When navigating the path to higher leagues, having a strategic plan for sustained promotions is essential. Stockport has such a plan, centered around possessing the best forward in the division. It was Louie Barry who secured their victory against newly-formed rivals Wrexham.
Stockport might feel they should have won by a larger margin as they climbed to fourth place, just one point and position behind Wrexham. Barry's superb winning goal was the deciding factor in a match characterized by contrasting styles in League One. However, as the final whistle confirmed, the margin of victory was secondary.
The teams have followed each other up the leagues, fostering a degree of animosity between their fanbases. Despite Stockport's recent success, they often remain overshadowed by Wrexham's achievements due to the latter's Hollywood allure. Stockport, however, has their own financial backer in local businessman Mark Stott, whose influence is more Coronation Street than Deadpool.
For Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, their investment has yielded two promotions and an award-winning documentary, but the on-pitch entertainment lacks artistic flair. Edgeley Park was packed for the fixture, with Stockport showing early intent by booking Macauley Southam-Hales and Fraser Horsfall within the first six minutes. The home defense stood firm against Wrexham's direct approach, which relied heavily on high balls from deep.
Stockport's composure and competence were evident throughout, bolstered by the quality of Lewis Bate and Ollie Norwood in central midfield. Their ability to handle tight spaces was clear, but their primary objective was to feed the in-form Barry. The Aston Villa loanee, once on the books at Barcelona, drifted in from the left, showcasing his direct running and low center of gravity to trouble Wrexham's robust away defense.
Barry's extra quality was the spark that ignited the match. After Norwood's effort was blocked, Barry picked up the loose ball on the edge of the box, spun, and curled his shot into the corner for his 11th goal of the season, propelling him to the top of the charts. Barry's form will be pivotal to Stockport's promotion aspirations; the forward clearly has the ability to play at a higher level and chose to return to the club that launched his career last season, rejecting a move to Championship side Swansea.
Wrexham relied on their physicality and fitness, which began to show its effects in the latter stages but were ultimately outdone on the day. Both teams continue their upward trajectory, but it was undoubtedly Stockport's day.
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com
