ELTON FOLD 3 - STOCKPORT GEO 2

FOLD finally got their first victory of the season after making hard work of a game they were in control of for long periods.

The 'goals for' tally was significantly raised as two cracking headers from defenders Steve Dearden and Phil Turner plus a crisp finish from the evergreen Keith Ingham, eventually overcame a stubborn Stockport side. There was also a 'man of the match' performance from Simon Hannan in the centre of midfield and his accuracy at dead ball kicks also created two of the goals.

Manager Guy Mallinson had the rarity of a full strength squad to select from but chose to keep the same starting line up that had performed so well in mid-week, and that decision looked to have paid dividends as

Fold started brightly and deservedly took the lead in the 18th minute when Dearden rose to meet Hannan's free kick and sent a powerful header past bemused 'keeper Lang.

But the joy only lasted ten minutes as Dearden blotted his copybook with a rash clearance that went across his own six yard box and Georgians centre forward Tembo needed no second chance as he neatly tucked the ball away for the equaliser.

The goal lifted the Stockport players and Elton had to weather the storm up to the interval but did so with composure as the back four, admirably led by Dave Wilkes, put the shutters up.

Fold again started the strongest in the second half but found themselves go behind to a somewhat 'fluke' goal in the 52nd minute.

Georgians left winger Duffy danced down the touch line and sent over what appeared to be a vicious cross only for it to swerve in flight and dip just inside the far post.

This was rough justice on Fold but they showed tremendous battling qualities to get back in the game and it was virtually one way traffic for the last half hour. John Armstrong, who gave another fine display of wing play down Elton's left flank, had what looked like a perfectly good goal disallowed by a linesman's flag but Fold eventually drew level in the 68th minute when Stefan Shaw's slide rule pass released Ingham some thirty five yards out.

Stockport's appeals for offside seemed justified, but no flag was raised and Ingham moved smoothly forward before driving the ball home from the edge of the penalty box.

Fold now went all out for the winner and only two fine saves from Lang kept the score level but he could do nothing about Hannan's shot, which unluckily, crashed back off the crossbar.

But Hannan was to have the last laugh in the 82nd minute when his pin point corner kick was met by Turner who powered a header into the roof of the net which brought a loud roar of relief from another decent sized crowd of home supporters.

It wasn't all over though for in the final minute a Georgians player was left free some eight yards out and when it looked easier to score, he somehow rolled his effort inches wide of the far post, thus leaving Fold to gratefully collect the three points.

Anthony Healey together with three of the club's under-18 team, Warren Bunting, Steve Doran and Ian Dowthwaite all found the net in the Reserves excellent 4-1 win at Stand Athletic Reserves.

Tomorrow Fold are away to Urmston and the Reserves are at home to Old Alts Reserves. Both games kick-off at 2.30pm.