Gleeson rocket gives County a draw
by Tom Kell, 11 May 2008
Stephen Gleeson’s thumping volley eight minutes from time gave Stockport County a 1-1 draw with Wycombe Wanderers in the first leg of their League Two play-off semi-final.
Gleeson came off the bench to cancel out Delroy Facey’s first-half strike in an often spiky encounter at Adams Park.
The hosts were well worth their lead at half-time having set the tone set early on when Tommy Doherty twice came close to putting them in front.
John Ruddy saved smartly from Doherty’s first effort, but was helpless soon after when the same man sent a lob sailing narrowly over the bar.
Ruddy was on his mettle once again after 23 minutes when he scampered to turn Russell Martin’s cross cum shot away for a corner.
Although the hosts had more chances, the best opportunity of the opening half an hour fell to Stockport. Tidy football down the left led to a cross that hung invitingly to enable Anthony Pilkington to send a thumping header towards goal that was only stopped from finding its target thanks to superb reactions from Frank Fielding.
The goal came on 37 minutes and, despite impressing early on, Ruddy was to blame. An inexplicably poor clearance allowed Facey to collect the ball and show all his power to charge into the box and finish.
It looked like business as usual after the break when The Blues emerged on top, with Mike Williamson’s header, which went narrowly over, their most notable effort on goal.
County were struggling to get a foothold in the game but had another golden chance after 61 minutes. Liam Dickinson showed real poise and awareness to tee up Tommy Rowe, but his team-mate fluffed his lines when the goal was gaping.
Jim Gannon brought Gleeson on at half-time and his decision was more than vindicated when the Wolves loanee drew his side level.
Gleeson kept his eye on a looping clearance and fired in a swerving volley which, although down the middle of the goal, moved too much for Fielding to keep out.
Honours remained even, meaning it is case of 'as you were' going into Saturday's second leg.