Stockport County came to Rodney Parade in November with the intention of creating history. With 90 minutes remaining, David Challinor’s team was one win away from setting a new league record with 12 straight victories. Many pundits predicted a comfortable victory for the visitors, but the national press crowded the press box expecting to see a historic victory.
Sadly, Graham Coughlan and Newport County had different plans. Before we head to Stockport on Saturday, let’s go back in time and relive that November afternoon.
Stockport knew from the first ten minutes that they would not be taking home victory number thirteen. Tough tackles were made all over the pitch, and Tanto Olaofe’s blundering attempt at a goal at the 10-minute mark was their only genuine chance of the first few minutes.
After missing some time due to injury, James Clarke made a successful return to the team. He dominated the first half, containing Tanto Olaofe and Kyle Wooton. The visitors’ best chances were half-chances, and one of their best attempts was widely deflected by Clarke.
Just before halftime, our tenacity in the middle and at the back was rewarded with a goal. Bryn Morris scored a delightful effort from the edge of the area during a fantastic free-kick routine, which put us ahead and probably altered the team talks at halftime.
Newport came out in impressive form in the second half, spurred on by the late goal.
Ibby Touray brought down Will Evans as he was racing through on goal early in the half, denying him a clear chance to score. We were unable to convert the ensuing free kick, unfortunately. But this was an indication that we intended to end the game.
And in the sixty-eighth minute, we achieved that. Rodney Parade went into the rafters as Shane McLoughlin, the man behind the first goal, scored an incredible volley.
In the 96th minute, Olaofe mishandled the ball over the line in front of the travelling party, giving the visitors a small consolation victory. Stockport would have to settle for a share of the record with Luton Town after the game ended 2-1.
