off when he earned a penalty under a challenge from Stephen O’Halloran.
The visitors’ top scorer then stepped up to dispatch his spotkick past Ben Hinchliffe in the 21st minute.
Three minutes later, Spennymoor so nearly netted a second as Hinchliffe bravely dived at the feet of David Foley following an explosive counter-attack.
But with suspicion continuing as to whether the Moors should have been awarded a penalty, the referee evened out the game when James Curtis brought down Darren Stephenson in the area.
And Oswell emulated Taylor’s earlier success by cooly slotting home.
In the second half, both teams started on the front foot, but it was the hosts who edged it.
Oswell unleashed a shot from outside the area and it beat keeper Shane Bland via the woodwork.
However, Spennymoor maintained a breathtaking beginning as they levelled soon after.
Rob Ramshaw beat his marker to connect with Christopher Mason’s cross before directing his header into the corner.
County regained their lead less than 10 minutes later, as Oswell