Stockport boss Challinor responds to Garner’s gripe over their second goal at The Valley

Stockport County manager Dave Challinor has responded to his Charlton counterpart Ben Garner’s gripe about their late equaliser at The Valley yesterday.

The Addicks are heading to Edgeley Park for a replay after a 2-2 draw between the two clubs in SE7.

But Garner was left unhappy at the awarding of a corner from which Myles Hippolyte headed a leveller in the seventh minute of stoppage time. He accused the assistant referee of “guessing” that the ball had crossed the line.

Challinor – asked if he felt it had been the right call – said: “I would be guessing. I suppose you have to trust officials. You can look back on lots of decisions in the game and say was it this or was it that.

“I’m not too fussed because we scored from it. If it hasn’t gone out and we’ve scored an equaliser then I’m absolutely going to take it. I will apologise for that, but I’m glad the decision was made that has given us the corner and given us that chance.

“Out first corner was really well-worked, in terms of we have looked at different options from that. The second is from a terrible ball and sometimes they can result in a scruffy goal.”

Stockport took a third-minute lead, Chris Hussey’s cross curling in at the far past.

“Sometimes coming to places where you are the underdog and scoring early can be the worst thing,” said Challinor. “I felt we became a bit safe and almost tried to protect the game – especially as we’re better on the front foot.

“I managed to have a chat at half-time and re-emphasise that belief in terms of how we play. Second half we were much better and the substitutes absolutely made a difference.

“We were thoroughly deserving of a replay and look forward to what the draw brings on Monday.”