Stockport manager Dave Challinor hailed back-up goalkeeper Corey Addai for keeping the Hatters in the Sky Bet League One automatic promotion picture thanks to a 2-0 victory at struggling Wigan.
Addai replaced the injured Ben Hinchliffe just before half-time at the Brick Community Stadium, and played a key role as his side continued their fine recent run.
He made a stunning save with his right leg to deny Wigan substitute Ronan Darcy the game’s opening goal with 15 minutes to go.
County then took full advantage by scoring both of their goals within seven minutes of the save, through Lewis Bate (79) and Will Collar (82).
Addai denied Wigan even an 88th-minute consolation through skipper Jason Kerr, as the bumper County contingent enjoyed their trip across Greater Manchester.
“I thought it was always going to be a tight game with their record in terms of goals they’ve scored but more the lack of goals they’ve conceded,” said Challinor.
“Both teams like to, I suppose, have control on a massive pitch, so it’s difficult to press and if you press wrong, I suppose that opens things up. Probably level with no goals was a true reflection of what the first half looked like.
“But we are again thankful that Corey Addai has made two really big saves in that second half, one at 0-0 and then one at 2-0. If you go 1-0 down against these, it can be difficult. We spoke about that before the game.”
On the backing his side had been given from the away end, Challinor added: “It’s great when we can, I suppose, travel to local grounds and bring the number that we did. It’s great, especially when you are in big stadiums and you get bigger allocations.
“I suppose you look at where we’ve come from. In the National League, there are some smaller grounds. You feel like you’re properly back in League One.
“There’s nothing better than coming to these types of stadiums. From a footballer’s perspective, if you can’t – and don’t appreciate what you’ve got when you come to these types of things, you never will, and it’s no different as a manager.”
For Wigan boss Shaun Maloney, it was an all-too-familiar tale of what might have been.
“It’s probably been the story of the season…the difference between us and the opposition in both boxes,” he said.
“In fairness, we struggled in the first half, we didn’t get our pressure right. But we fixed that in the second half.
“Obviously the big moment in the game came at 0-0, we miss a big chance, and then we don’t defend our box as we should – that probably goes for both goals.
“I didn’t feel there was ever much in the game, in terms of one side being more dominant than the other for long periods.
“But in fairness to them, they took their chances and we didn’t, and that was the difference.
“It’s a tough one, but today was probably a reflection of our season as a whole.
“The difference is always what happens in both boxes, and we just haven’t been good enough again.
“At the moment we’re really struggling…to be fair, we’ve probably struggled with that all season.”
Man United dealt major blow in Jean-Philippe Mateta pursuitMan United have reportedly been dealt a major blow in the race to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta due to their lack of Champions League football.The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Man United this summer, but their lack of European football could prove to be a significant stumbling block.Ruben AmorimR...
Zanetti speaks exclusively to FlashscoreAhead of the Champions League final against PSG this Saturday, Flashcore had the opportunity to speak exclusively to Inter Milan legend Javier Zanetti.How did you see this season and for what reasons do you think Inter reached the final?"I think it was a positive season, because I think we were competitive in all the competitions we played. We have the last ...
Inter Milan president Marotta highlights Oaktree support ahead of UCL finalInter Milan president Beppe Marotta has highlighted the support of owners Oaktree as they prepare for the Champions League final.Marotta insists the hedge fund has been supportive in their financial running of the club.He told the Athletic: "First of all, the owners have to have confidence in the management. If you have the...
Marcus Rashford Man Utd Barcelona 2025Barcelona are reluctant to match Manchester United's asking price for Marcus Rashford but are eager to sign the attacker this summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Rashford's hopes of securing a move to Barcelona this summer have taken a hit as the La Liga champions are not willing to meet United's €40 million (£34m/$44m) asking price, according to Sport. Their repo...
David de Gea Fiorentina 2025David de Gea is set to extend his stay at Fiorentina with a new contract which will run until 2028 after an impressive first season in Serie A.WHAT HAPPENED?Former Manchester United goalkeeper De Gea is set to extend his stay at Fiorentina with a new three-year contract after an excellent first season in Serie A, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The 34-year-old helped...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Who would win this dream clash? Thoughts? BEST CAPTION WINS! Chelsea: Gotta catch em all B Fernandes stays or goes to Saudi Imposter from London Trust the process Admit it. We all did this when we were bored at school didn't we? Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, AZRorganization, originaltrollfootball)...
Liverpool have reportedly made an improved second bid for the transfer of Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.According to David Ornstein of the Athletic, the Reds now look set to pay a staggering total package of around £109m for the Germany international.See below for the details from Ornstein, posting on his official page on X, who says the figure for Wirtz comprises of the...
Manchester United are reportedly ready to rival Liverpool, Arsenal and others for the potential transfer of Brighton star Yankuba Minteh, according to Stretty News.The talented 20-year-old has really caught the eye in the Premier League in recent times, and it seems inevitable that he’ll move to a bigger club at some point, as so many other of Brighton’s best players have in recent tim...
AC Milan have set a €130 million price-tag on Rafael Leao, with Bayern Munich exploring a possible move to pair the AC Milan forward with Harry Kane.Milan set a €130m price tag on Rafael LeaoPortuguese winger scored 12 goals last seasonBayern, Arsenal also monitoring the 25-year-oldWHAT HAPPENED?According to Corriere dello Sport, AC Milan have set a €130 million price tag on Port...
De Gea agrees long-term Fiorentina contractDavid de Gea is set to extend his stay at Fiorentina with a new contract which will run until 2028 after an impressive first season in Serie A.Inzaghi insists he's 'happy' at Inter despite talks with Al-HilalSimone Inzaghi claimed that he's "happy" at Inter despite reports of a €30 million (£25m/$34m) agreement with Al-Hilal."I've said several ...
- 1 Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale look loved up
- 2 Gyokeres' words about joining Arsenal
- 3 Ronaldo appears to confirm Al-Nassr exit
- 4 Chloe Kelly stuns Arsenal fans as she heads straight to local PUB
- 5 Daily Laugh - Arsenal open talks with Sesko
- 6 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 7 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 8 Chelsea making progress over Caicedo deal
- 9 Bonnie Blue kicked out of PL stadium while performing x-rated gesture
- 10 Amorim promises revival after disaster