![Stockport_FCUnited_SMN Scott Duxbury scores the winner for County as the beat FC United 2-1](https://i0.wp.com/southmanchesternews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Stockport_FCUnited_SMN.jpg?resize=678%2C381&ssl=1)
The Hatters maintained their push for the play-offs, and extended their unbeaten league run to 12 matches, by beating near-neighbours FC United in front of a crowd of 5,630 that set a new National League attendance record.
Goals in each half from Elliot Osborne and Scott Duxbury proved enough to secure a deserved win, in spite of a penalty for the ‘Red Rebels’ 16 minutes from time that halved the arrears.
![Elliott Osbourne scores for County](https://i0.wp.com/southmanchesternews.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Elliott-Osbourne-scores-for-County-Stockport-2-1-FCUM-180217-02-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
The Hatters took to the field in a 4-3-3 formation, and showing two changes from their starting line-up at Alfreton a week previously.
Recent signing from Curzon Ashton, Connor Hampson, was handed his debut at left-back, and Kaine Felix a first league start since before Christmas, as they replaced Mark Ross and Duxbury who were both named among County’s substitutes.
County dominated much of the first half – with the visitors being restricted to just two off-target attempts from distance – and went especially close just ahead of the half-hour mark, when an unmarked Josh Amis headed a cross by Felix from the right wide of the far post.
But with a minute of the half remaining, Danny Lloyd’s flick to the left found Osborne, who marked the last game of his loan spell from Fleetwood with his first County goal – courtesy of a low drive from six yards – to put the Hatters ahead.
Both sides had cause to be thankful for their goalkeepers after the break, as Dave Carnell saved a Lloyd shot at point-blank range and parried Jimmy Ball’s effort past the right post, while Ben Hinchliffe used his legs to keep out visiting captain Harry Winter.
![County celebrate Scott Duxbury's winner against FC United](https://i0.wp.com/southmanchesternews.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Scott-Duxbury-scores-Stockport-2-1-FCUM-180217-03-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
The Hatters doubled their lead after 70 minutes when a long throw by Sam Minihan was headed on by Ball and then Lloyd, who, with his 18th assist of the season, teed up substitute Duxbury for a shot from seven yards that left Carnell static as it passed over the line to the visiting ‘keeper’s left.
Amis handled in the County area to give the visitors a lifeline, and Wright, who had himself been brought on as a second-half replacement, took it – converting his penalty past Hinchliffe to bring them back into contention.
But the Hatters held on – with the FC United cause in the dying stages not being helped by a straight red card for defender Chris Chantler, after the left-back led with his arm in launching a challenge on Minihan.
Stockport County: Hinchliffe, Minihan, Hampson, Montrose, Clarke (Capt.), Smalley, Felix (Duxbury, 64), Osborne, Amis (Gonzales, 78), Ball, Lloyd (Ross, 87). Unused Subs: Ormson, Marsden.
Booked: Ball, Amis.
Man of the Match: Minihan.
Attendance: 5,630 (957 away).