Barry Conlon started his first game for Stockport County at The Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College Stadium and soon in the thick of the action as he put a header just over the bar after four minutes, just three minutes later he grabbed his first County goal with a deftly taken penalty after Danny Rowe had been upended in the box. 

After creating an opening for the opposition wiith a misplaced pass a few minutes earlier Richie Partridge made amends in the nineteenth minute playing a good through ball for the second goal which was finished well by a trialist. The tricky winger was heavily involved throughout the half creating a chance for Conlon, missing a chance himself and then placing a perfect cross for Paul Turnbull to head well into the net for the third before half time.

The second half saw the Hatters utilise nine substitutes which caused the game to lose pace, although giving Manager Paul Simpson chance to look at all the players avai;able on the day. Turnbull and second substitutes Greg Tansey and Andy Halls all had good efforts saved and there was also a late goal ruled out for offside before the referee blew the final whistle.