A superb performance and a deserved victory for Rovers.
I thought Adkins got it spot on tactically in the first half. We kept a compact shape and allowed Stockport to have the ball in non-threatening areas, and we looked by far the sharper of the two sides when the visitors turned possession over. We did not create a host of clear chances, but we were the more imaginative side when we reached the eighteen yard box. By contrast, Stockport created absolutely zilch. I can't remember a single shot on or off target from them, which is incredible considering their league position, and testament to our superb organisation.
In the second half the game opened out as it inevitably would, the visitors had some opportunities, and there was one vital save at the beginning of the half from McGee. However, our football was dynamic, pacy and exciting and we looked a threat every time we went forward, in addition to the superb set plays. We had a host of opportunities in addition to the goals and the scoreline does not flatter us.
I thought every player put in at least a seven out of ten display, but Walker made a massive difference to the midfield with his ability to read the game, break up the play and use the ball efficiently. I thought Morris, O'Connor and Saunders also had particularly good games, but I agreed with the sponsor's choice of Turnbull as man of the match. A centre forward would have been happy with his finish for the first goal and it was a brilliant header for the second. He also had a couple of chances for a hat trick.
It is a big result, as we don't want the season to end with a whimper as it did last year. With Norris returning to the side, and some winnable fixtures coming up, hopefully we can push into the top half of the table.