Match Report

A first-half double from Anthony Pilkington helped Stockport on their way to a well-deserved victory.

After a dreadful opening spell during which not a single chance was created, Stockport brought the game to life with a superbly-worked goal after 20 minutes.

Carl Baker fed Tommy Rowe on the left and his low cross was volleyed in by Pilkington from six yards.

The goal lifted Stockport but it was another 11 minutes before the next chance arrived.

This time Rowe swung in a corner kick but Leon McSweeney couldn't direct his header.

The 34th minute saw Southend's first-half chance as Alan McCormack found a bit of space, but drove a low shot well wide from 20 yards.

Stockport doubled their lead four minutes later.

This time Pilkington picked up a neat pass from teenage Matty Mainwaring before rifling home from almost 30 yards.

Southend's cause was further hindered two minutes before the interval when Peter Clarke lunged in on Rowe next to the touchline and was promptly shown the red card by referee Mr Bates.

Stockport continued to dominate in the second period and Pilkington forced Steve Mildenhall into an excellent save before Baker side-footed wide from just 12 yards.

However, the visitors did get a goal back just past the hour mark.

Veteran striker Dougie Freedman played the ball to Alex Revell and he took a touch before firing home an angled drive from 15 yards.

Pilkington drove a half-volley narrowly over the top with time running out, but Stockport's victory was completed with six minutes left.

McSweeney crossed from the right and Rowe volleyed in from ten yards.

Corners

Fouls

Goal attempts

Shots off target

Offsides