Stockport continued their push towards the League Two play-off places with an impressive home win over Northampton.
County ended the tense first half, and Antoni Šarčević scored from close range in the 33rd minute after expert play in the middle of the field and an assist from Myles Hippolyte.
The visitors tried to score themselves, they scored six shots, but none managed to hit the net.
After the break, the Cobblers’ attack intensified and the ball fell over the top to the league’s top scorer, Sam Hoskins, who shot straight at goalkeeper Ben Hinchcliffe.
The home side coped well with the pressure and waited patiently until they doubled their lead after Ryan Johnson’s header from a corner in the 68th minute, credited to a Jack Sowerby own goal.
Hippolyte almost grabbed a third late on but debutant Kyle Knoyle’s brilliant cross was just inches over his head.
The Hatters were comfortable with a win that leaves them 10th in the table just three points behind seventh-placed Bradford, who are their next opponents at Edgeley Park.
Match report provided by PA Media.
They set up
Stockport
Forming 4-1-2-1-2
- 1Hinchliffe
- 4Wright
- 5Byrne
- 15Johnson
- 17Rydel
- 18Croasdale
- 14CollarBooked in 24 minReplaced byCampson 88′minute
- 21Hippolytus
- 10SarcevicReplaced byOlafon 81′minute
- 19Wootton
- 9MaddenReplaced byKnoyleon 61′minute
Substitutions
- 3Knoyle
- 7Lemonheigh-Evans
- 8Camps
- 20Olaf
- 23Hussey
- 25Jaros
- 31Lewis
Northampton
Forming 4-2-3-1
- 40King
- 3McGowanReplaced byBowieon 73′minute
- 6SherringReplaced byKoikion 66′minute
- 35Dyche
- 22Odimayo
- 12Leonard
- 4SowerbyReplaced byHyltonon 73′minute
- 9AppéréReplaced byFelix-Epiaon 64′minute
- 11PinnockBooked in 36 minutes
- 8Fox
- 7Hoskins
Substitutions
- 10Hylton
- 14Koiki
- 18Harrop
- 19Bowie
- 20Lintott
- 21Felix-Epia
- 23Maxted
- Referee:
- Rebecca Welch
- Attendance:
- 8,732
Live text
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Match ends, Stockport County 2, Northampton Town 0.
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End of second half, Stockport County 2, Northampton Town 0.
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Attempt blocked. Ryan Rydel (Stockport County) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. With the help of Myles Hippolyte.
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Isaac Olaofe (Stockport County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Marc Leonard (Northampton Town).
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Attempt missed. Kieron Bowie (Northampton Town) header from the center of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Akinwale Odimayo with a cross.
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Foul by Myles Hippolyte (Stockport County).
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Josh Felix-Eppiah (Northampton Town) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Offside, Northampton Town. Marc Leonard tries to pass, but Danny Hylton is tackled in the backcourt.
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Attempt missed. Myles Hippolyte (Stockport County) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. With help from Callum Camps.
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Kyle Knoyle (Stockport County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Dangerous play by Mitchell Pinnock (Northampton Town).
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The delay is over. They are ready to continue.
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Replacement, Stockport County. Callum Camps replaces Will Collar due to injury.
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Match postponed due to injury to Will Collar (Stockport County).
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Foul by Myles Hippolyte (Stockport County).
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Marc Leonard (Northampton Town) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Corner, Stockport district. Received by Ali Koiki.
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Replacement, Stockport County. Isaac Olaofe replaces Antoni Šarčević.
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Attempt saved. Kyle Wootton (Stockport County) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the center of the goal. With the help of Myles Hippolyte.