Stockport County 0 Blackpool 1

A SUPERB performance of composed football topped by an outstanding goal from Adam Nowland has put Pool in with an excellent chance of progressing in the Worthingtons Cup.

Nowland's goal in the final seconds of the first half at Edgeley Park was only what Blackpool deserved after dominating much of this first round first leg tie.

From the kick off it was hard to tell who was the First Division side as Blackpool played the more composed football with the players adapting well to the passing game so much encouraged by manager Steve McMahon.

Indeed Blackpool could have been two or three goals up by half time with John Murphy volleying just wide in the first half and Steve Bushell missing the post by inches with a tremendous free kick. Nowland played a part in the build up to his goal before hitting a shot which dipped over Stockport goalkeeper LeeJones.

The second half was a more even affair but Blackpool continued to play the better football with recent siging Paul Simpson particulaly impressive, on one occasion almost chipping the goalkeeper with a delightful piece of skill.

Murphy almost made the game safe when he latched on to a back header but was narrowly wide.

In the end it was a thoroughly deserved win for the Tangerines in what was their first victory at Edgeley Park for 16 years.

The second leg of this tie will be played at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday, September 5. Admisssion prices will be seats : £12 adult, £9 OAP, £7.50 junior.

Standing: £10 adult, £5 OAP, £5 junior.