Despite putting in a good performance, Stockport County were disappointed to see a first loss in four matches.
The team suffered a 2-1 narrow defeat against Darlington 1883 to remain 11th in the table. There was a great opportunity for the team to move past the likes of Gloucester City and Halifax Town. Both teams were only a few points away from being overtaken, but as it is, manager Jim Gannon will have to wait for another week in order to renew confidence within the team. Even though the team started out well with close victories against Alfreton Town and Stalybridge Celtic in the opening weekends, they failed to keep up their consistency levels that dropped alarmingly towards the end of August.
The result is especially disappointing considering that Stockport County took the lead through Jimmy Ball. The new signing was just making his debut and it was marked in the best possible way with a goal in the 20th minute. However, County were not able to capitalise on this advantage and the new found confidence that they have had with victories against Worcester City and Altrincham. Mark Beck came up with an equaliser for Darlington with just a couple of minutes left to go before the half-time break. The comeback was completed for the home team in the 65th minute when Adam Mitchell came up with the goal that ultimately proved to be the winner.
Manager Jim Gannon made three substitutions in response to this goal, but County were unable to find a way back into the game. As a result, they have slipped into their first defeat in four games. The team, though, has a great opportunity to find form with three consecutive home games – with one of them in the FA Cup – coming up for the team.
