Town repeated last year's scoreline over the First Division's surprise package in a very well attended Holiday game. A James Scowcroft goal on 34 was enough to beat the Cheshire side, however it should have been much, much more confortable.
Town lined up as at Fulham but with Mark Venus returning to the side for the first time since the Tranmere game. Wayne Brown dropped to the bench.
Town started with their usual huge amount of possession and spent the majority of the first half passing the ball about with aplomb. Sadly this possession wasn't converted into goals with several players coming close on a number of occasions. Richard Naylor came close to the target several times having headers go wide and one just stopped by the 'keeper. David Johsnon had an excellent shot saved when one-on-one with Ian Gray in the Stockport goal after a brilliant flick from Naylor. During the first half Naylor, Johnson and Scowcroft were all magnificent and Town deserved to be several goals up. The goal finally cam after an excellent cross from Fabian Wilnis from the right was headed back by Jamie Clapham and powerfully volleyed home by James Scowcroft.
It wasn't all plain sailing for Town however with Richard Wright having to earn his corn at the other end in the 22nd minute.Ian Moore ran at the Town defence before a tackle came in from Matt Holland. It appeared that the Town skipper had connected with the ball but referee Paul Rejer thought otherwise. Tony Dinning stepped up to take the kick but Richard Wright saved brilliantly to his right and then even more spectacularly saved Dinning's rebound. It was another magic moment from a player Town fans have got used to seeing produce excellence on a regular basis.
The half ended to applause from around the ground.
Town midfielder Jim Magilton failed to show for the second half with Jermaine Wright taking his place and the Ulsterman was sorely missed. The second half was a rather scrappy affair despite Town once again having the most of it. Scowcroft was once again superb with his control and confidence with the ball on the ground the equal of his work in the air. These days it would not be a surprise to see a Premiership manager offering a substantial amount of money for the Bury boy who is revelling in his right side of midfield role, a role very simialr to the one Steve Whitton played for Town during the 91-92 promotion season.
The half drew to a close with Town in control but unable to add to the goal tally. Another professional performance and three more points as Town enter the new millennium in fourth place and perfectly placed in the promotion race.
Happy New Year from all at TWTD. Promotion this time, pur-lease!
R Wright 9 Brilliat double penalty save
Wilnis 7 Better crossing
McGreal 7 Good forward runs
Mowbray 8 Solid as ever
Venus 6 Woeful passing
Clapham 6 Dreadful corners once more
Holland 7 Typical Matt performance
Magilton 7 Some good passes (J Wright 46, 6 Little impressive)
Scowcroft 9 Absolutely magnificent
Johnson 7 Unlucky with first half shot (Stockwell 81)
Naylor 8 Some excellent touches (Midgley 71)