Stockport came from behind to earn a first home win in eight at Edgeley Park, as a late 2-1 win over title favourites Wrexham eased the pressure on manager Simon Rusk.
Following last weekend’s heavy 3-0 defeat at Halifax, the under-fire Hatters’ boss saw his side go a goal down inside the opening minute to the Red Dragons, as leading marksman Paul Mullin raced onto a long ball and lifted cleverly over debutant goalkeeper Ethan Ross.
The opener stunned the near 8,000 supporters inside Edgeley Park, with County struggling to battle their way back into proceedings for the remainder of the first half.
But, with the pressure on after the restart, marquee striker Paddy Madden opened his account for the National League campaign as he leapt highest to nod John Rooney’s corner home, in front of the 1,700 travelling Wrexham supporters.
Madden’s out-of-the-blue leveller shifted the momentum back towards the home side, with the superb Ben Whitfield tormenting the Wrexham defence on several occasions before his pivotal role in the winning goal.
With less than ten minutes remaining, Whitfield again burst down the left, crossing for Madden to tee up substitute Ryan Rydel, who slotted home with his first touch since entering the fray.
Phil Parkinson’s side pushed for a late equaliser, but the hosts saw out five minutes of stoppage time to spark jubilant scenes of celebration by The Hatters, who move up to ninth in the National League after a potentially season-defining win.