Dave Challinor hails 10-man Stockport’s determination after comeback win

Stockport manager Dave Challinor was overjoyed with the determination his players showed as they battled back from a goal down to beat Burton 2-1, despite playing for more than an hour with 10 men.

Centre-back Udoka Godwin-Malife prodded home from close range to give the Brewers a deserved 24th-minute lead before home defender Brad Hills was sent off for hauling Tyrese Shade to the ground when he was running clear.

Burton hit the post twice through Sebastian Revan and Shade, but were punished for their profligacy as Stockport produced an inspired turnaround after the break.

Livewire Jack Diamond struck after 69 minutes before Oliver Norwood scored a breathtaking long-distance free-kick to complete County’s revival.

“In the first half, it looked like there was a little bit of a hangover from Tuesday’s defeat to Bradford and, around the whole stadium, there was a real edginess before the game. We then conceded a poor goal from a set-piece and had a player sent off.

“That put us on the back foot, and at that point it’s about making it through to half-time and trying to influence things in the dressing room as much as possible.

“Then it’s all about the players. Ollie Norwood’s goal was a sensational free-kick, but even the equaliser was a really well-worked goal – great work in the build-up from Kyle (Wootton) and then obviously a bit of magic from Jack.

“We didn’t go away from what our philosophy is, but with 10 men, we tried to get the ball up to Wootton and play off him more.”

Burton manager Gary Bowyer expressed frustration with his team’s disappointing second-half showing but saw positive signs in the way his players performed throughout a dominant first period.

He said: “The game should have been won at half-time with the chances that we had. We were so good in the first half. But, as we know, the game is never won at half-time, especially if you don’t take your chances.

“Stockport were never going to sit back for an hour and soak up the pressure before coming at you towards the end of the game.

“They were able to bring Kyle Wootton on, and that just shows you the depth they have. There is a financial disparity between the two clubs and that made a difference; we’ve got to do better than we did in the second half.

“A certain amount (of the Stockport comeback) was self-inflicted. You have a shot from a long ball, and a flick-on later, they score an equaliser.”