Isaac Olaofe proved there are goals for Stockport after Louie Barry as the striker’s stunning solo effort allowed County to steal a march on their play-off rivals with a 1-0 win at Bolton.
And delighted Hatters boss Dave Challinor hailed Olaofe’s Barry-esque goal that earned County a League One double and first win at the Toughsheet Community Stadium since 1999.
Barry remains Stockport’s top scorer even though he was recalled by Aston Villa in January and then subsequently loaned out to Hull.
But the visitors’ win lifted them five points clear of Wanderers.
“That’s like a Louie Barry goal for us,” said Challinor of Olaofe’s 72nd-minute winner.
“Louie would find himself in those slots and suddenly the ball would drop and he would be away.
“Tanto (Olaofe) has real pace and the big plus for me was that composure to come inside and finish it well.
“You know in transition, he will cause teams problems. It only takes one of those moments to get that chance and fortunately he took it.”
Nathan Baxter, recalled after missing Bolton’s previous 12 league games, had pulled off three crucial saves before Olaofe’s 10th goal of the campaign.
Also crucial was referee Ben Toner’s decision not to issue a second yellow card to Kyle Knoyle just before half-time. Already cautioned, Knoyle was replaced as one of three half time substitutions.
“I don’t think the second one was a yellow card but once you have been booked and make a couple of other fouls you are on the brink,” agreed Challinor.
“I have not seen it back but if you are telling me we got a favourable refereeing decision then I am delighted.”
Bolton’s defeat was their second in five days but manager Steven Schumacher remained optimistic.
“There is no panic,” he insisted. “I said to the players the results and performances we have had leading up to the last two games have earned them the right to lose a couple.
“We have come out of two tight games with no points when arguably we could have taken something from both games.
“They can go into break with to reset mentally and physically and go and attack the last nine games.
“They have put themselves in a brilliant position. We probably need 16 or 17 points from those nine games (to make the play-offs).”
On the first-half flashpoint Schumacher added: “No one wants to see players get sent off for unnecessary fouls.
“His first one, though, could potentially have been a straight red. It was that hard.
“You almost feel Knoyle can’t make too many more mistakes. But he did two more fouls and the second one on its own could have been a yellow. So, it was a big moment.”
Semedo concerned about Wolves contract talksWolves defender Nelson Semedo is unsure about his future at Molineux.Semedo is off contract at the end of next month and talks over a new deal are yet to result in an agreement.The Express & Star says the fullback is unsure of his future and in the event no deal is struck, he has recorded a farewell message for fans.Wolves are keen for Semedo, 31, to...
Salah lays out Liverpool ambitions after collecting FWA awardLiverpool ace Mohamed Salah says he's as ambitious as ever after winning the Premier League title this season.Salah penned a new deal to 2027 last month, with the Egypt international also collecting the Football Writers' Association Player of the Year award last night."It means a lot to win this award," said Salah, who also was voted by ...
SHOCKER: Man Utd choose to put up for sale EVERY player as finances hit desperate stateManchester United will consider offers for ALL senior players after a disastrous campaign.Missing out on European football has left a huge hole in their finances and the board has decided the solution needs to be a great sell-off of talent.The Mirror says United will listen to offers for every player - including...
Liverpool boss Slot details thoughts on Alexander-Arnold exit; responds to Deco's Diaz claimsLiverpool boss Arne Slot admits he's yet to decide if Trent Alexander-Arnold will play on Sunday against Crystal Palace.The match will mark a final game in a Reds shirt for the England fullback, who was jeered by home fans against Arsenal a fortnight ago after announcing he would be leaving at the end of t...
The list of high-profile players whose contracts expire in 2025 is pretty impressive and there are some big names whose futures are not yet resolved.Some are working on deals to find a new club behind the scenes, while others have agreed their next move before they have even finished playing for their current team.Here's a rundown of the most coveted players who are still available for nothing thi...
Guardiola delighted for Man City kids after PL2 triumphManchester City manager Pep Guardiola was delighted for their youngsters after they won the Premier League 2 final against Southampton on Thursday.City were winners of the regular season and also won the play-off final against Southampton.Guardiola reacted to the triumph, stating: "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the ...
Slot urges Liverpool fans to give Trent "reception he deserves"Liverpool boss Arne Slot hopes he can convince fans not to boo Trent Alexander-Arnold on Sunday.The final season clash with Crystal Palace will also mark Alexander-Arnold's last appearance in a Liverpool shirt. The fullback was jeered by fans at their last home match against Arsenal after announcing his departure this summer.Slot told ...
REVEALED: Postecoglou and Spurs players to earn massive UEL win bonusesTottenham boss Ange Postecoglou will receive a massive bonus after winning the Europa League title on Wednesday.Victory in the Bilbao final against Manchester United marked a first European title for Spurs since 1984.And with the win, Spurs manager Postecoglou will receive a huge 32m bonus from chairman Daniel Levy.Tottenham's ...
Semenyo: Bournemouth eager to finish the season as winnersBournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo says they want to finish the season with a winning flourish.While only a very slim chance of European qualification exists, Semenyo insists they can be overall proud of their season.He told the Daily Echo: “There was always a slight possibility, and we had an open mind."We knew that we had to come ...
La Liga giants interested in shock move for Jamie VardyJamie Vardy is reportedly being eyed by La Liga giants Valencia after he confirmed he will be leaving Leicester City at the end of the season.Vardy, 38, will leave Leicester once his contract with the club expires at the end of the season as arguably their greatest ever player.The striker has been a key figure for everything good that has happ...
- 1 Mikel Arteta ready to give his life to deliver silverware for Arsenal
- 2 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 3 Chelsea beat Manchester United in FA Cup final to seal domestic treble
- 4 Mikel Arteta apologises for failing to deliver Arsenal a Premier League title
- 5 Dele Alli’s girlfriend Cindy sets pulses racing in barely
- 6 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 7 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 8 Liverpool considering transfer swoop
- 9 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 10 Transfer news & rumours LIVE