Match Report: Stockport County 0-0 Wigan Athletic
25/10/2024
By Alice Cross
Photo credits: Noah Jordan
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Wigan Athletic extended their unbeaten run to six after a goalless draw at Edgeley Park.
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Stockport County returned to their home ground a fortnight on from their heavy defeat versus Leyton Orient with a derby match up against an in-form Wigan Athletic, who travelled to the ground for the first time since 2003. Wigan had been unbeaten in their last five games coming into the match and built on this impressive run with the points being shared after 90 minutes.
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County had made four changes to the team that won in their midweek away match to Shrewsbury with Ibou Touray, Kyle Wootton and Louie Barry returning to the starting lineup, as well as Jay Mingi who was deemed fit to start after returning from injury. The ‘Latics’ also made four changes from their 3-0 win against Peterborough with Jensen Weir, Dion Rankine, Callum Mcmanaman and James Carragher joining the starting 11.
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It was a windy day at Edgeley Park with the two sides having substantial backing from their home and away fans. The first half went off to a quick start with both teams fighting strongly for the ball in the middle of the pitch. Calls for James Carragher to be sent off came from the home fans in the 14th minute after a strong challenge on Ibou Touray, however, the defender only saw yellow. This gave the ‘Hatters’ a newfound burst of energy and Aston Villa loanee, Louie Barry, had a well struck effort deflected by Carragher soon after.
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Photo credits: Noah Jordan
In the 18th minute a defensive error allowed for Wigan forward, Dale Taylor, to win the ball in the final third and hit a shot that was parried away by County keeper Corey Addai. Luke Chambers remained a constant threat to the County backline throughout the first half. Soon after, Lewis Fiorini held up the ball well following a strong spell from the Hatters which saw them recover the ball in the final third, but his shot was misjudged and flew over the crossbar without testing Sam Tickle.
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The Latics thought they would be going into half time ahead after Theo Aasgaard had the ball in the back of the net, however, the goal was disallowed after an alleged handball in the build-up. The original corner from Chambers caused a lot of problems for County and the ball ended up in the back of the net following a deflection. However, Wigan’s celebrations were cut short as referee Carl Brook blew for a County free kick.
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County made three changes at half time including former Wigan men Callum Connolly and Nick Powell. Powell made an almost immediate impact by freeing up Louie Barry, who had his fair share of chances following the restart. County held possession well in the final third and their other half-time substitute Odin Bailey had a well worked chance dealt with by Tickle after the ball was fed into him by Callum Camps.
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Photo credits: Noah Jordan
Wigan struggled to make an attacking impact as the game started to slow down and Stockport continued to push more players forward. Tanto Olaofe came on for Lewis Bate in the 86th minute as they chased a goal, putting growing pressure on the Wigan defence.
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County almost found the back of the net during injury time, but Sam Tickle did well to get the ball off the line and ensure that the points would be shared between the two sides.
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Next up for Stockport is a home match against Wycombe Wanderers who are currently just a point above them in the league table and they will hope to build on this more positive showing and solidify their playoff position. Wigan will aim to extend their unbeaten league run to seven with an away match up against Cambridge, after their match versus Northampton was postponed, who currently are in bottom with one point.