The Macron Cup

First Round

Stockport Town 3

Ellesmere Rangers 2

Ellesmere Rangers were denied extra-time in their first round fixture away at Stockport Town despite coming close to an equalising goal when 3-2 down late in the game.

Rangers went in 1-0 down at half-time with the game in the balance.

They drew level early in the second half, but they were behind again just minutes later.

A late goal from Stockport put Rangers 3-1 down, before they began fighting back, taking the score to 3-2 with minutes to go.

Ellesmere had several early chances during a good start to the game.

Their first attempt on target saw a long-range effort kept out by a good save from home keeper Alex Gorst.

Rangers were unable to create many chances for the remainder of the first half, allowing Stockport to take the lead shortly before half-time.

Liam Mottram found the net to make it 1-0.

Gorst was called into action after his side took the lead, when he denied Rangers a goal with a good one-on-one save.

After the break, Rangers wasted no time in drawing level.

Jamie Hyne finished off a close range chance to make it 1-1.

Ellesmere weren’t level for long though, when Mottram grabbed his second of the afternoon just minutes later to make it 2-1.

The afternoon was made more challenging for the visitors when Charles Fletcher was sent off for a tackle on the last man.

Stockport made the most of the dismissal when they doubled their lead on the 80th minute through substitute Sajjad Elhassan.

Rangers’ 10-men pulled a goal back with minutes to go when Guy Gilford found the net, but they were unable to equalise.

Ellesmere’s next fixture takes place on Saturday against Maine Road in the league as they search for their first win.