Stockport County clinically dispatch of AFC Wimbledon, going another step closer to securing a playoff spot for the second year running.
The hosts came straight out of the blocks punching at Edgeley Park this afternoon, and landed a serious blow only two minutes in when fullback Ben Osborn found a pocket of space to drive into down the left flank and drill a low ball across to Adama Sidibeh, who made no mistake in firing home from point-blank range to get County off to a blisteringly quick start.
Unfortunately for Stockport County, their Gambian goal scorer was forced into an early exit in the 28th minute, picking up an injury and having to make way prematurely. It was his replacement who was on the spot to double Stockport’s lead and make it 19 goals for the season.
Kyle Wooton seemed inevitable since his introduction and calmly finished an incredibly swift counter attack in the 39th minute to put his team well on their way to a crucial three points.
Moments earlier the game could’ve been a level one had Junior Nkeng been able to produce a better finish to beat Corey Addai at the other end, the goal-keeper getting down to his right nicely to maintain the lead and kick-start the rapid quest for a second.
Stockport’s clinical nature was the key difference in a first 45 that had its share of mistakes, loose passes and hairy moments for each of the sides.
The second half didn’t spark into life like the first but when it did, it was Wimbledon who looked the more threatening and likely to score out of the two.
The visitors were perhaps unlucky to head down the tunnel 2-0 down at the break, and were determined to resurrect this fixture upon returning to the field.
Plenty of chances fell to the likes of Ryan Johnson, Omar Bugiel and Zack Nelson but unfortunately for the visitors, all were denied by the wall of Addai, who successfully put on a goal-keeping clinic in the second half to make sure all three points remained in the hands of County.
The Dons couldn’t find the back of the net to drag themselves back into the game in the second-half, and it was home fan favourite Ollie Norwood who put the final nail in the coffin with the final kick of the game, volleying home from inside the box into the bottom corner to seal any potential doubts that the watching county faithful might’ve had.
A clinical showing from Stockport, who if they can continue to win convincingly despite not performing at their best, will be a tough team to beat in the playoffs come May.
