Notts County 1-1 Stockport County ended all square at Meadow Lane on 24 October 2026, as two of League One’s promotion hopefuls shared the spoils in a tense and tactical encounter. Ryan Coles gave Stockport County a first-half lead, but Danny Hargreaves rescued a point for Notts County with a well-worked equaliser in the second half.

Match overview

The game was played at a high tempo from the start, with both sides eager to assert their authority. Stockport County pressed aggressively and were rewarded when Coles found the net midway through the first half. Notts County responded well, controlling possession for long spells and creating several chances before the break. The hosts continued to probe after the interval and eventually got their reward when Hargreaves finished neatly. Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither could find a decisive goal.

Key moments

• 18’ – Ryan Coles (Stockport County): Coles seized on a defensive mix-up and slotted the ball past the Notts County goalkeeper.
• 72’ – Danny Hargreaves (Notts County): Hargreaves capped a patient passing move with a low strike into the bottom corner.
• 88’ – Notts County chance: A late header from a corner flashed just wide as the hosts pressed for a winner.

Tactical story

Stockport County adopted an aggressive pressing approach, looking to force Notts County into mistakes in their own half. That strategy worked early on, but as the game wore on, Notts County’s midfield began to find pockets of space and dictate the rhythm. The hosts used their wide players effectively, stretching Stockport’s back line and creating crossing opportunities. Stockport defended resolutely for much of the second half but were eventually undone by a slick passing sequence. Both managers made attacking substitutions in the final 20 minutes, but the defences held firm.

Standout players

Ryan Coles was Stockport County’s biggest threat, combining pace with clever movement and taking his goal well. Notts County’s Danny Hargreaves was influential throughout, and his equaliser was a reward for his tireless running. Goalkeeper Ben Hall made two important saves for Notts County, while Stockport’s centre-back pairing dealt with a barrage of crosses in the second half.

Table and season impact

Both clubs remain in the upper reaches of the League One table, and this point could prove valuable in the race for promotion. Notts County will be pleased with their second-half response, while Stockport County will feel they did enough to win the game. With plenty of football still to play, the draw keeps both sides firmly in the play-off conversation and sets up an intriguing return fixture later in the season.