We did not play well as individuals or as a unit

Jarkko Wiss and Peter Clark scored goals against the run of play as County stunned the Division One leaders and Clark had no complaints.

He said: "We did not perform today either as individuals or as a unit and this gave the impetus to Stockport. They had a game plan to contain us and we did not pass the ball quickly enough to counter this. "We are disappointed we did not perform and there were not many plus points to take from the game. Too many players had off-days but this is going to happen and we must put up a good performance against Manchester United on Sunday to put us in good shape for out next league game against Norwich.

Clark, who has won promotion to the top flight with both Newcastle and Sunderland, added: "This defeat should be a warning that we can't take anything for granted, but I'm sure we will bounce back."

Stockport manager Andy Kilner was delighted as his side put one over the leaders. He thrilled: "We couldn't have started the New Year better and it is a tremendous achievement to have beaten a side like Fulham who have destroyed many sides. I'm sure will do the same to many more and will be playing in the Premiership next season.

"We had a game plan and the players stuck to it and grew in confidence and the win was totally deserved. We created more chances than Fulham and limited them to only a few opportunities and I have nothing but admiration for the players."