STOCKPORT RATINGS: Ben Hinchliffe, 7 – Previously a full-time lorry driver, Hinchcliffe commanded his penalty area extremely well and was unfortunate not to register a clean sheet in his name after Dawson headed home the Hammers’ winning goal late in the second half. Dealt with loose balls particularly well to nullify the attacking threat of West Ham’s sole striker Antonio. Reuters
STOCKPORT RATINGS: Ben Hinchliffe, 7 – Previously a full-time lorry driver, Hinchcliffe commanded his penalty area extremely well and was unfortunate not to register a clean sheet in his name after Dawson headed home the Hammers’ winning goal late in the second half. Dealt with loose balls particularly well to nullify the attacking threat of West Ham’s sole striker Antonio. Reuters
Sam Minihan, 7 – Had to get stuck into Hammers’ attacking threat from minute one and did an outstanding job until he was taken off amid the hosts’ desperate late efforts to poach an equalising goal. Stood tall and blocked shots and crosses that fizzed in from the left on more than one occasion. Reuters
Sam Minihan, 7 – Had to get stuck into Hammers’ attacking threat from minute one and did an outstanding job until he was taken off amid the hosts’ desperate late efforts to poach an equalising goal. Stood tall and blocked shots and crosses that fizzed in from the left on more than one occasion. Reuters
Liam Hogan, 8 – Held his position well throughout the game and can rarely be faulted as a consequence. But ultimately he and his teammates failed to ensure they were switched on in the seconds leading up to Hammers’ winning goal from a cross – a silly mistake that denied County a chance at extra-time. Reuters
Liam Hogan, 8 – Held his position well throughout the game and can rarely be faulted as a consequence. But ultimately he and his teammates failed to ensure they were switched on in the seconds leading up to Hammers’ winning goal from a cross – a silly mistake that denied County a chance at extra-time. Reuters
Jordan Keane, 8 – Communicated effectively with his teammates either side and in front of him to restrict David Moyes’ Hammers to few chances throughout the entire game. Stood up tall to shots and prevented the visitors from piercing into the penalty area. Will be frustrated at the manner of Hammers’ only goal, though. Reuters
Jordan Keane, 8 – Communicated effectively with his teammates either side and in front of him to restrict David Moyes’ Hammers to few chances throughout the entire game. Stood up tall to shots and prevented the visitors from piercing into the penalty area. Will be frustrated at the manner of Hammers’ only goal, though. Reuters
Mark Kitching, 8 – Displayed fantastic determination to prevent Hammers striker Antonio potentially finding the back of the net towards the end of the first half when making an inch-perfect tackle in a dangerous position. Never once allowed the higher opposition to dictate terms and consequently deserves great credit. Reuters
Mark Kitching, 8 – Displayed fantastic determination to prevent Hammers striker Antonio potentially finding the back of the net towards the end of the first half when making an inch-perfect tackle in a dangerous position. Never once allowed the higher opposition to dictate terms and consequently deserves great credit. Reuters
Ryan Croasdale, 7 – Chances to create link-up plays were limited, not only because of the nature of the opposition but also a poor pitch that gifted midfield players very few options in terms of expressing their creative flair. Crosses were largely accurate, a statement which can’t be said for his County teammates – in particular from set-pieces. Reuters
Ryan Croasdale, 7 – Chances to create link-up plays were limited, not only because of the nature of the opposition but also a poor pitch that gifted midfield players very few options in terms of expressing their creative flair. Crosses were largely accurate, a statement which can’t be said for his County teammates – in particular from set-pieces. Reuters
Lois Maynard, 8 – Deserves great credit for a hard-working performance that epitomised Stockport’s efforts. Has built a strong reputation for his efforts in the non-league side’s National League campaign and he transferred that appropriately against tougher opposition. Great experience. Reuters
Lois Maynard, 8 – Deserves great credit for a hard-working performance that epitomised Stockport’s efforts. Has built a strong reputation for his efforts in the non-league side’s National League campaign and he transferred that appropriately against tougher opposition. Great experience. Reuters
John Rooney, 7 – Couldn’t repeat his FA Cup heroics from earlier in the competition when scoring from his own half in County’s remarkable 2-1 win over Rochdale in the first round. Had chances to cause an upset, namely when curling an effort inside the penalty area comfortably into the arms of Randolph midway through the second half. Reuters
John Rooney, 7 – Couldn’t repeat his FA Cup heroics from earlier in the competition when scoring from his own half in County’s remarkable 2-1 win over Rochdale in the first round. Had chances to cause an upset, namely when curling an effort inside the penalty area comfortably into the arms of Randolph midway through the second half. Reuters
Connor Jennings, 7 – Was largely confined to playing into West Ham’s game in the first half. But the continuing rain allowed Jennings to express himself more openly in the second half, playing a number of key balls in the build up play to chances that were squandered at the final moment by the hosts. Certainly didn’t disgrace himself. Reuters
Connor Jennings, 7 – Was largely confined to playing into West Ham’s game in the first half. But the continuing rain allowed Jennings to express himself more openly in the second half, playing a number of key balls in the build up play to chances that were squandered at the final moment by the hosts. Certainly didn’t disgrace himself. Reuters
Jordan Williams, 7 – Could have been a hero on the half-hour mark when slashing an ambitious effort wide of Randolph’s near post. One of the quieter players on the pitch for County, but nonetheless deserves great credit for his efforts. AFP
Jordan Williams, 7 – Could have been a hero on the half-hour mark when slashing an ambitious effort wide of Randolph’s near post. One of the quieter players on the pitch for County, but nonetheless deserves great credit for his efforts. AFP
Alex Reid, 6 – An understandably quiet game for Reid whose chances came at a premium as County’s efforts were focused on keeping West Ham quiet at the other end of the pitch. Had opportunities to open up play and create a rare scoring opportunity, but was always quickly closed down and dealt with by the visiting defence. AFP
Alex Reid, 6 – An understandably quiet game for Reid whose chances came at a premium as County’s efforts were focused on keeping West Ham quiet at the other end of the pitch. Had opportunities to open up play and create a rare scoring opportunity, but was always quickly closed down and dealt with by the visiting defence. AFP
SUB: Richie Bennett (For Reid, 62') - 7. A fine effort in the half-an-hour he appeared on the pitch. Forced the Hammers defence into making a number of blocks and responded well to the poor conditions by mixing it with Premier League defence. Reuters
SUB: Richie Bennett (For Reid, 62') - 7. A fine effort in the half-an-hour he appeared on the pitch. Forced the Hammers defence into making a number of blocks and responded well to the poor conditions by mixing it with Premier League defence. Reuters
SUBS: Ash Palmer (For Minihan, 86) N/R – Too little time to make an impact on the game with only minutes remaining; Macauley Southam-Hales (For Jennings, 82) N/R – Brought on in hope that he could make the difference in what was a desperate situation; Jack Hinchy (For Rooney, 86) N/R – Fresh legs for the concluding five minutes, but his presence passed without reward; Adam Thomas (For Williams, 86) N/R – In worsening conditions tried to break down the Hammers’ back line but to no reward. AFP
SUBS: Ash Palmer (For Minihan, 86) N/R – Too little time to make an impact on the game with only minutes remaining; Macauley Southam-Hales (For Jennings, 82) N/R – Brought on in hope that he could make the difference in what was a desperate situation; Jack Hinchy (For Rooney, 86) N/R – Fresh legs for the concluding five minutes, but his presence passed without reward; Adam Thomas (For Williams, 86) N/R – In worsening conditions tried to break down the Hammers’ back line but to no reward. AFP
WEST HAM RATINGS: Darren Randolph, 6 – Making only his second Hammers appearance since the club’s EFL Cup defeat to Everton in late September, Randolph endured a predictably quiet evening. There was a moment of panic in the first half though when a poor clearance from a corner fortuitously fell the feet of a home defender and was quickly cleared. Reuters
WEST HAM RATINGS: Darren Randolph, 6 – Making only his second Hammers appearance since the club’s EFL Cup defeat to Everton in late September, Randolph endured a predictably quiet evening. There was a moment of panic in the first half though when a poor clearance from a corner fortuitously fell the feet of a home defender and was quickly cleared. Reuters
Vladimir Coufal, 7 – Particularly in the early to middle stages of the first half, Stockport narrowed the focus of their attacking efforts down the left wing. Coufal was consequently kept busy and had the backtracking Andriy Yarmolenko to thank on the odd occasion. Made a number of fine crosses and pressed forward appropriately. Reuters
Vladimir Coufal, 7 – Particularly in the early to middle stages of the first half, Stockport narrowed the focus of their attacking efforts down the left wing. Coufal was consequently kept busy and had the backtracking Andriy Yarmolenko to thank on the odd occasion. Made a number of fine crosses and pressed forward appropriately. Reuters
Craig Dawson, 8 – Made a dashing run into the penalty area to get his head on the end of Jarrod Bowen’s excellent inswinging cross from the right to confirm the Hammers’ spot in the fourth round. Otherwise, it was a reasonably quiet game for Dawson as Stockport struggled to get men forward as a consequence of their defensive approach. AFP
Craig Dawson, 8 – Made a dashing run into the penalty area to get his head on the end of Jarrod Bowen’s excellent inswinging cross from the right to confirm the Hammers’ spot in the fourth round. Otherwise, it was a reasonably quiet game for Dawson as Stockport struggled to get men forward as a consequence of their defensive approach. AFP
Angelo Ogbonna, 7 – A solid if unspectacular performance. Always looked comfortable in and out of possession and could have scored a goal of his own when nodding a late first half corner from Mark Noble just wide. Reuters
Angelo Ogbonna, 7 – A solid if unspectacular performance. Always looked comfortable in and out of possession and could have scored a goal of his own when nodding a late first half corner from Mark Noble just wide. Reuters
Ben Johnson, 7 – Gaining more valuable experience in the Hammers’ first team, this time in more unfamiliar conditions though in the shape of a partially waterlogged Edgeley Park. Tricky to criticise the youngster’s performance, despite the visitors’ clear struggle to breakdown County’s rugged defence at the other end of the field. AFP
Ben Johnson, 7 – Gaining more valuable experience in the Hammers’ first team, this time in more unfamiliar conditions though in the shape of a partially waterlogged Edgeley Park. Tricky to criticise the youngster’s performance, despite the visitors’ clear struggle to breakdown County’s rugged defence at the other end of the field. AFP
Declan Rice, 7 – Played at a high-tempo early on and wasn’t afraid to get stuck in defensively on the rare occasion that Stockport looked to threaten the visitors’ goal. Rice at times struggled to pull off that final pass that would have opened avenues for an improved scoring chance. Reuters
Declan Rice, 7 – Played at a high-tempo early on and wasn’t afraid to get stuck in defensively on the rare occasion that Stockport looked to threaten the visitors’ goal. Rice at times struggled to pull off that final pass that would have opened avenues for an improved scoring chance. Reuters
Mark Noble, 6 – A creative spark in the West Ham midfield who was marked well and consequently struggled to pull off some of the passes he perhaps envisaged as creating goalscoring opportunities. Reuters
Mark Noble, 6 – A creative spark in the West Ham midfield who was marked well and consequently struggled to pull off some of the passes he perhaps envisaged as creating goalscoring opportunities. Reuters
Andriy Yarmolenko, 6 – Attempted to take advantage of the wet surface by shooting from distance, but Stockport were more than happy to weather this storm. Showed good determination to track back and support defensive teammates in rare moments of crisis. AFP
Andriy Yarmolenko, 6 – Attempted to take advantage of the wet surface by shooting from distance, but Stockport were more than happy to weather this storm. Showed good determination to track back and support defensive teammates in rare moments of crisis. AFP
Manuel Lanzini, 6 – Was restricted to taking his chance from range only – a credit to the hosts’ defensive shape. But he was caught playing too deep at times. Reuters
Manuel Lanzini, 6 – Was restricted to taking his chance from range only – a credit to the hosts’ defensive shape. But he was caught playing too deep at times. Reuters
Said Benrahma, 6 – Unlucky not to score his first Hammers goal since joining from Brentford earlier in the season when a shot from outside the area clipped the post in the opening minutes. Dropped well into the number 10 role. Reuters
Said Benrahma, 6 – Unlucky not to score his first Hammers goal since joining from Brentford earlier in the season when a shot from outside the area clipped the post in the opening minutes. Dropped well into the number 10 role. Reuters
Michail Antonio, 5 – A largely disappointing performance from the forward against non-league opposition as opportunities were at a premium, though saw out the game professionally. AFP
Michail Antonio, 5 – A largely disappointing performance from the forward against non-league opposition as opportunities were at a premium, though saw out the game professionally. AFP
SUB: Jarrod Bowen (For Yarmolenko, 67), 8 - Delivered a pin-point accurate cross from the right to tee up the Hammers’ winning goal via Craig Dawson. Fine effort in a short period of time. AFP
SUB: Jarrod Bowen (For Yarmolenko, 67), 8 - Delivered a pin-point accurate cross from the right to tee up the Hammers’ winning goal via Craig Dawson. Fine effort in a short period of time. AFP
SUB: Tomas Soucek (For Lanzini, 67), 7 – Certainly made an impact during his 23 minutes on the field and was particularly unlucky not to find the back of the net from a fine headed attempt in the closing 10 minutes. AFP
SUB: Tomas Soucek (For Lanzini, 67), 7 – Certainly made an impact during his 23 minutes on the field and was particularly unlucky not to find the back of the net from a fine headed attempt in the closing 10 minutes. AFP
SUB: Aaron Cresswell (For Johnson, 72) N/A – Played an important role in closing the game out amid Stockport’s late efforts to snatch an equaliser. EPA
SUB: Aaron Cresswell (For Johnson, 72) N/A – Played an important role in closing the game out amid Stockport’s late efforts to snatch an equaliser. EPA
SUB: Mipo Odubeko (For Antonio, 90) N/A – A Hammers debut for Odubeko with seconds remaining. Reuters
SUB: Mipo Odubeko (For Antonio, 90) N/A – A Hammers debut for Odubeko with seconds remaining. Reuters
SUB: Pablo Fornals (For Benrahma, 90) N/A – A last minute change for David Moyes while the visitors held a one-goal lead. AFP
SUB: Pablo Fornals (For Benrahma, 90) N/A – A last minute change for David Moyes while the visitors held a one-goal lead. AFP

Football

Four 8s for Stockport players; Michail Antonio 5, Craig Dawson 8 - Stockport v West Ham player ratings

Dawson spares Hammers' blushes in 1-0 win over non-league side in FA Cup third round

The National

January 12, 2021

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Craig Dawson spared West Ham's blushes as they progressed to the FA Cup fourth round with a 1-0 victory over non-league Stockport at a sodden Edgeley Park.

The driving rain left the pitch resembling a mud bath at full-time and largely negated the gulf in class between the sides, with Stockport having a couple of half-chances to claim one of the round's biggest upsets.

But the Premier League side, 86 places above their Vanarama National League opponents, avoided a giant-killing as Dawson headed home from Jarrod Bowen's right-wing cross seven minutes from time.

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