Stockport remain on the fringe of the play-off places after seeing off 10-man Southend 3-1.

Pilkington grabs brace for hosts

Stockport remain on the fringe of the play-off places after seeing off 10-man Southend 3-1 at Edgeley Park. Anthony Pilkington's first-half double and a late third goal from Tommy Rowe were enough to earn Stockport a well deserved win. The hosts went in front after 20 minutes. A well-worked effort saw Carl Baker play in Rowe and his low cross was volleyed home by Pilkington. Alan McCormack responded when he shot just wide but Stockport doubled their lead after 38 minutes with another splendid strike. This time youngster Matty Mainwaring played in Pilkington and he smashed home a shot from almost 30 yards. Southend's Peter Clarke was then red-carded just before the break following a lunge on Rowe. But despite the hosts dominating early on in the second half, Southend got a goal back after 62 minutes when Alex Revell fired home from 15 yards. However, Rowe volleyed home to make it 3-1 with six minutes left.