The problem with writing these blogs after a gap – I normally do them after the match – is that it’s a) difficult to not put them in. more-recent context, and b) it’s hard to remember what even happened. And thus we look back at Stockport County vs. Burton Albion, way back on the 29th March!

Burton Albion were deep in a relegation battle when they came to Edgeley Park. County on the other hand were still smarting from an unjust defeat at Wrexham the Saturday before. The last home match was very forgettable, against Charlton – would this be the same sluggishness on show?

Burton started well, too, as did County in the first 15 minutes. The lunchtime kick off probably didn’t help proceedings – the home side seemed to sit back and pass aimlessly after a while

There was a nice moment in the first half when Ollie Norwood sent one of their players for a hotdog, though:

Not long after this the deadlock was broken, thankfully by County. Will Collar’s shot was saved, but only into the path of Kyle Wootton but finished smartly to put Stockport into the lead.

Not long after that, Tanto had bags of time to put us into the lead…

But the keeper made a smart save. Would it come back to haunt us?

The second half was a stodgy affair, Burton packing the midfield and Stockport seemingly content with a 1-0 lead.

Fortunately a moment of magic: Knoyle to Diamond to Tanto, to 2-0. 2 perfect passes and a great finish meant the rest of the half could now pass comfortably for The Hatters.

Or not.

A late second yellow for Ethan Pye (an almost identical foul to his first card, on the edge of the box) and then a late Burton goal meant there was tension all around the goal. 7 minutes stoppage time increased the jeopardy. 2-0 up against a relegation battler, to a very nervous last ten minutes. Throwing away a win here would have been incredibly wasteful. Could County hold on?!

Yes.

Phew.

The team made it over the line – helped by some good saves by Addai – and secured 3 points. A key victory in the playoffs run-in!

Stockport County vs. Burton Albion, 29th March 2025