CITY slugged out their second consecutive goalless draw on the road to protect their play-off spot.

T&A chief sports writer SIMON PARKER watched a dour clash at Edgeley Park last night and provides the match stats and player ratings.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Adam Clayton offered composure and leadership in the heat of the frantic battle around him. It was no night for the purists but the new midfielder offered an experienced head in the middle of things.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

The Harry Lewis header, without a doubt. Neill Byrne must have thought he had scored with a close-range nod but the City keeper stood firm to unconventionally divert it over the bar.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

City create very little going forward - but were still denied what looked another strong shout for a penalty. It’s becoming a familiar tale of woe but Alex Gilliead was adamant he was pushed over by Stockport’s Will Collar.

TACTICS

Adam Clayton’s debut meant a slight tweak to the midfield diamond with Richie Smallwood moving to the right in place of the suspended Jamie Walker.

The other change saw Tolaji Bola come straight in at left back at the start of his loan from Rotherham.

Fellow new recruit Matt Derbyshire was added to the bench.

REFEREE: Martin Coy (Durham)

BOOKINGS: Rydel (Stockport); Hughes, Smallwood (City)

ATTENDANCE: 8,991

SHOTS ON TARGET: Stockport 2 City 1

SHOTS OFF TARGET: Stockport 10 City 4

CORNERS: Stockport 9 City 1

FOULS: Stockport 10 City 13

PLAYER RATINGS

STOCKPORT: Hinchliffe 6, Wright 6, Byrne 7, Johnson 6, Rydel 7, Croasdale 7, Knoyle 6 (Camps 84min), Hippolyte 5, Collar 6, Wootton 6, Madden 5. Subs (not used): Stretton, Evans, Hussey, J Lewis, Jennings, Jaros.

CITY: Lewis 7, Halliday 6, Platt 5, Crichlow 6, Bola 6, Clayton 7, Smallwood 6, Gilliead 6, Eisa 5, Costelloe 5 (Derbyshire 63min, 7), Oliver 6 (Cook 83min). Subs (not used): Nevers, Songo’o, Sutton, East, Doyle.