STOCKPORT COUNTY 1, KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS 0
Sam Minihan, Stockport County’s late goal hero against promotion rivals Kidderminster Harriers, was lucky still to be on the field.
Manager Jim Gannon signalled to substitute the right-back with 10 minutes left only to change his mind at the 11th hour.
Gannon took off Adam Thomas and pushed Minihan on to the right flank, a masterstroke as he came up with an 87th minute winner.
Minihan found the net with a near-post glanced header from Scott Duxbury’s corner, the matchwinner as County climbed to third and extended their unbeaten run in Vanarama National League North to seven games.
It could prove a priceless win over one of the other main promotion contenders.
Until Minihan’s late strike, it looked as though it was going to be a hugely frustrating day for County.
They had no shortage of chance, but it was one of those nearly afternoons as they lacked a cutting edge.
Matty Warburton, for example, had three decent openings in the first 16 minutes, one saved by the legs of keeper Brandon Hall who made a great reflex save to deny Thomas.
Substitute Darren Stephenson, who replaced the injured Sam Walker after only eight minutes. had a couple of decent efforts and a drive from Paul Turnbull flashed past the upright.
County had the ball in the net shortly before half time when Ash Palmer headed on a corner to Frank Mulhern who netted but the goal was chalked off for a foul in the build-up.
The second half followed the same pattern with Warburton twice and Thomas going close.
And it was significant that man-of-the-match Warburton had a hand in the winner.
Warburton won the corner that brought about the goal as his shot was deflected for a dead ball.