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.”
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