Stockport County 2-0 Stevenage Borough: Hatters Edge Closer to Promotion

Stockport County continued their impressive form in League One with a controlled 2-0 victory over Stevenage Borough at Edgeley Park on 14 May 2026. The win keeps the Hatters firmly in the automatic promotion race, while Stevenage’s play-off hopes took a hit.

Match Overview

Stockport dominated the first half, with their high-energy pressing forcing Stevenage into mistakes. The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Paddy Madden volleyed home from a corner. The Hatters doubled their lead just before half-time as Louie Barry slotted in after a slick counter-attack. Stevenage improved after the break but lacked a cutting edge in the final third, with their best chance saved by Stockport goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe.

Key Moments

• 34th minute: Madden’s acrobatic volley from a flick-on at the near post.
• 45+2 minute: Barry finished a swift move involving Will Collar and Ryan Croasdale.
• 71st minute: Stevenage’s Jamie Reid had a header brilliantly tipped over by Hinchliffe.

Tactical Story

Manager Dave Challinor set Stockport up in a 4-3-3 that overloaded the midfield and used the pace of Barry and Madden in wide areas. Stevenage’s 3-5-2 was overrun in the centre, with Stockport’s midfield trio of Croasdale, Collar, and Ethan Robson winning the second balls. The visitors lacked width in attack, allowing Stockport’s full-backs to push forward freely.

Standout Players

Paddy Madden was instrumental, scoring one and causing problems with his movement. Louie Barry showed composure for his goal and tracked back diligently. For Stevenage, Carl Piergianni made several clearances but couldn’t stem the tide.

Table Impact

Stockport move to third in League One, level on points with second-placed Bolton but with a game in hand. Stevenage drop to seventh, now four points outside the play-off places with only three matches remaining. The Hatters’ promotion push looks increasingly strong.