Match report: Stockport County 1 - 1 Huddersfield Town

Mar 2 2009 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Then, in the 12th minute, Clarke’s header after Andy Butler nodded on a Robbie Williams free-kick hit the base of Fon Williams’ right-hand post.

Pilkington had the Stockport defence scrambling with another well-delivered cross in the 15th-minute before he started the move which led to Collins going joint-top of the club scoring chart with Roberts on eight goals.

His measured pass freed Jutkiewicz, who broke down the right and centred to Cadamarteri, whose shot was blocked, only for the ball to ricochet into the path of Collins, who drove home.

The eager Pilkington twice came close with shots while Jutkiewicz tested Fon Williams with an audacious 31st-minute overhead kick as Town tried to build on their lead, Stockport’s only chances falling to Tommy Rowe, who had one shot blocked by Goodwin and another deflected for a corner.

It was a different story in the second half, when home boss Jim Gannon, who last week turned down the chance of taking over at League I rivals Brighton, pushed Matty McNeil, a centre-back in the first half, up front, then introduced Oli Johnson, an astute October signing from Northern Counties East League club Nostell Miners Welfare, as a 54th-minute substitute.

Smithies made three good saves, from on-loan Oldham frontman Chris O’Grady, Johnson and Matty Manwaring, while Rose had another effort blocked by Clarke before McNeil shot wide from a dangerous position.

Town also had their moments, with Cadamarteri’s 52nd-minute shot saved, Goodwin’s 58th-minute drive deflected for a corner and Pilkington’s 62nd-minute shot, after a lovely one-two with Collins, flying across the face of goal.

Roberts was unable to capitalise when put through by Collins after 78 minutes, and after County had levelled, substitute Lionel Ainsworth shot wide with Collins begging for the ball.