Stockport boss Dave Challinor demanded his side improve during the end-of-season run-in after admitting their “sloppiness” almost cost them in their 2-1 win over struggling Burton.
Kyle Wootton and Tanto Olaofe put the Hatters two goals to the good at Edgeley Park, but Julian Larsson pulled one back late on before Ethan Pye’s sending-off meant Stockport had to endure a tense finish.
It was a sixth home game without defeat, but one that left Challinor less than impressed.
Challinor, whose side are bidding for back-to-back promotions, said: “We weren’t at the races.
“I don’t want to take anything away from Burton, because we knew it would be tougher than the reverse fixture.
“We need to be better. It was a good start, but we lost our way through ill-discipline and poor defending.
“We were ultimately frustrated and almost undone by our own sloppiness.
“I’ve said it before, the jeopardy increases at this time of the season. There’s always nervousness and you saw that today.
“I wasn’t aware Ethan was on a yellow. We allow the lad to drive at goal, we defend poorly and we feel that we have to make
that foul.
“The consequence of our ill-discipline is that we now now lose who has been our best player this season for Tuesday.
“It’s a crucial three points for us. I’m not taking away from that, but we need to be better and improve.”
Burton boss Gary Bowyer was proud of his players’ resolve.
He said: “We’ve had a tough week with a couple of injuries which disrupted plans.
“I have to give the players an enormous amount of credit for what they took on board and how they’ve gone about it.
“We’ve come to a team that’s in the play-offs, who have spent a huge amount of money, and we’ve had a right good go.
“It shows you the difference between the two squads. They’re bringing on Nick Powell who cost £7million and
we’re talking about lads scoring their first ever league goal.
“Their goalie’s been the busier. We were really good and we got caught on the counter when we’re chasing it.
“The lads kept on going. I thought the spirit and togetherness was excellent.
“I’m pleased with the backing we had again today. It was unbelievable.
“The majority of them stayed and clapped the players because they saw the effort that was put in.”
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...
Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...
Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...
WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...
Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...
Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...
Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...
Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...
Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Conor Gallagher's girlfriend dazzles on red carpet as stars gather in Madrid