Stockport County v Maidenhead United

Official Matchday Programme

vs Maidenhead United Saturday 17th April Kick-off 12:30pm

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Stockport County FC Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, Stockport, SK3 9DD

Chairman: Mark Stott Chief Executive Officer: Jonathan Vaughan Directors: Mark Stott (Majority Shareholder), Jonathan Vaughan, Ken Knott, Mark Dawson Club President: Steve Bellis Brand and Communications Director: David Ancell Director of Operations: Richard Simkin Life Presidents: Angela White, Robert Smith Bewley, Arthur Collister, Steve Cree, Richard Hill, Mike Flynn, George Hudson, John Rutter Director of Football: Simon Wilson Club Ambassadors: John Fitzpatrick, Freddie Goodwin, Alan Ogley Head of Football Administration: Alex Cowdy First-Team Manager: Simon Rusk Assistant Manager: Dave Conlon Assistant Manager: Mark McGhee Goalkeeping Coach: Shwan Jalal Physio: Luke Smith Strength & Conditioning: Nick Donnelly Kit Manager: Richard Landon First Team Scouting Consultant: Alan Lord Head of Performance Analysis: Sean O’Callaghan Club Doctor: Amjad Choudry Head of Commercial and Ticketing: Olivia Hanvey Conference and Events Manager: Melissa Ellison Retail & Photography: Mike Petch Online Shop: www.stockportcounty.com/shop Marketing Manager: Alice Gregory Content Executive: Carl Gozem Media Executive: Liam Richardson Ticket Office (matchdays only, from 12:30pm): Sarah Dibben Stadium Safety Officer: Steve Walker Facilities Stadium Maintenance & COVID Manager: Rick Hinks Head Groundsman: Liam Cash Community Foundation: Dave Wardle Website: www.scfcfoundation.com Junior Supporters Club: Ian Butterworth, Brenda Williams Stockport County Lottery: Tom Quayle Historian & Statistician: Ian Watts & Marcus Heap Website: gogogocounty.org Stadium Announcer: Kenny Boxshall Turnstile Manager: Pete Kidd Half-Time Draw: Tony Malone Mascot Supervisor: Louise Mellor Customer Relationship Management Executive: Theo Bielby Videographer: Dan Powell

county

Editor: Keith Chapman Editorial Contributors: Andy Monks, David Ancell, Alice Gregory, Neil Simms, Gareth Evans, Steve Beswick, Mike Petch, Paul Dean, Olivia Hanvey, Ian Watts, Mark Heys, Luke Smith, Liam Richardson, Ian Butterworth, Brenda Williams, Ian Brown, Greg Hall, Oshor Williams, Steven Davies, Dave Wardle, Stephen Kenneth, Steve Bellis, Alex Cowdy, Chris Ridgway, Sam Byrne, Harry Barrett, Pete Attwell.

Design by: Daniel Parker, Duplexity Artwork.

Stockport County FC is the trading name of Stockport County 2010 Ltd (7254012), which is wholly owned by Stockport Community Leisure Company Ltd (7240006), a private company limited by shares. The registered office is: Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, Edgeley, Stockport SK3 9DD

Inside...

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Club Honours

Football League Division Two Runners Up 1996-97 Football League Division Three (North) Champions 1921-22, 1936-37 Football League Division Three (North) Runners Up 1928-29, 1929-30 Football League Division Four Champions 1966-67 Football League Division Four Runners Up 1990-91 Football League Two Play-Off Winners 2007-08 Football League Division Two Play-Off Finalists 1993-94 Football League Division Three Play-Off Finalists 1991-92 Football League Trophy Finalists 1991-92, 1992-93 Football League Division Three (North) Cup Winners 1934-35 Football League Division Three (North) Cup Finalists 1933-34 Lancashire League Winners 1899-1900 Lancashire Combination Winners 1904-05 Cheshire League Runners-Up (Reserves) 1909-10, 1927-28, 1936-37 Manchester Senior Cup Winners 1897-98, 1898-99, 1914-15, 1922-23 Cheshire Senior Cup Winners 1905-06, 1914-15, 1946-47, 1948-49, 1965-66, 2015-16 Cheshire Medal Winners 1922-23, 1924-25, 1928-29, 1929-30, 1930-31 Cheshire Bowl Winners 1933-34, 1948-49, 1952-53, 1955-56, 1956-57, 1958-59, 1960-61, 1962-63 Cheshire Friendly Trophy Winners 1965-66, 1966-67 Cheshire Premier Cup Winners 1969-70, 1970-71, 2010-11 Vanarama National League North Winners 2018-2019

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Simon Rusk

Hello everyone, and welcome back again to Edgeley Park for this early kick-off against Maidenhead United.

Welcome also to Alan Devonshire and his players, as well as all the staff and visitors from Maidenhead travelling to Edgeley Park this afternoon.

This marks the third game of what’s been an excellent last seven days for us, after we backed up that win at Wrexham with another excellent result against King’s Lynn Town on Tuesday night. We again faced some difficult moments within the game, but the way we handled and adapted to those challenges was exceptional.

We face another tough test today against a really resolute Maidenhead side, who will again pose us challenges that we need to be prepared to overcome within the game by showing the right blend of patience and energy and intent in our play.

from the strong run that we’re on at the moment, as they should, but it’s vital that we remain balanced in our approach to every game and assure we avoid any hint of complacency. We will be working as hard as we can to maintain our high standards.

With just nine games left to go in the regular league season, we’re really looking forward to the run-in now, and are relishing the challenges to come as we enter the business end.

Football inevitably brings with it plenty of ups and downs, and the next few weeks will surely be no different, but we all just need to stick together as a club, and make sure we all enjoy everything that’s still to come.

Enjoy the game.

The spirit amongst the group is really good right now, and the players are naturally taking confidence

Simon 05

Proud to sponsor Stockport County Football Club

togethermoney.com

Club News County Heroes – Matthew Lee Over 500 families will benefit from free meals this year thanks to Stockport County fan, Matthew Lee. Matt has teamed up with Stockport Foodbank and local company, Together, to provide meals for individuals and families in need of help during these difficult times.

Matt knows what it’s like to struggle. He was born three months premature with

complications including oxygen starvation, he was also born with cerebral palsy which affects the left side of his body, resulting in a limp and poor balance. Despite his struggles, Matt always thrived in life. He says: “My Dad always taught me to get up and dust myself down as there are plenty of people worse off. He also encouraged me to try and help those that were worse off. I was taught from a very early age to stay focused and believe in my abilities to achieve my goals but also to try and give something back to the people around me.”

Matt says: “With the help of my fantastic staff and friends I am in a position to help in a small way by providing these meals. I am also deeply grateful for the support of Together and Stockport Foodbank for helping me to make this happen. They are the real heroes.

I hope I can grow this initiative and be able to offer even more free meals next year. It’s just nice to be able to give something back,

especially to people who may be socially isolated or in financial difficulty.”

Matt is certainly deserving of the title ‘County Hero’ and to recognise Matt’s generosity, we are featuring his chip shop, Seashell, as our virtual match sponsor this Saturday, during our home game against Maidenhead. To read the full story, visit the Club’s website.

Goal of the Month There were four more stunning strikes to choose from in the March edition of the Platform 81 Goal of the Month vote earlier this week. With impressive goals including another John Rooney long ranger, a clinical Harry Cardwell finish and Paddy Madden’s first County goal, the competition could have been tight, but in the end it was Will Collar who emerged as a landslide winner following his thunderbolt of a strike against Eastleigh.

With the game delicately poised at 1-0, Collar latched on to a pass from Madden before unleashing an unstoppable rising piledriver into the roof of the net from 20 yards – his first-ever Stockport County goal, to cap a Man of the Match display and pick up over 70% of the vote. Congratulations, Will!

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Ross Fitzsimons The arrival of former Notts County goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons on a short-term contract has brought added competition to the strong goalkeeping area in the County ranks.

26-year-old ‘keeper Ross joined the Club from Boston United following the suspension of the National League North.

Ross provides more stability and competition in the goalkeeping department going into the last phase of the season, which is now entering the final straight.

And he feels that settling into his new surroundings could not have gone better, with County flying in the league and in touching distance of top spot.

“It’s going really well,” said Ross, who is a product of Crystal Palace’s academy. “We played really well at Wrexham and the

wins against them and King’s Lynn puts us right in the mix.

Teams around us all have to play against each other so it’s going to be interesting from now until the end of the season.

“We’re not getting carried away, we’ve got a group of lads, many are experienced who know what it’s like to get out of this league and play at a higher level.”

Ross made the move to Boston last summer and impressed during his time there, winning the National League North Player of the Month Award in December 2020.

He has previously spent time in

non-league with Braintree and Chelmsford amongst others, before making the move to Notts County in 2017 following a successful trial.

During his three years at Meadow Lane, Ross made over 50 appearances for the Club in the Football League and National League, and also had a brief loan spell at Chesterfield last season before his move to Boston.

Ross had faced many of the County players during his career and he says he is looking forward to playing to part as the squad bid for promotion to the Football League from a tough division.

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“I knew a few of the lads, which always helps when you move to a new club - Jordan Williams, Elliot Newby, and Crossy as well. I’ve played against a few of them too. I’ve played against Paddy a few times so I know what he brings to the team. They are all great lads and I hope we can continue our good run of form until the end of the season.”

Ross has played friendly games against County in the past. He is familiar with the area well, which has been easier for him to settle. When he arrived at the club, he admits he was blown away by the set-up behind the scenes.

“I had no idea what the surroundings were going to be like but clubs at a higher level have not got the facilities we have behind the scenes. Credit to the Club for the work they have put in to provide the best possible environment for the players and their plans for the future.”

The past year has been incredibly difficult but now that restrictions are easing, Ross is looking forward to the football world getting back to some sort of normality – starting with fans being allowed back into stadiums.

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Favourite TV programme? Game of Thrones.

Any superstitions? Yes – I do everything regimented during the warm up before each game.

Career highlight? Making my debut in the Football League.

Best save? For Notts County against Chesterfield last season. It was a crazy game.

I made a great save to stop Dave Buchanan from scoring from long-range. I also saved a penalty in the same game!

Best stadium played in? Stadium of Light, Sunderland.

Boyhood idol? Frank Lampard.

Boyhood team? Chelsea.

If you could offer any advice to any young County fan looking to get involved in the game what would it be? On a personal level, I would say to work hard, and to believe in yourself. We have some unbelievable young lads out there in the game who don’t believe how good they are. Enjoy it.

Favourite sport apart from football? Golf.

Hobbies? Playing golf.

“At the start of lockdown it was difficult,” admitted Ross. “Not having any fans took a little bit of the edge off games but in time you just get used to it.

We’re still playing for the three points. Hopefully we can see some light at the end of the tunnel now so fingers crossed we can get fans back into stadiums as quick as possible.”

For the past five years, Ben Hinchliffe has performed miracles in between the sticks and his consistent form since his move to County has been a huge factor in him being labelled as arguably the best goalkeeper in non-league football. However, Ross that he hasn’t moved just to make up the numbers, and he feels that healthy competition between him and Ben can only be a good thing for the Club.

“From day one, me and Ben have had an excellent partnership. I didn’t know Ben before but we get on well. We push each other which I feel is very important for goalkeepers. We both bring different qualities which can only be good. If Ben keeps on collecting clean sheets then he will keep the jersey, which I am more than happy with. He’s a very, very good goalkeeper.

There is a lot of respect between us, we’ve played a lot of games together in our careers and we are very strong in the goalkeeping department.”

Next up for the Hatters is another home game – this time against Maidenhead United, who are managed by former West Ham legend Alan Devonshire.

“As we have seen already with the signings of Harry Cardwell and Elliot Newby, the closure of the National League North and South has meant a number of high-quality players have become available for a short period of time, which we are taking advantage of again with the signing of Ross.

“I’m sure all County fans will join me in welcoming Ross to the football club, and I’m certain he’ll be a success during his time with us.”

SIMON WILSON Ross recalls that he has played against them before and expects another tough game today.

“I’ve played against Maidenhead before, when they went up and stormed the Conference South. It’ll be tough and the onus is on us to pick up the three points. Hopefully we can show the quality we have done recently and if we do, it will be very difficult for them. Every game is tough, but we are fourth in the league, and we’ve got to keep our focus and keep ticking off the wins.”

“I’m pleased to be able to welcome Ross to the football club. This is again another signing that provides us with good competition in a vital area of the pitch, and also covers the ‘what-if’ scenario of any injuries to Ben and Josh between now and the end of the season.

“Ross comes with Football League experience from his time at Notts County, and he will be a welcome addition to the squad as we enter the business end of the season.”

SIMON RUSK 11

Welcome...

Maidenhead United Maidenhead United make the long journey north from Berkshire for this afternoon’s fixture, visiting Edgeley Park for just the third time in their 151-year history.

Both previous trips have been within the last three years as well, with the two clubs first meeting in the FA Trophy in 2018 when County were one league below The Magpies. After a 1-1 draw at York Road, we faced each other again in SK3 just three days later. On a pitch cutting up under a deluge of rain County staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down with only eight minutes remaining, bagging an extra-time winner to secure a 3-2 win.

Our subsequent meetings have been a lot less dramatic, not least our 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture in February, though our games against each other last season did have the distinction of bookending the campaign. A superb Jake Cassidy header secured an opening-day victory for Maidenhead here at EP, live on BT Sport back in August 2019, before County exacted revenge, coming from behind to win 2-1 at Maidenhead, in what turned out to be the last game before the national lockdown began in March 2020.

Of course, the season was later declared over. With The Magpies third-bottom at the time, there then followed a nervous few months before a decision was made to determine the final league positions.

As we all know, the points per game method was chosen, which ultimately saw Maidenhead climb above Ebbsfleet United by virtue of having a better goal difference. Both clubs had the same points per game total (1.08), but Maidenhead had a sevengoal superior goal difference.

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FACT FILE

Nickname: The Magpies Founded: 1870 Stadium: York Road Capacity: 4,000 Address: York Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Postcode: SL6 1SF Distance from Edgeley Park: 185 miles (3 hours 9 mins) League position: 15th

The Magpies also benefited from the demise of Bury FC, who had been expelled from League One. To balance up the leagues, only three teams were relegated from the National League last year, with Maidenhead the club to be reprieved, despite actually having gained one point less than Ebbsfleet when the league campaign finished. Crucially though, The Magpies had also played one game less at that time, and thus had the same points per game record.

Naturally it was a very difficult time for manager Alan Devonshire to navigate, with all the uncertainty around which league his men would compete in only being resolved in mid-June. It meant the club were unable to offer new contracts to key players for a period of time and among those exiting York Road was 13-goal marksman Danny Whitehall, who joined Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

Maybe unsurprisingly, Maidenhead had a tough start to the season, losing the first three games to Sutton United (0-3), King’s Lynn Town (2-3) and Hartlepool (0-4). In retrospect though, two of those defeats were against the clubs that are now first and second in the league, and really their poor form lasted all of nine days, before a 1-0 win away at Wrexham on October 12th provided their first points of the season. That victory in Wales was soon followed up with a 3-2 win at Notts County and then three more wins against Dagenham, Solihull and Chesterfield. By November 14th Maidenhead had risen from bottom of the league to third!

The Gaffer: Alan Devonshire Alan is at Maidenhead for his second spell as United manager. He has enjoyed great success, winning the Vanarama National League South and the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup in 2017. Devonshire led the Magpies to a top-half finish in their inaugural Vanarama National League season in 2018, also winning the April Manager of the Month award.

Alan previously spent seven seasons in charge of the Magpies from 1996 to 2003, which saw an historic promotion to the Isthmian League Premier Division, and the end of a 27-year silverware drought with wins in the Isthmian League Full Members Cup and four Berks & Bucks Senior Cup triumphs.

After leaving United in 2003, Alan enjoyed similar success. He led Hampton & Richmond Borough from the Isthmian League to the brink of the National League, then defied the odds to not only consolidate Braintree Town’s place in the National League but also to mount a push towards the play-offs. Back at Maidenhead, a final league position of 7th in 2016 served notice of a tilt at promotion and after topping the table in August the Magpies held on to beat off the challenge of Ebbsfleet to win the title on the final day of the season, securing the Vanarama National League South Manager of the Season award for Alan.

As a player Alan was a much-loved midfielder at West Ham United where he made over 400 appearances including the famous 1980 FA Cup Final win. He also went on to win eight England caps.

Just one further victory DID YOU was picked up from KNOW? six games prior to Remarkably M Christmas, though aidenhead recently celeb rated 150 year The Magpies s of playing at Yo rk Road. The won three of their anniversary to ok next four, rattling place on the exact da y that four goals past County visited.

Wealdstone and Yeovil, and then three more against Halifax to end January very much in contention for the play-off places.

When County visited Maidenhead on February 16th, Boreham Wood had recently become only the third side to win a league game at York Road all season, with both previous defeats occurring in that faltering first week. Our game finished all square of course and thereafter The Magpies went without a win for a further four games to see their play-off hopes dwindle.

A very creditable couple of back-to-back victories were to follow however, first against a resurgent Chesterfield side (2-0) and then against former leagueleaders Torquay United, who Maidenhead comfortably dispatched 4-1. In line with their topsy-turvy season, The Magpies have since gone four without a win, losing three and drawing 0-0 with Barnet last time out.

Maidenhead are currently 15th in the table on 40 points, having won 11, drawn seven and lost 11 of their 29 games. They have four games in hand on the last play-off place, making a late challenge a possibility, though it would seem that unlocking the reasons behind their inconsistency is the key to future progress.

That said, it’s been a much better campaign than last and a whole lot less worrying for the loyal Magpies fans!

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The Players TAYE ASHBY-HAMMOND (b:Mar 1999 s:Sep 2020) Goalkeeper who is back on loan after two previous spells with the club, and made his initial debut at Edgeley Park. Earlier in his Fulham days he was sent to Chipstead.

JERRY WILTSHIRE (b:Feb 1996 s:Sep 2020) Signed from US University side West Florida Argonauts. The right-back moved to study after being with Queens Park Rangers, and he played for Bethel University, Chattanooga FC, Peachtree City MOBA, and his most recent side loaned him to Des Moines Menace.

GEORGE WELLS (b:Jan 1996 s:Aug 2020) Joined from Slough Town where the left-back played for three seasons. His previous clubs were Hampton and Kingstonian.

SHAUN DONNELLAN (b:Oct 1996 s:Jul 2020) Defensive midfield man who joined from Woking.

He started in the Midlands with West Bromwich Albion, and spent loan spells with Worcester City, Stevenage, Dagenham & Redbridge and finally Walsall, eventually switching to Yeovil Town and most recently was at Maidstone United.

MANNY PARRY (b:Jan 1994 s:Jul 2020) A striker as a youngster at Millwall, he developed into a centre-back with Stoke City and was loaned to Nuneaton Town. Next stop was Maidstone and he then progressed via Margate to Braintree. Before

joining his current side he had time with Dover Athletic, Boreham Wood and Woking.

SAM BARRATT (b:Aug 1993 s:Sep 2020) Starting with Woodley United and Bracknell Town, this forward then switched to today’s opponents.

During his two years away from them he has been with Southend United, and during his first spell was loaned to Staines Town.

NATHAN BLISSETT (b:Jun 1990 s:Jul 2020) Well-travelled centre forward whose first few clubs were Kidsgrove Athletic, Romulus and Kidderminster Harriers. After loan deals with Cambridge United, Hednesford Town and Bristol Rovers he joined the latter permanently. He later went on to add Lincoln City, Torquay United, Plymouth Argyle, Macclesfield Town and Solihull Moors to his CV. JOSH COLEY (b:Jul 1998 s:Jul 2020) Midfield player who joined from Stotfold after moving there following his release by Norwich City.

He had joined the Canaries from first club Hitchin Town, who sent him on loan to Histon and Arlesey Town. Whilst at Carrow Road he also spent time on loan with Dunfermline Athletic.

JAMES COMLEY (b:Jan 1991 s:May 2016) Attacking central midfielder who started his career at Crystal Palace and moved to St Albans City via Canvey Island. He helped the Saints to promotion before heading to Maidenhead United initially on loan in February 2016.

ALFIE EGAN (b:Sep 1997 s:Mar 2021) Came through the youth ranks at AFC Wimbledon, his only previous permanent club. They loaned the midfielder or right back for spells with Sutton, East Thurrock United and Kingstonian. Has joined on loan from Ebbsfleet United.

Manny Parry

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ROHAN INCE (b:Nov 1992 s:Nov 2020) Midfielder whose youth football was played at Chelsea. After a loan spell away from Stamford Bridge with Yeovil Town, he was transferred to Brighton & Hove Albion, where further loan spells came with Fulham, Swindon Town and Bury. He joined his present club in mid-November after a season with Cheltenham Town.

BRADLEY KEETCH (b:Sep 2000 s:Oct 2018) A product of the club’s youth system, who plays in central midfield.

JOSH KELLY (b:Dec 1998 s:Dec 2016) Forward who moved from Windsor as a youngster, and went on to sign a contract on his 18th birthday.

He spent the 2017-18 season on loan with Walton Casuals.

RHYS LOVETT (b:May 1997 s:Mar 2021) Initially this keeper was connected with Walsall, Aston Villa, Coventry City and Rochdale. He moved to Cheltenham from Dale, and they sent him on loan spells with Tiverton Town, Shepton Mallet and Shortwood United. Joined our opponents from Gloucester City.

Josh Kelly

ALAN MASSEY (b:Jan 1989 s:May 2015) Followed his manager to the club from Braintree.

The central defender started with Wycombe Wanderers, being sent on loan to Chesham United, Wealdstone and Hendon Town. He later joined Wealdstone permanently before the switch to Braintree.

SETH TWUMASI (b:May 1990 s:Nov 2018) As a youngster this defender played for Old Isleworthians and Chelsea. The latter loaned him to Dagenham, His career then progressed with moves to Peterborough United and, after a loan deal, Northampton Town. He made his way to Maidenhead via a spell of over three years with Yeovil Town, and then Maidstone.

DANILO ORSI-DADOMO (b:Apr 1996 s:Jul 2020) Top-scored for Hampton & Richmond Borough the season before joining. As a youth he headed from London to the USA and played for Fort Lauderdale and Eastern Florida State college. After time with Oldham Athletic the forward moved on to Hampton via East Thurrock and Hungerford Town.

RYHEEM SHECKLEFORD (b:May 1997 s:Aug 2018) Right-back who was part of the Academy at Fulham. Before moving to Maidenhead he had firstteam experience with a loan stint at Wealdstone.

JOSH SMILE (b:Oct 1996 s:May 2019) After being connected with Southampton and Oxford United, this midfielder joined Fulham’s Academy. He moved to Chippenham Town and signed for today’s opponents after impressing against them in an FA Cup tie.

REECE SMITH (s:Oct 2020) Homegrown forward who signed his first professional contract this season.

DAN SPARKES (b:Jul 1991 s:Aug 2020) Left-sided midfielder who began at Histon before joining Braintree. After four seasons he moved to Torquay. He was then at Dagenham & Redbridge and Barnet.

Dan Sparkes

RYAN UPWARD (b:May 1992 s:Nov 2014) Central midfield player whose early career was spent with Flackwell Heath and Beaconsfield SYCOB. He then signed for Burnham before starting his long spell with his current club.

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Stockport County Colts & Junior Academy As many of our Under-16 Colts have been successful in joining the post-16 Academy, we are now trying to prepare the next age group in line, the Under-15s.

Many of these boys have worked hard over the last couple of years and some of these are now starting to reap the rewards by being invited into our Academy night on a Thursday.

As such, we have tried to shape this opportunity so that it pushes on those players with ambitions to play football at a higher level.

This week we selected a mix of under 15s and under 16s who have been showing promise and a simple desire to improve in a competitive friendly at Aquinas... the boys didn’t disappoint!

Whilst they all know the systems of play which are consistent throughout the age groups, all of the players performed admirably and in a very tight game we ended up coming out winners 1-0.

The main points to take out of this game were player ability to take on information and try and put this into action on the field of play... from a defensive point of view, one very important aspect was awareness when defending from crosses or one-on-ones and the points driven home during training were for defenders to make sure they check shoulders so an opposition player doesn’t

run in behind and connect with a cross to the back post. On oneon-ones, it was also emphasised that players shouldn’t have a rush of blood and dive into challenges as the opposition had some tricky players and instead defending with composure so any challenge is timed rather than forced.

From an attacking point of view, we again emphasised how important it was not to give the ball away cheaply and in the first half while we frequently built well from the back, this often fell apart when we went into the final third.

We attributed this to the pressure of seeing the goal and thinking they had to score!

However, the emphasis from a coaching point of view was that we still need to keep possession with a simple pass if uncertain about playing ‘the call’.

Players are encouraged to have a broad set of shoulders and make their own decisions as the ball is at their feet so as not to deliver a pass which ends up with all the team retreating because of a loss of possession.

Going forward we will be planning more games on a Thursday evening as we select the best from these two age groups in readiness for the pathway into the club’s Academy.

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Rebellious Jukebox Gareth Evans selects Maidenhead on the County Rock-Ola, and presses play to discover a link with, and test the credentials of…

THE SPICE GIRLS (or, at least, four of them!).

So, what’s the connection?

Do you want to know where ‘Girl Power’ started on these shores? Like ‘really, really want’ to know?

Let us go back, then, to 1994 - and to Boyn Hill Road in Maidenhead, just over a mile away from York Road where this afternoon’s visitors have now famously plied their trade for 150 years. For it was more than a quarter of a century ago that five aspiring young female pop stars - brought together

by Heart Management, after a series of auditions aimed at creating a girl group to compete with the boy bands who were dominating the early-‘90s UK charts - lived together in an otherwise unassuming threebedroom house in SL6.

It was very much a working base, rather than a home, for the quintet, who spent most of the time there getting their act together - supplemented by sessions at rehearsal studios in Bracknell and

Woking, respectively demoing bubblegum pop songs (none of which would subsequently see the light of day) and perfecting dance routines.

But this unheralded prototype band, within two years, was set to enjoy, with its in-yourface debut single,‘Wannabe’, a Number One hit… in 37 countries. It would then go on to achieve eight more UK charttoppers, sell 90 million records worldwide, and become the best-selling girl group ever, as well as the biggest British pop success - not to mention the most widely recognisable musical set of individuals since The Beatles, but with five very distinct personalities and styles.

Oh - and they espoused ‘Girl Power’. The slogan of female empowerment had been in circulation Stateside, courtesy of the underground Riot Grrrl movement, since the early stages of the decade, but our subjects today popularised it here as a cultural phenomenon - focusing on the importance of strong, loyal and noncompetitive friendship, especially among younger girls.

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Who are they, then?

The group name of the Maidenhead collective… easy one, right? They were called Touch. One of their discarded tunes from the demos, ‘Sugar and Spice’, would later, however, give the band the new name under which they went stratospheric.

And the five individual residents? Some nicknames bestowed by the British press in the wake of ‘Wannabe’’s release - and with which The Spice Girls, more than 20 years since their original split, remain synonymous, particularly whenever they sporadically reunite for comeback tours should guarantee you a mark of 80%! Let’s ‘Take Five’…

1. Ginger!

The monicker for Geri Halliwell, with her bright red hair, no doubt took the least media time to dream up. Feisty and flamboyant (her Union Jack dress worn at the 1997 Brit Awards became an enduring symbol of the times), she came to be identified as the group’s leader, and most associated with using the ‘Girl Power’ phrase - often accompanied by a peace sign. She left the band during 1998 (but has since returned for reunions) - a year in which she became a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund - and went on to achieve four Number One solo singles, as well as publishing two autobiographies and a series of children’s books.

2. Posh!

Victoria Adams, as was, wore form-fitting designer dresses and outfits, sported a choppy brunette bob cut - and had a

signature pout that, depending on how you view pouts, gave her either a refined or a reserved look. As a soloist, she would not match her former band-mates for chart success - but was to be the biggest household name after becoming, personally, one half of the ‘Team Beckham’ celebrity super-couple and, professionally, an internationally recognised style icon and clothes designer. Her services to the fashion industry have earned the award of an OBE. 3. Scary!

Melanie Brown - Mel B - was the shouty, sassy one, with a pierced tongue and a loud dress sense that made her as fearsome as any leopard whose prints inspired her choice of outfit. Her chart-topping 1998 duet, ‘I Want You Back’, saw the other half of the act, Missy Elliott, become the first female rapper to reach Number One in the UK. Away from performing in more recent years, Mel has focused on work as a talent show judge and made a number of film appearances.

4. Sporty!

The other Mel (C) - Melanie Chisholm, and Mel B’s

Maidenhead room-mate - earned her monicker by leaping around, and sometimes performing back handsprings, in a tracksuit. Outside of the group, she has, in ‘Northern Star’, made the best-selling album of any Spice Girl. And she also holds the unique record as a female singer for topping the charts as a soloist, in a duo (with Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes on ‘Never Be the Same Again’), in a quartet (Spice Girls, after Geri Halliwell quit) and in a quintet (original Spice Girls) - not forgetting, either, her participation in the 30-plusstrong Justice Collective’s Hillsborough charity single that became the Christmas Number One for 2012.

5. Baby! Oh, wait…

Michelle Stephenson!

True enough, Emma Bunton would join in time to become the youngest member of the group and be dubbed ‘Baby Spice’. But the fifth Maidenhead resident (who shared a room on Boyn Hill Road with Victoria) and Touch member was her predecessor, 17-year-old Michelle Stephenson who, as ‘Forgotten Spice’, was fired by Heart Management - allegedly for her lack of commitment and ‘fit’ within the band. She has since worked as a TV presenter and a session singer, as well as releasing ‘SHE Songs’, an EP of her own material. When interviewed about missing out on the chance to reinvent pop fame, and reinvigorate mainstream feminism into the bargain, she consistently states that she has no regrets about leaving ‘Old Spice’.

Rebellious Jukebox Rating:…

NINE Number Ones.

19

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RYAN CROASDALE

Harry Barrett reflects on the Northern Section As political parties struggled to form sustainable governments in the early 1930s, Northern Section clubs battled against bankruptcy amidst rising poverty and unemployment in their communities.

Accrington, New Brighton, Halifax and Port Vale were on the brink, Wigan Borough did go bust, while Rochdale just survived.

Then there was Nelson. A roller coaster decade in the Football League ended in 1931, when, after seeking re-election for the second time in four years they were voted out, Chester taking their place.

led a triumphant procession through the town, a new stand was built and, on a close-season tour, Nelson became the first British team to beat Real Madrid, winning 4-2.

The Daily Mail had once asked: “Where is Nelson?” but the Seedhill side was well known in footy circles after topping the Northern Section in 1923.

Joe Birds once a County custodian was in goal, while ‘Little Joe’ Eddleston netted the first as Wrexham were beaten 2-0 to clinch the title. Local mills had closed early so the gate that April evening numbered 12,000. Player-manager Dave Wilson

But life in Division Two was tough. Despite winning at Old Trafford and beating champions Leeds 3-1 in the last game of the season, Nelson were relegated by a single point. Wilson’s side almost bounced straight back in 1924/25. However, just two wins in the final nine games sentenced Nelson to second spot, behind Darlington. Late season slumps became a regular feature. Only 24 points from a possible 108 were claimed during April and May from 1925 to 1931.

Player/manager Dave Wilson led a triumphant procession through the town, a new stand was built and on a close season tour, Nelson became the first British team to beat Real Madrid, winning 4-2 22

Though in debt, in 1925 Nelson audaciously paid Sheffield Wednesday £2,500 for England international defender George Wilson. He had won his last cap the year before and helped the club to a couple of top-10 finishes. As debts mounted, performances suffered. Nelson conceded 136 goals in 27/28, including eight at Edgeley Park, and finished bottom, but were re-elected.

Different goalkeepers were used in the first four fixtures of 29/30 as players came and went. The more talented were sold, including Eddleston, top scorer in each of his five campaigns at Seedhill, totalling 100 goals in 193 outings. His successor,

Jimmy Hampson, brought in a badly-needed £1,250 from Blackpool in October 1927, after the 21-year-old had netted 44 times in 66 games.

Crowds dipped to under 2,000 and though new manager Jack English spoke optimistically, the 30/31 season began poorly Only three victories were recorded up to Christmas and an 8-1 hammering at Southport on New Year’s Day confirmed Nelson were bottom of the Nelson pile. The season ended with six straight defeats and players not being paid. They finished 11 points adrift of Rochdale conceding 113 goals. After losing their League place, Nelson joined the Lancashire Combination before disbanding in 1936.

Rochdale, successful in their re-election bid, started 31/32 with a 2-2 home draw against Accrington, watched by 6,974. But seven sub-2,000 gates resulted in public appeals for donations and terrace collections to cover travel for away games. Indeed the town’s most celebrated daughter Gracie Fields paid for the trip to Barrow. A disastrous season ended with Dale conceding 135 goals, collecting 11 points and enduring seventeen successive losses after beating New Brighton in early November. On Christmas Day goalkeeper Bert Welch debuted at Tranmere and conceded nine. Twenty-four hours

later matters improved in the return fixture. Bert conceded six.

Dale remained a League club partly because Wigan Borough had resigned in the October after playing 12 games. Borough were the sixth incarnation of professional football in a rugby league stronghold, following the demise of Wigan AFC, Wigan Central, Wigan County, Wigan United and Wigan Town. Amazingly they were founder members of the Northern Section despite finishing 17th in the Lancashire Combination behind the likes of Eccles, Atherton and Bacup.

Never having to apply for re-election, Wigan’s best performance in their black and amber hooped jerseys, was fourth in 1928/29. That season, 30,443 filled Springfield Park for an FA Cup defeat by Sheffield Wednesday, goalie Charles Preedy winning the trophy the following year with Arsenal. His transfer fee kept creditors at bay, but by August 1931 liabilities amounted to over £25,000. Public appeals brought in barely £1,500, including ten shillings from a female weaver. Stalwarts Arthur Welsby and Jack Moran with over 400 appearances between them, had already been sold, so the directors were left with little choice but to liquidate the club.

It would be another 47 years before League football returned to Springfield Park

Nelson

Clubs though still clamoured to join the Northern Section. More of that next time and County’s second title...

23

Official Partners of The National League

County Ladies First team draw with Durham Cestria The SCLFC first team entertained fellow FAWNL Division One North side, Durham Cestria, in their second friendly since the lifting of lockdown.

Last time the two sides met Durham ran out 5-0 winners and since then both sides have recruited new players.

These competitive friendlies are the ideal opportunity for the SCLFC coaching team to look at some younger players coming up through the Club and show them the pathway to first-team football.

The first half saw both teams having a goal ruled out for offside, and with chances few and far between, the score at the break was 0-0. The second half began and Durham started strongly, scoring the first goal. A triple substitution for County then combined for the equaliser. Immy Williams providing a superb cross for Maria Figueiredo to powerfully head goalward only for the Durham keeper to pull off a

Hanifa Douglas slides in for a tackle (pic: Lana Bradburn)

great save, however, Analise Atkinson was on hand to smash home the rebound.

County then took the lead with an opportunity out of nowhere when Figueiredo scored from 18 yards out. A defensive mix-up allowed Durham to score their second of the game and with minimal further chances the final whistle blew with the score-line 2-2.

Thanks to Durham Cestria for making the long trip South, we look forward to further meetings when the FAWNL resumes.

The U16s on their way to a 0-6 victory in the snow

Junior sides had a successful weekend despite having to play in some atrocious conditions with snow and close to freezing temperatures. Well done to everyone who turned out and braved the weather.

For anyone interested in joining the club to play or train with any of our teams contact details are on our website, stockportcountylfc.com or follow the link from the SCFC site.

Follow us on Twitter @SCLadiesFC, Instagram @stockportcountylfc and Facebook at Stockport County Ladies FC.

25

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The Mad Hatter’s Quiz with Paul Dean

TRIVIA

WHO AM I?

1. With which two teams did Alan Devonshire win FA Cup winners medals?

2. What record does York Road, the home of Maidenhead United, hold?

3. Which two teams competed in the first all-English major European Cup Final?

4. Who was the last English manager to win the Football League Cup? 5. With which non-league team did Jamie Vardy begin his career?

6. From which club did Manchester United sign Bruno Fernandes?

7. To which club did the Hatters sell Andy Dibble in 2002?

8. From which club did the Hatters sign Tom Bennett in 1995 for £75,000?

O Q X C J E M Z C K S O D E L V X O K L

T N I X G N W T Z L O R Q K G A D J O E

Z X A T S I R L U X F A U N Y U Y T B I

R R J I K F U P F B L V L Z L D B C G S

P N S B T I M A F L P A R Z L M U S R F

R L S F S S U O T H O N Q X F U L C M S

L R C F O I I F D J H N R L X U O Q E T

P Q I S I H G R L R Q A K B Y V F D S L

D G Z R D P N G C N I C Z U S J L V S K

O U G H Z F R I E U A C G N S M F Q I C

R E M M A S B W D P D M A H F V O M G Q

Z J U U Y I O W K L B W E D U Y Q O J K

W M F Y Y E Y E O X A V L P O F U A J G

H A G H E P U P G X C N V F W L W K R O

Z B S A F V P K L H L Z O V M Q J T P D

K G J E N E D V E D P I I R P D J Y A L

J I B Z T D O N U Z Q D F C E Q W S E A

Z C P O B Q K L F M G A C R L O Q H V V

A K A K G O C K L B I N C O U Y E E E I

O S P L E G I L I S P E U G X L D N B R

Answers:

CANNAVARO CRISTIANO KAKA LUIS FIGO MESSI MODRIC NEDVED OWEN RIVALDO RONALDINHO SAMMER SHEVCHENKO ZIDANE

Who Am I? David Shawcross

WORDSEARCH

Trivia 1: West Ham and Watford 2: Oldest senior football ground continuously used by the same club 3: Tottenham and Wolves, 1972 EUFA Cup Final 4: Steve McClaren with Middlesbrough in 2004 5: Stocksbridge Park Steels 6. Sporting CP 7. Wrexham 8. Wolves

I’m a former Hatter, I played wing-half and signed from Manchester City in 1965 and I made 60 appearances scoring 14 goals.

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The

Travelling Fan The day out and getting there A trip down to the Midlands actually almost classes as a local game these days, particularly coming just days after our long trip to Weymouth at the weekend. The mood was still fairly flat after the disappointment of defeat on the South Coast that day, and a dismal previous record of playing at Damson Park did nothing to lighten the pre-match mood as we departed Carrington at the typically early Lando time of 1:30pm. After a quick stop-off for food, we arrived in Solihull at around 4pm.

Damson Park As mentioned previously, our trips to this particular area of Birmingham do not usually end well, with County winless in four previous trips to the 5,500-capacity stadium, The Moors’ home since their formation in 2007. Taking our seats in the tier directly below the Directors Box (I did think I was having some sort of religious episode when the sound of Steve Bellis’ voice boomed out suddenly somewhere above me), we were pleased to find a new press bench had been installed for travelling media, although slightly less thrilled when it emerged this was directly next to the speaker for the tannoy system, which quickly removed the opportunity for any pre-match conversation.

The game Despite a tense and tight opening 15 minutes in Birmingham, one major incident on 17 minutes proved the catalyst for a devastating 10-minute period of attacking football from County. Harry Cardwell was played in behind the Solihull back-line by a wonderful pass from Alex Reid when, as he

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Solihull v County

Vanarama National League Tuesday 9th March 2021, 19:00 KO Damson Park Weather: Cold but dry Distance from EP: 97 miles Journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes Outcome: A clinical display of attacking football, to end our Solihull hoodoo in style was poised to shoot, he was cynically pulled back by defender Tyrone Williams – penalty to County, and a straight red card for the desperate Solihull defender.

John Rooney stepped up and confidently converted from the penalty spot to give Simon Rusk’s side the lead, but even against ten men few would have bet on what was to happen in the next few minutes, as County set about driving home the advantage. Just two minutes later, Ryan Croasdale intercepted a poor ball out from the Solihull ‘keeper before squaring to Rooney on the edge of the area.

County’s main man took a touch, before superbly bending home his 16th goal of the season to leave the Moors shell-shocked.

The Hatters just kept on coming. On 24 minutes, Reid again found Cardwell with a wonderful through-ball, and the on-loan Chorley striker finished confidently for his first County goal, before four minutes later Tom Walker expertly headed home Sam Minihan’s cross to kill the game before the half-hour mark.

The second half was somewhat less exciting, as the home side regrouped and set about on a damage limitation job to keep the score somewhat respectable, although we did grab a fifth with just ten minutes remaining, as 19-year-old Derby loanee Jack Stretton marked his debut in style with a confident finish after Elliot Newby’s shot deflected into his path. A magnificent away performance, and a big three points, were secure.

Getting away and home time I’m not sure there’s ever been a bigger contrast in moods on the journeys home than there was between this and Weymouth just three days previously as we boarded back onto the minibus following post-match interviews with Simon Rusk and Harry Cardwell. With plenty of talking points to discuss from the game, in the blink of an eye almost we found ourselves rolling back through the Carrington gates at around 11pm.

Memory of the day So many to choose from on such a memorable night, but seeing a young player grab his first goal in senior football is always a special moment, and for Jack Stretton to do so on his County debut made it all the more unforgettable – the first of many, no doubt.

Travelling fan verdict Journey – 8/10 Stadium – 7/10 Overall match day experience – 9/10

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Steve Bellis Lizzie’s Lawns, Penelope Knatchbull and The Prince Albert!

There is no such thing as an easy game in football that’s for sure.

I remember just before my return to the club back in 2013 being invited back to Edgeley Park to watch an early-season league game against Colwyn Bay. Bearing in mind that when I left the club in 2004 to embark on my China adventures we were playing against clubs like Huddersfield, Sheffield United and Brentford it was something of a shock to be playing against a team that I didn’t even know existed.

Without any intended disrespect to Colwyn Bay, it was a place where we went for a holiday when we were kids. I didn’t even know they had a team.

It was another reminder of how far our club had fallen.

I remember seeing the Colwyn players on the pitch taking selfies in front of the Cheadle End (I think you can fit more people in the Cheadle End than you can fit in Colwyn Bay).

As I sat there feeling quite dejected by the depths we had plumbed I thought to myself ‘well, at least we will get three points’.

We lost one-nil.

I was therefore far less naive in my thoughts and expectations when King’s Lynn arrived at Edgeley Park on Tuesday night for their first-ever game in SK3.

Just ten years ago the Linnets were playing in the United Counties League but five promotions later they find themselves in the National League and very much holding their own despite the difficulties presented by the current climate.

I had the pleasure of looking after their charismatic Chairman Stephen Cleeve along with a number of their directors.

It’s fair to say that they weren’t exactly confident about getting a result but hoped they gave a good account of themselves.

The Prince Albert, Castle Street and St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle... not much difference really

30

Despite going a goal down to yet another Alex Reid goal (he’s on fire) the visitors dug in and were very impressive for the second half of the first half (if that makes sense).

However, after another Goal of the Season contender from John Rooney, the stuffing was evidently kicked out of them and two goals from the non-stop Paddy Madden saw them finish on the wrong end of the 4-0 scoreline.

They have some very good players though and will be no pushovers when we play the return fixture at The Walks stadium in ten days’ time.

Away from football it’s been a pretty positive week all round too.

The weather has been almost spring-like to the delight of pubs and restaurants around the country who can now serve outside.

Even Buckingham Palace is opening its gardens this spring and summer so we can wander round Lizzie’s garden and even have a picnic if we like.

I thought this would be really expensive but it’s only £16.50 to swan around Lizzie’s lawns and Prince Philip’s flora and fauna.

This afternoon would be a good time to go as it will probably be a tad quiet at the Palace with the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral taking place at Windsor Castle.

The Duke didn’t want any fuss bless him and thanks to Covid he isn’t going to get much with only 30 people in attendance.

There will be the obvious attendees, The Queen, Charles and Camilla, William and Kate and keeping a low profile somewhere, the star of American TV, Harry.

No room for Fergie at the funeral (or the buffet)

I’m hoping to do my bit in terms of paying my respects to royalty by going to the Prince Albert for a swifty after today’s game but that of course depends if there is any room in the smoking area... sorry, rear garden.

It’s odd to think that there will be more people on the benches of the Prince Albert than on the benches of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle for Prince Philip’s funeral and the beer will be cheaper.

In a break with tradition the mourners will not be in military attire and will instead wear suits which will be a great disappointment to Prince Andrew who really likes uniforms.

The funeral will dominate the TV channels this afternoon and if you miss any of it, the highlights will be shown on BBC Two at ten past eight tonight.

Back to the footy and it’s a pleasure to welcome our friends from Maidenhead back to EP.

There’s no room for the likes of Sarah Ferguson though. She doesn’t even register on the royalty scale these days and they want everyone to get some of the buffet. She will be gutted (pardon the pun) but I am sure she can find a toe to suck on.

Our fixture there back in February will be remembered for the milestone of it being the 150th anniversary of the club playing at York Road. Sadly it won’t be remembered for anything else as the two sides battled out a thrill-less 0-0 draw.

There is room however for Penelope Knatchbull.

Who is she I hear you say? Well I didn’t have a clue but according to Google she is Countess Mountbatten of Burma. So she should obviously be there even though there is actually no such place as Burma anymore.

I get the feeling that today’s clash will be rather more interesting.

We wish everyone who has travelled from Berkshire a pleasant afternoon with us and a very safe journey home.

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GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk

Terrace Talk After Tuesday’s excellent victory against King’s Lynn Town at Edgeley Park it’s back on home soil again for County as we welcome Alan Devonshire and his Maidenhead United team up to the North West.

The play-off charge continued with a 4-0 victory against The Linnets in midweek whilst Maidenhead did not play their game at Yeovil Town due to the untimely death of Glovers’ captain Lee Collins at the age of 32 at the end of last month. It goes without saying that at times like these football takes a back seat and of course the thoughts of everyone in football are with Lee’s family.

Back in mid-February in the game down at York Road, both County and Maidenhead had a number of chances to break the deadlock but neither host goalkeeper Taye Ashby-Hammond nor his opposite number Ben Hinchliffe was in the mood for giving away their clean sheet.

Ben actually holds the most number of clean sheets for the current 2020-21 season in the National League with 14 to date and he is closely followed by Hartlepool United’s Ben Killip, Dean Bouzanis of Sutton United and Sam Slocombe of Notts County, all of whom have 13.

Goals win games there is no shadow of a doubt about that, but equally the work of the goalkeeper at the other end is just as important and with that position there is no place to hide if things go pear-shaped.

With 14, Ben Hinchliffe holds the most clean sheets in the National League to date

Ben earlier this campaign also surpassed 200 league games in a County shirt since arriving from AFC Fylde in 2016, putting him in good company alongside County custodians such as Jack Bowles and Alan Ogley and ahead of the likes of Ken Mulhearn and Neil Edwards. Such stellar service is hard to find nowadays especially in an ever-evolving sport such as this.

Another number to celebrate is that over the last ten games at Edgeley Park the side has achieved five wins, four draws and one defeat, with the only bleamish to that undefeated run

being the 0-2 reverse against second-placed Sutton United at the start of February.

However, as a note of caution, it is worth remembering that at the very start of the 2019-20 season it was Maidenhead United who came away from here with all three points with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jake Cassidy scoring the decisive goal of the game with just over ten minutes left.

As a final note, today’s game is of course kicking off slightly earlier than planned due to the funeral of H.R.H. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

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The County Years

1967

County Historian Ian Watts delves into the archives to bring you some of the Hatters’ more memorable moments from years gone by.

Opening game & first debutant It was Saturday 14th January before our first competitive game this year after visiting Southport for a friendly the week before to help raise funds for them following a fire.

County: Ken Mulhearn, Billy Haydock, Freddie Goodwin, Eddie Stuart, Matt Woods, Norman Sykes, Len Allchurch, Keith Allen, Keith East, Bert Lister, Tony Morrin.

County may have won the fund-raiser through a Norman Sykes goal, but back in Division 4 action things did not go as well for the table-topping side. All looked fine with the visitors leading 1-0 at half-time thanks to Keith East’s goal. However, Chesterfield extended their unbeaten home run to 10 games and claimed the win with a Kevin Randall penalty, the first County conceded that season, and another from Billy Stark.

Making his debut that day was winger Bert Lister (SCAN 700), having been signed from divisional rivals Rochdale. He certainly made an impression in a County side who did not score many goals despite their title win. Lister scored 11 times in just 16 games to play a major part in that success. Then came the bombshell as

Bert Lister equalises at Wrexham

34

he announced his retirement in July. The club suspended him before eventually allowing him to join Altrincham for £500 in December.

Summer Business Only Tommy Henderson (later to join Altrincham), would leave the Champions in the summer.

Coming in for a first Division Three campaign for nearly ten years was left-back Brian Gallagher from Carlisle United having been with us as a youngster.

Last debutant The last new man of the year, in a 3-0 win over Reading on 15th December was Bobby Thomson (SCAN 708). The former Wolverhampton and Aston Villa midfielder cost around £6,000 from Birmingham City.

He turned out to be another controversial figure, as a column started in The People in which he revealed some of his past Bobby Thomson off-field activities.

With other papers reporting that as of 22nd January 1968 the Football League asked clubs to withdraw press facilities to The People over the articles written by the Errol Flynn of football. At season’s end Thomson left the club after 17 games, switching to Bromsgrove Rovers.

Closing game The year went out in a whimper at Edgeley Park.

County: Alan Ogley, Haydock, Goodwin, Stuart, Colin Parry, Thomson, Morrin, Bill Atkins, Jim Fryatt, Bert Harley, Johnny Price.

County hosted Walsall but could not repeat their win at the Midlanders’ Fellows Park ground three days earlier. There were some 13,495 packed into the ground but the defences including keepers Alan Ogley and Bob Wesson proved the winners on the night with no goals scored.

It was a disappointment but 4th place in the table and threatening to challenge for successive promotions meant the overall picture for the Hatters was not too gloomy.

Most apps in calendar year Billy Haydock 52 (ever present), Matt Woods 49, Freddie Goodwin 47 Most goals in calendar year Bill Atkins 17, Derek Kevan 12, Bert Lister 11 Worst run 5 games without win (3rd February to 3rd March) D2 L3 Best run 8 games unbeaten(11th March to 10th April) W6 D2

The man in charge Former England international Jimmy Meadows had joined the Hatters from Manchester City as trainer in January 1966, before taking over as manager in October when Eddie Quigley chose to leave. He took County to the title and two good seasons at the Jimmy Meadows higher level before resigning towards the end of the second of those. He returned for a second spell as boss for the 1974-75 season.

And finally...

The programme for Swindon’s visit in August reported that Vic Bernard walked the length of a train but covered about 200 miles as he went to have a word with the supporters on the County Arrow. He thanked Jimmy Hill for his advice in setting up the Arrow. County despite being written off three years ago were just the second club to have their own train after Coventry City.

Thanks to all the anonymous donors who have supplied images for this article.

35

STOCKPORT COUNTY

4

KING’S LYNN TOWN

0

Reid 14’, Rooney 65’, Madden 71’, 84’

-

Tuesday 13th April | Vanarama National League | Edgeley Park

The Hatters’ inaugural meeting with King’s Lynn Town saw them notch up a second successive victory, as well as a hat-trick of clean sheets in eight days, to remain fourth.

Leading scorer Alex Reid put County ahead at Edgeley Park early on, before a goal following the break by John Rooney – who, minutes earlier, had seen his penalty saved – and a brace from Paddy Madden yielded a first National League four-goal haul of the season for the Hatters that keeps them in the promotion hunt.

36

37

Sam Byrne It seems a long time ago that James Jennings headed in that last-gasp equaliser at Sutton United to keep the hosts top of the National League, and clear of The Hatters by 13 points.

Just a week or two ago, there seemed to be a growing feeling amongst sections of the fanbase of County gearing up for the play-offs and being resigned to Sutton running away with the National League title – but things couldn’t be more different just a month later.

That emphatic 4-0 win over King’s Lynn at Edgeley Park on Tuesday evening seemed a really significant night for County – not by way of the final scoreline over a side with little to play for and who are languishing around the bottom of the National League, but in terms of how the resulting three points seemed to blow the National League promotion race wide open.

In all fairness, Hartlepool and Torquay are both proving to be in formidable form as of late with various sides having varying amounts of games in hand, but as things stand, the bottom line is that

In the aftermath of Tuesday evening, I reeled off some stats and figures in my postmatch reaction and couldn’t help but feel reminiscent about the National League North title win two years prior 38

Simon Rusk will know that County still need a huge run of form to complete the job

Simon Rusk’s men are six points off the league leaders Hartlepool with two games in hand directly on Dave Challinor’s side.

In the aftermath of Tuesday evening, I reeled off some stats and figures in my post-match reaction and couldn’t help but feel reminiscent about the National League North title win two years prior.

As soon as you find yourself reeling off records and stats like ‘nine unbeaten, six wins and three draws, nine unbeaten at Edgeley Park, seven clean sheets at Edgeley Park out of that nine’ and so on, you do start to feel like it has the hallmarks of a team that might just go all the way.

County have done well to muscle their way into discussions around the title race

Of course, it’s important that County don’t get carried away on the back of a 4-0 home win over a team in what would be the relegation places of the National League – and there is nobody who seems to understand that more than Simon Rusk.

The County manager is regularly calm and collected (even if he doesn’t feel it!) in post-match interviews, regardless of whether his side have won, lost or drawn any given game. The former Brighton man knows that the job is nowhere near done yet regardless of this excellent string of results, and will also know that that string of results has only really teed County up for the resulting run-in, with a huge run of form still needed to complete the job.

It would take a brave person to call how this title race will go from here, and as mentioned, you have to acknowledge that County’s rivals in Sutton, Torquay, Hartlepool and even Chesterfield below will also rightly have reasons to be confident.

But given the mood after days like Weymouth away or those frustrating stalemates with Aldershot and today’s opponents Maidenhead, it’s indicative of just how well Rusk and his players have done as of late to muscle their way in at the top of the table and that there’s even a title race to discuss at Edgeley Park.

It’s an exciting thought to picture that Woking game on the 22nd May if The Hatters do indeed have a title to play for – but in the meantime, it’s a nice feeling for fans to dream Hospitality venues reopening outdoors this week has provided a glimpse back into normal life, and today’s game will represent the first weekend where fans can potentially enjoy the match stream (and any post-match drinks!) from a beer garden.

That fact alone will help us all feel like a return to Edgeley Park is rapidly becoming more and more real, and it’s an exciting thought to picture that Woking game on the 22nd May if The Hatters do indeed have a title to play for – but in the meantime, it’s a nice feeling for fans to dream that this season could be the season after all.

Enjoy the game!

39

Physio

Luke Smith Good afternoon everyone.

No further injury updates since our last game. Our squad is looking very healthy and we are focusing on recovery each day. We had our first yoga session this week, which we are looking to incorporate into our weekly schedule with all the players taking to it very well. With the Waterside gym now open we will be sending our players there each week for hydrotherapy sessions and recovery sessions.

Enjoy the game, Luke

S P O N S O R E D B Y:

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Sports Massage Home Visit

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41

42

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43

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Supporters’ Co-operative At long last... and we know we mustn’t dash into full celebration mode just yet, but with hints of progress to something like ‘normality’ nationally, Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative can add a sliver of good news of their own as this week. An e-mail arrived from the Director of Public Health at Stockport Council advising that events are starting back up in the Borough.

We have been looking, with more than a small degree of anxiety, to get the early, essential organisational elements in place for us to say conclusively that, the North West’s premier road/trail Half-Marathon, the Stockport Hatters’ Half-Marathon, would be ran once again after an enforced Covid absence.

This terrific news now enables organisers John Giles and Pete Towey to submit the necessary applications for permissions to run the Stockport Hatters’ HalfMarathon on Sunday 5th September.

There will be an extra requirement for a Covid risk assessment this time, but we are already on it with the valued help of Stockport-based Crazy Legs Events.

The event being in the open air means that the risk levels are minimal, but we seek to be sure our event is safe and perceived to be so by runners and the public, who over the years have made this race the most popular of its type, and a magnificent showcase for Stockport County who are allowing us the use of Edgeley Park again, the town of Stockport and the Supporters’ Co-operative who are proud to once again be promoters of the event.

Supporters’ Co-operative Board member Emma Mannion will act as our Covid officer and keep everyone safe.

So remember the date Sunday 5th September.

Please note it in your diary and await further news.

Rachel Hall, 2019 Ladies winner

45

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COUNTY JUNIORS

S P O N S O R E D B Y:

Hello again and we are back at Edgeley Park for this afternoon’s match with Maidenhead United who have made the long journey north to play here today.

This is our second home match on the run having played King’s Lynn last Tuesday night and hoping we have got the right result.

Mascots

Our visitors have had an up and down season.

Having said that at the time of writing they are only 10 points behind Wrexham who are sitting in a play-off place and who we played last Saturday at the Racecourse Ground. Talking of the Wrexham match, what a result and performance. Probably one of the best of the season, a nice touch from Wrexham in their support for Connor.

After today’s match we have two tough away fixtures at Boreham Wood and then we travel over the Pennines to visit FC Halifax Town.

We will then be at the start of May with just six fixtures to take place, four at home and two away. This, of course, doesn’t include the play-offs but before we look to them there are a large number of points to play for. Anyone’s guess which position any of the top 10 teams in the table will finish in.

We still have a couple of virtual mascots available for our last home games of the season. If any of you would like to be a mascot please contact either Brenda on 07720591316 or myself on 07921810464.

That’s all for this time. Enjoy the steaming if you are watching the match.

This afternoon’s mascots are brother and sister, Hector and Darcie.

Both 9-year-old Hector and 6-year-old Darcie attend St Philip’s School and will be cheering County on from home today!

Hector plays for Reddish North End under-10s and his favourite player is Ash Palmer, whilst Darcie’s favourite player is Alex Reid.

Ian Butterworth 47

All Past Players Following on from the successful All Past Opponents feature that has run over the last few seasons, we begin our All Past Players series which profiles the men who have worn the County shirts of various colours over the years.

The basis of these articles will be the years of research done by those who were or have been official or unofficial historians of the club. Starting back in the 1960s with Simon Myers, through Peter Freeman and Richard Harnwell and on to Marcus Heap and Ian Watts. These researches eventually led to Peter’s books and then to the Stockport County Appearance Number (SCAN) scheme.

JABEZ FOULKES Even by the standards of the day Jabber was described as diminutive; the winger standing 5’ 6” tall. He had played as an amateur for Fryston Colliery and Huddersfield Town before joining County. His impressive scoring record, during five years on the books, was 37 goals in 162 games, despite his main role being supplying the inside forwards. After leaving he continued in the Football League with Bradford (PA), Halifax Town, and Crewe Alexandra until the war.

JIMMY STEVENSON You would probably need the whole page to give due tribute to James Tervit Stevenson’s contribution to the club, and another one or two as well.

48

The Newmains-born forward was only with us for a few years as a player, but that debut game, a 5-1 win over Darlington in which he scored, was the start of service that lasted until the 1970s with little time away. He figured in 110 games as a player and scored 43 times. His playing time away saw a short spell with Walsall and as Player-Manager of Macclesfield but he was back after the war and worked at various times as Chief Scout, Assistant Trainer and Reserve Team Trainer.

ALF LYTHGOE Alf was the most revered goalscorer in the club’s preWW2 history, and can still be regarded as one of the top three alongside Jack Connor and Kevin Francis.

He scored over 100 goals in just 119 Football League games. He had been terrorising Cheshire League defences for some years when County moved to bring him into the pro game, his most recent club being Ashton National. His first-team chances improved as the club looked to sell some of their higherrated players. After two years Huddersfield pounced to sign Alf, but he was back in 1938 and although he could do nothing about relegation the veteran added further goals back in the Northern section.

LEN JONES Often regarded as a Welshman given his service to Rhyl both before and after joining the Hatters, but hailed from Birkenhead. The centre half stayed with the Hatters until war broke out and made that role his own with nearly 230 appearances.

Player Joe Griffiths John Smith George Carr Percy Downes Jabez Foulkes Ted Humpish Jimmy Stevenson

Debut 23.01.1932 28.03.1932 27.08.1932 27.08.1932 27.08.1932 27.08.1932 27.08.1932

Alf Lythgoe

19.11.1932

JOE HILL Reports of Joe often reflect on his key place as a member of the team with a prominent role. He scored on his debut at Carlisle United in a 2-2 draw, and added 70 more goals in his 154 starts.

His football before that move to QPR was played in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire aside from a spell in Torquay.

Joe was one of a number of men who were released when County lost their Division 2 place and he moved to Walsall.

Charlie Robinson Jack Stevens Harry Watson John Johnman Les Wilkins Len Jones Jock Leckie Billy Pick Joe Hill Dick Finnigan Harold Taylor Tommy Feeney Alec Betton Albert Lumberg George McKenzie Leonard Caiels Eddie Green Ken Haigh Bob Still John Dunkerley Syd Urwin Billy McNaughton Arthur Welsby Les Cant Bert Hales Frank McDonough Jimmy Collins John Stanger Samuel Bullock Wilf Aspinall George Wilson Bill Smith Billy Titterington Alec Scott Tom Brennan Oliver Tidman Billy Scott Joe Mawson Johnny Torbet William Pollock Jack Daniels

17.12.1932 17.12.1932 28.01.1933 17.04.1933 28.08.1933 02.09.1933 23.09.1933 23.09.1933 26.12.1933 30.03.1934 16.04.1934 23.04.1934 25.08.1934 25.08.1934 25.08.1934 01.09.1934 01.09.1934 01.09.1934 29.09.1934 13.10.1934 13.10.1934 27.10.1934 17.11.1934 15.12.1934 15.12.1934 22.12.1934 19.01.1935 02.02.1935 02.03.1935 09.03.1935 11.03.1935 19.04.1935 27.04.1935 29.04.1935 31.08.1935 31.08.1935 10.09.1935 16.09.1935 16.09.1935 26.09.1935 19.10.1935

Danny Ferguson

23.11.1935

ALBERT LUMBERG Another to join from a Southern club, although his reputation had been built with Wrexham and Wolverhampton. He had been a full international with Wales just two years before heading to County, but he stayed for just a short time. In fact, the full-back played just twice before continuing his travels which took in time at Clapton Orient, New Brighton and Newry Town amongst others.

BOB STILL This left half-back saw his County career brought to an end just before the war. He had been spotted playing for Chorley, after turning out for other clubs in that area. Although he did not contribute much to the goals figures in what would now be regarded as a midfield role, his defensive contribution impressed the club officials and managers as Bob chalked up 175 appearances. Some forty of those came as he claimed a Division Three North winners’ medal with the club in 1936-37. He signed on with Crewe Alexandra for the ill-fated 1939-40 season.

Signed From Wolverhampton W Ferguson Palin Leicester C Hull C Huddersfield T Bristol C Aldershot T Walsall Ashton National Huddersfield T Coventry C Yeovil & Petters U Witton A Motherwell Swindon T Rhyl Ath Port Vale Barrow Queens Park R Chester Southport Lincoln C Newcastle U Brighton & HA Hull C Linfield Manchester U Bradford C Chorley Manchester U Fleetwood Hull C Exeter C Bury Chesterfield Blackpool Rochdale Workington Oakengates T Workington Workington Boldon Colliery Fleetwood Harton CW Blackburn Rov Aston Villa Darlington Nottingham For Burton A Chelsea None Ashton National Halifax T

49

County Heaven Sandbach Hatter writes: Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to today’s visitors to Edgeley Park, the ‘Magpies’ of Maidenhead.

Normally at this point, myself or Maccy (depending on whose turn it is to go first) would start the article with some dreadful puns relating to our opponents’ nickname, but since we have already played the ‘Magpies’ of Notts County a couple of months ago, I don’t feel comfortable rehashing old material. Ok, none of you would notice, but I do still have a small amount of dignity left.

What I will do is draw your attention to a little-known section at the bottom of the County Heaven homepage, where we have stored all of our ‘Indices’ from previous years. Having started with ‘C.H.A.O.S. – County Heaven’s Anecdotes of Sport’ way back in 2013 (which later spawned a sequel under the very clever title of ‘C.H.A.O.S. 2’, not to mention a *best-selling* book), we went on to create further A-Z anthologies of our favourite County players, films, music, pethates and unusual football teams from around the globe.

These Indices represent nearly a decade of what makes County Heaven so special and are a 50

fantastic reference point for anyone yearning for some interesting – and often hilarious – reading material.

Why not give one of them a try and let us all know what you think (or even add your own contribution to the page!)?

With that, it is now time to hand you over to my esteemed co-contributor (and my alltime favourite person from Macclesfield), Maccy. We truly are a match Maiden Heaven, aren’t we?!

Hatter in Macc writes: Indeed we are, Sandy. And a-Head of the rest, too!

And so to the Magpies, who follow directly in the perching footsteps of Bromley’s ‘Ravens’ and King’s Lynn’s ‘Linnets’ to complete a hat-trick of aviannicknamed visitors to SK3 this month.

A repeat of Tuesday night’s performance here against Lynn, which yielded our best home league goal-haul in the current campaign, would obviously be welcome - a case, if you will, of ‘two for joy’, so far as this week is concerned - although matches against Maidenhead, both at our current level and, three seasons ago, in the FA Trophy, have invariably been tight affairs, so we may well see

a different type of contest unfurl this lunchtime.

Interestingly - well, fairly interestingly - today’s early kick-off replicates precisely the 12:30 start of our one previous National League meeting with Maidenhead at EP. On the previous occasion, the opening day of last season that marked County’s return to this tier after a six-year absence, ours was the match chosen for live coverage - although the subsequent televisual feast served up was probably not one for the neutrals, and certainly not one for any viewing Hatters, as the Magpies stole away down to Berkshire with all three points following their single-goal victory.

Nearly half of the players - Ben Hinchliffe, Sam Minihan, Ash Palmer, Jordan Keane and Adam Thomas - who started that game back in early August 2019 remain with the club, and most of that quintet has played a part in helping achieve our current, good run of nine undefeated league matches, as well as nine without a loss at Fortress Edgeley. Let us hope that we are into double figures on both counts, and - of course - past the 60-point mark, come 2:15 today.

Enjoy the game.

Animo et Fide. www.countyheaven.com

Strawberry Radio Chris Ridgway

It’s crazy how a football season can twist and turn inside and out. It wasn’t long ago Sutton looked like they could run away with things, now if we win our games in hand we’re joint top!

We should be used to it, it happened in our promotion last time and it happened in the 90’s, but every time it seems to catch you by surprise!

County look absolutely ruthless at the minute, and while the title is still some ask, it is certainly within the sights again as Simon Rusk is due enormous praise, he’s got this team absolutely firing after bringing in a number of new faces - something never easy to do.

I have this feeling back now, where I’m always confident we’re going to win games. I mean no disrespect to Maidenhead, just as I didn’t towards King’s Lynn - but the feeling that players from previous generations have said on the podcast feels like it’s encapsulated the County dressing room again we’re going to win.

It’s not an arrogance, we’re not getting complacent, there’s just significant belief and trust in the players themselves and those around them that just makes playing against them very difficult. We never give up.

Winning, drawing or losing - this County team will push and press relentlessly and we’re now seeing the fruits of these labours.

In months gone by, certainly within Simon’s first few games, it

County look ruthless at the moment

seemed nothing was going our way, I remember interviewing Ash Palmer after a game and he was understandably exasperated. Liam Hogan had been wrongly sent off, we’d had chance after chance not go in and ended up coming away empty-handed.

County stayed professional, stuck to our guns and now are in the title race.

Staying professional, having faith in one another and trusting those around you only comes when you have a solid, and united, dressing room. You only get that if there’s confidence in the club and every level of it, and that confidence comes when supporters can see,

and be vocal, about what they’re seeing. At the moment, all of the above are falling into place, and it’s not typified in a way more significant than the rally around Connor Jennings.

Summed up in a flag that shows support, and emboldened by training tops before games - the team, and the club, are functioning as one. I’m delighted to see it, and I know other fans are too.

Football is going to keep delivering the unexpected, and we may win the title, we may not - but this team here are fighting, for each other and for us.

Let’s go lads!

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51

Oshor Williams As we enter the business end of the season our remaining games will determine the immediate future of the club. Players and staff will be excited and a touch anxious during this final period, fully aware of what is riding on results over the next couple of months.

But for hundreds of young players the end of the season will herald the end of their own personal football journey as clubs all over the country release many of those completing apprenticeships within the Academy system. Even in a good year no more than 50% of those who joined clubs in 2019 at the age of 16 will be offered terms of further engagement at the end of their training programme which is a high attrition rate in any employment sector. But young footballers are particularly vulnerable as they are often locked into their ‘football identity’ since early childhood.

Bayern Munich were considering abolishing their Under-9 and Under-10 teams and raising the entry age for their Academy to Under-11 to provide more leisure time for their young players which will enable them to try other sports 52

The scramble to unearth the next Phil Foden or Mason Mount has become so competitive that clubs have scouts scouring the playing fields to assess players as young as 6 and 7 years old.

Though they can’t be registered with a club until they are in their Under-9 phase of development, they are allowed to train and be ‘associated’ with clubs earlier. The rationale behind this is that, in order to reach their full potential, young players need to undertake structured practice and training (usually six to eight hours per week) to gain full mastery of their art.

Once registered with a club, youngsters are denied the opportunity to play schools football, or grassroots football with their pals. Nor are they encouraged to engage in other sports despite the obvious sport-specific transferrable skills they possess. When I was at school, the best footballers were also the most accomplished across a multitude of sports whether it be cricket, rugby, athletics or basketball and undoubtedly benefited from this wider participation. I’m not saying it made them better footballers, but it certainly made them more well-rounded individuals. Long-term studies have shown that learning different sporting skills and abilities can actually have a positive impact on football performance.

Interestingly, I read that famous German club Bayern Munich were considering abolishing their Under-9 and Under-10 teams and raising the entry

If becoming the next Wayne Rooney is the benchmark then it is an almost impossible one

age for their Academy to Under-11 to provide more leisure time for their young players which will enable them to try other sports. It will be fascinating to see how that initiative works out.

For those who remain in the system from their Under-9 phase through to completion of their twoyear apprenticeship at the age of 18, half their lives will have been spent within a singular and quite unique environment. Being told that you must now leave that environment must be like your parents telling you to pack your bags and get out on your eighteenth birthday! Readjusting to the ‘normal’ world must come as a terrific shock and there is evidence that stress, anxiety and depression are becoming more prevalent amongst youngsters released by clubs. Whilst the clubs, and football’s stakeholders, are undertaking a lot of work to support those released at the end of the season there needs to be a joined-up approach to this dilemma.

We must also revisit the notion of what constitutes success because if becoming the next Wayne Rooney is the benchmark for success it is an almost impossible benchmark to achieve for those completing apprenticeships in this or any year. Football must look closely at its recruitment model to address what is termed the early professionalisation of young people and consider what happens to those who do not make it as

Clubs are scrambling to unearth the next Phil Foden or Mason Mount

professionals. At the very least the system should strive to ensure that young people entering Academy programmes leave better equipped for the next phase of their life’s journey than when they arrived.

Enjoy the game.

Osh 53

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Deadly Duos Steven Davies

Kevin Cooper & Tom Bennett As we approach the last handful of games this season there are not many deadly duos left to write about. I have tried to provide a broader spectrum and not concentrate on a particular season or just strikers. By throwing the odd keeper as well as defender in, because after all – they all play a part in the squad.

Today, though, I am returning to the mid-to-late ‘90s and I am going to write about two of our midfielders that really played a part in us not only gaining promotion, but the seasons that followed.

Scottish midfielder Tom Bennett had come up through the ranks at Aston Villa before getting a transfer to Wolves in the late 1980s, where he played in well over 100 games before being signed

by County manager Dave Jones for £75,000 and soon became a first-choice player.

Winger Kevin Cooper on the other hand was struggling to get first-team football whilst at Derby County, so in March 1997 Dave Jones signed him as well initially on loan where he made his debut against Carlisle in a 0-0 draw.

“Coops” who was a winger with the ability to cut in from the wing rather than just crossing the ball started all but one game for the remainder of that season and whilst also scoring winning goals against Crewe and Bristol Rovers.

Kevin Cooper and Tom Bennett

Around the millennium Tom Bennett signed for Walsall where he quickly became their captain and during his first season helped them win promotion, after that spells at Boston and Kidderminster beckoned before he retired from football in 2005.

Kevin Cooper who left County in 2001 for Wimbledon got re-signed by Dave Jones who currently was managing Wolves, where he scored in the play-offs and was again a first-team regular.

A loan spell followed where he went to Norwich and helped them win promotion, before he was signed for a third time by Dave Jones this time for Cardiff City.

After we won promotion to what is now called The Championship (Division 1 in old money) Cooper was signed on a permanent deal and both he and Bennett were pretty much always in the starting Xl.

A move into management followed and he took charge of the Cardiff Under-21 team, before moving to Malaysia to manage there where Cardiff also had links though ownership.

Cooper found the net nine times that season which for a winger is a decent run, whilst a horrific injury to Tom Bennett against Birmingham put him out of action long term and sadly he never got back into the first team. He did forge a close relationship with County physio at the time Rodger Wylde and they formed a band which was ironically called “Fracture”.

As I currently write this Coops is coaching a team in Malaysia called Armed Forces FC, which were formed to represent the Malaysian Armed Forces.

Two excellent players and I’m sure that anyone who had the pleasure of watching County play around this time would agree that in midfield they were no doubt in fact a deadly duo.

55

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57

Talking Football Sam Preston

It isn’t too often that a Champions League quarterfinal is lit up by two young English midfielders.

But Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden went toe-to-toe in recent days as Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City faced off for a place in the last four.

Foden scored the winning goal in both legs, producing a vital 90th-minute strike in Manchester before sealing the tie from outside the box eight days later.

Bellingham should have been on the scoresheet in both games too. He was robbed of a first-half equaliser at the Etihad Stadium by a ludicrous refereeing decision to award a foul on Ederson when he won the ball cleanly having had every right to make the tackle.

He opened the scoring in the return fixture and his energy

Phil Foden appears to be assured of his spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad

and endeavour was a major reason Dortmund almost sprung a surprise. It bears repeating – he’s just 17.

Injury permitting, Foden appears assured of his spot in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the

Bellingham and Foden are indicative of a wider trend in English football – the emergence of a new, more technical generation 58

rearranged Euro 2020 when it is named next month.

Bellingham is not quite a shoo-in and faces competition from the likes of Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips and Southampton’s James WardProwse for inclusion.

If Jordan Henderson isn’t fit in time for the tournament, all three men will probably be in the squad but only one of them is performing – and excelling – at Champions League level.

Bellingham and Foden are indicative of a wider trend in English football – the emergence of a new, more technical generation.

There are many emerging, young English talents

If they are the epitome of well-coached, polished academy talents, Jack Grealish is more unrefined and thrilling, but no less effective.

If fit, he should earn a spot in Southgate’s plans, but it may come at the expense of Jadon Sancho or Bukayo Saka, who are both also incredibly talented young widemen doing the business at huge clubs.

Saka has almost lifted Arsenal onto his shoulders and dragged them along at times this season, bereft of more experienced support.

Curtis Jones has established himself as a firstteamer at Liverpool with the minimum of fuss.

There are almost too many emerging, young English talents to overhype one of them; pinning the hopes of a nation on them and watching as they fail to live up to expectations.

That’s the way it should be and it’s a hugely exciting time to be an England fan. Bellingham and Foden may not be part of a trophy-winning squad this summer, but with players of their quality coming through, the chances of the Three Lions lifting silverware is increased.

Jude Bellingham

In the meantime, just enjoy watching young English kids mixing it with the best in the world on the biggest stage of all.

59

The Hatters v The Magpies

Facts & Figures Head to Head

Goals scored

Previously at EP

Played (all competitions): 5

County: 6

Played (all competitions): 2

County: 2

County: 1

Draws: 1

Draws: 0

Maidenhead: 2

Maidenhead: 5

First competitive meeting

Last time out

Saturday 3rd February 2018 FA Trophy Maidenhead 1 County 1

Previous games Saturday 14th March 2020 National League Maidenhead 1 County 2 Saturday 3rd August 2019 National League County 0 Maidenhead 1

Maidenhead: 1

Maidenhead United 0-0 County National League, Saturday 16th February 2021 County were denied a lastgasp winner by Goalkeeper Taye Ashby-Hammond who was Maidenhead’s hero at the death as they secured a goalless draw with the Hatters in the National League.

Maidenhead’s Dan Sparkes and County’s Alex Reid traded early goal threats and Will Collar went close with two headers for Stockport in a goalless first half.

Sparkes forced a good save from visiting keeper Ben Hinchliffe straight after halftime and John Rooney tested Ashby-Hammond.

Will Collar went close with two headers

Maidenhead’s Nathan Blissett headed against a post from George Wells’ corner while from a Rooney free-kick at the other end, Ash Palmer appealed in vain for a penalty.

They played for both clubs Jordan Archer, Michael Malcolm, Leslie Thompson.

60

Ashby-Hammond denied Stockport a late winner, first preventing Reid from going round him in the box and then tipping Rooney’s longrange effort onto the bar in stoppage time.

Alex Reid was denied a late winner

2020-21

CHE

Statistics Home L 3 3 4 2 5 6 4 4 6 4 4 7 4 7 6 6 6 6 5 10 7 12 0

F 27 31 25 21 24 25 22 26 27 18 18 21 21 17 25 17 24 29 22 22 23 8 0

A 14 13 14 10 11 15 12 22 26 12 17 23 13 16 21 18 20 26 18 30 27 32 0

W 6 9 10 9 8 6 7 7 7 5 6 7 3 6 5 5 4 2 3 2 3 1 0

D 7 5 3 3 2 5 3 4 4 5 7 3 4 5 4 2 4 4 2 4 1 3 0

Away L 4 2 4 5 6 3 7 6 4 6 4 7 9 8 5 9 8 11 10 9 11 10 0

2 0 3 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 6 1 6 4 0 3 2 0 0 6 6 5 0 2 0 6 0 5 0 2 -

0 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 3 0 0 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 -

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14

A 17 14 17 16 18 14 21 19 19 21 17 21 22 26 19 23 29 40 21 22 37 40 0

W 18 18 19 16 16 15 14 14 13 12 10 13 12 11 11 11 11 9 8 8 7 3 0

D 10 9 6 10 4 7 8 8 10 11 15 5 6 8 7 7 6 6 8 6 6 5 0

Total L F 7 47 5 51 8 53 7 50 11 43 9 42 11 44 10 49 10 50 10 36 8 40 14 43 13 34 15 37 11 41 15 31 14 45 17 42 15 31 19 36 18 36 22 22 0 0

Total

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Subs

Goals

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

Subs

0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 18 7 3 2 0 4 0 0 7 3 2 1 7 5 1 2 22 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 14 3 2 1 17 5 2 2 22 3 1 5 15 2 2 1 7 1 3 2 21 1 1 5 24 9 0 3 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 2 2 1 28 5 14 4 26 1 13 2 1 1 0 0 13 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 1 2 3 3 1 3 10 1 1 12 1 1 0 6 10 0 1 0 - 53 38

F 20 20 28 29 19 17 22 23 23 18 22 22 13 20 16 14 21 13 9 14 13 14 0

A 31 27 31 26 29 29 33 41 45 33 34 44 35 42 40 41 49 66 39 52 64 72 0

GD 16 24 22 24 14 13 11 8 5 3 6 -1 -1 -5 1 -10 -4 -24 -8 -16 -28 -50 0

Play-Offs: Elimination Round (5th v 6th, 4th v 7th)

Cup

Goals

League Starts

Josh Barnes Nyal Bell Richie Bennett Louis Britton Harry Cardwell Will Collar Ryan Croasdale Alex Curran Sam Dalby Jordan Downing Ross Fitzsimons Harvey Gilmour Max Greenhalgh Ben Hinchliffe Jack Hinchy Liam Hogan Jack Hopkins Connor Jennings James Jennings Jordan Keane Mark Kitching Paddy Madden Lois Maynard Sam Minihan Elliot Newby Adam Owen Ash Palmer Alex Reid John Rooney Nathan Shaw Macauley Southam-Hales Finley Stanyer Jamie Stott Jack Stretton Adam Thomas Tom Walker Jordan Williams Own goals Total

D 3 4 3 7 2 2 5 4 6 6 8 2 2 3 3 5 2 2 6 2 5 2 0

Play-Offs: Semi-Finals (2nd v 5th/6th, 3rd v 4th/7th) Starts

Player Roll-Call

W 12 9 9 7 8 9 7 7 6 7 4 6 9 5 6 6 7 7 5 6 4 2 0

Starts

Promotion

P 35 32 33 33 31 31 33 32 33 33 33 32 31 34 29 33 31 32 31 33 31 30 0

Biggest Win

Goals

National League Team Hartlepool United Sutton United Torquay United Stockport County Chesterfield Notts County Wrexham FC Halifax Town Bromley Eastleigh Boreham Wood Aldershot Town Solihull Moors Altrincham Maidenhead United Dagenham & Redbridge Yeovil Town Wealdstone Woking Weymouth King's Lynn Town Barnet Dover Athletic*

Subs

# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

STERFIELD FC

2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 21 9 4 2 1 5 0 0 7 3 2 1 7 5 1 2 28 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 39 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 36 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 20 4 3 2 18 5 2 2 28 3 1 5 19 3 2 1 7 1 3 2 24 4 1 6 26 12 0 3 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 3 4 1 34 6 18 4 31 2 18 2 1 1 0 0 15 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 0 2 2 3 3 1 8 11 1 1 12 1 1 0 8 13 0 1 0 - 67 42

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

Most Goals

Highest Attendance Lowest Attendance Top Goalscorer

Pts 64 63 63 58 52 52 50 50 49 47 45 44 42 41 40 40 39 33 32 30 27 14 0

W D W W W D D W L L D L L D W L L L L W L L -

Form Last 6 Matches W D W D W W D D D L L W W W W D W D W W W W W W D L W W L L W L L L W L D W W L L D D W W L L W D L D D D W D L W L W W W W W D W L W W L L W L L L D W L L L W W L L D W L L D W L W L L D L L W L L L L W W L L L L L L D - - - - -

Relegation

National League Records Saturday 12th December 2020 Chesterfield 6-0 Barnet Tuesday 13th October 2020 Wealdstone 2-5 Stockport County Saturday 17th October 2020 Wealdstone 4-3 Wrexham Wednesday 2nd December 2020 FC Halifax Town 5-2 Barnet Saturday 26th December 2020 Torquay United 6-1 Yeovil Town Monday 28th December 2020 Weymouth 3-4 Torquay United Saturday 23rd January 2021 Wealdstone 3-4 Aldershot Town Tuesday 13th April 2021 Woking 3-4 Bromley Saturday 26th December 2020 Torquay United 6-1 Yeovil Town 1,323 Tuesday 15th December 2020 Weymouth 2-3 Wrexham 337 Michael Cheek (Bromley) 18 = 14 Goals + 4 Penalties

Man of the Match Paddy Madden scored twice against King’s Lynn Town

# 1 2 22

National League Fair Play Team Stockport County 38 Sutton United 45 Yeovil Town 83

2 1 3

Pts 172 190 362

*Dover Athletic’s results for this season have been expunged for failing to meet fixture obligations, the player roll-call still includes our 3-0 win statistics against them Cut off dates for number of yellow cards in league matches only, cups are different: 5 = Following 23 fixtures, 10 = Following 37 fixtures, 15/20 = End of the season Automatic league suspension starts next match after an offence, automatic cup suspension starts next match after an offence in the same competition Yellow cards are specific to each competition, red cards apply across all competitions All details up to date as of Friday 16th April 2021

61

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63

2020-21

Fixtures & Results Date Opposition October 2020 Sat 3 Torquay United Tue 6 FC Halifax Town Sat 10 Dover Athletic Tue 13 Wealdstone Sat 17 Chesterfield Sat 24 Chesterfield Tue 27 Solihull Moors Sat 31 Weymouth November 2020 Wed 4 Chesterfield Sat 7 Rochdale Sun 29 Yeovil Town December 2020 Sat 5 Bromley Tue 8 Barnet Tue 15 Notts County Sat 19 Guiseley Tue 22 Hartlepool United Sat 26 Altrincham Mon 28 Wrexham January 2021 Sat 2 Altrincham Mon 11 West Ham United Sat 16 Notts County Tue 19 Dagenham & Redbridge Sat 23 Boreham Wood Sat 30 Woking February 2021 Tue 2 Sutton United Sat 6 Yeovil Town Sat 13 Aldershot Town Tue 16 Maidenhead United Sat 20 Eastleigh Tue 23 Notts County Sat 27 Chesterfield March 2021 Sat 6 Weymouth Tue 9 Solihull Moors Tue 16 Barnet Sat 20 Sutton United Tue 23 Eastleigh Sat 27 Hartlepool United April 2021 Fri 2 Aldershot Town Mon 5 Bromley Sat 10 Wrexham Tue 13 King's Lynn Town Sat 17 Maidenhead United Sat 24 Boreham Wood Tue 27 King's Lynn Town May 2021 Sat 1 FC Halifax Town Mon 3 Wealdstone Sat 8 Dover Athletic Tue 11 Dagenham & Redbridge Sat 15 Torquay United Sat 22 Woking Sat 29 Yeovil Town

64

Comp Score A H H A A H H H

Att Pos

NL NL NL NL NL FAC4Q NL NL

0-1 2-1 3-0 5-2 2-1 1-1 0-0 1-2

- 21 Hinchliffe - 10 Hinchliffe - 6 Hinchliffe - 2 Hinchliffe - 1 Hinchliffe - - Hinchliffe - 2 Hinchliffe - 2 Hinchliffe

Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan ³ Minihan Minihan Minihan

Jennings J Southam-Hales ¹ Stott Jennings J ¹ Stott ¹ Stott ³ Stott Stott ²

Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard 1 Maynard Maynard Croasdale Maynard

Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Keane Palmer 1

Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan 1 Hogan Hogan

Kitching Kitching 1 ² Kitching ² Keane Kitching 1 ² Thomas Thomas Kitching

H FAC4Q A FAC1 H FAC2

4-0 2-1 3-2

-

Keane Keane Keane

Stott Stott Stott

Croasdale Croasdale ² Croasdale ¹

Palmer Palmer Palmer 1

Hogan Hogan Hogan

Thomas Kitching Kitching ³

A A A H A A H

NL NL NL FAT3 NL NL NL

2-0 2-1 0-1 3-1 0-4 1-1 2-0

Thomas Minihan Minihan Keane Minihan Minihan Southam-Hales ¹

Jennings J Jennings J Williams Southam-Hales ¹ Williams Williams Stott

Maynard Maynard Maynard Croasdale Croasdale Maynard Maynard

Keane Keane Palmer Palmer Palmer Keane Keane 1

Hogan Hogan Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan

Kitching ³ Williams ¹ Kitching ¹ Kitching Kitching Kitching Kitching

H H H A H A

NL FAC3 FAT4 NL NL NL

2-2 0-1 1-2 2-0 1-1 4-1

-

4 4 4 3

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Barnes Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Southam-Hales ¹ Minihan 5 Southam-Hales ³ Minihan Keane Minihan

Stott Williams ³ Jennings J ¹ Stott ² Southam-Hales Southam-Hales 1 ¹

Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard

Keane Keane Palmer 1 Keane Palmer Keane

Hogan Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan

Kitching Kitching Williams Kitching Kitching ¹ Kitching

H H H A A H H

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

0-2 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 2-0

-

5 3 4 4 6 6 4

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Minihan Southam-Hales Southam-Hales Southam-Hales Southam-Hales Minihan Minihan

Southam-Hales Stott Jennings J Stott Stott ¹ Jennings J Jennings J 1

Maynard ² Croasdale Maynard Maynard ³ Minihan Croasdale Croasdale

Keane Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan

Kitching ¹ Williams ¹ Williams Collar ² Collar ³ Walker ¹ Walker ²

A A H A H H

NL NL NL NL NL NL

0-1 5-0 2-1 1-1 3-0 1-1

-

4 4 5 4 4 4

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan ³

Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J 1 Jennings J Jennings J

Croasdale Maynard Maynard Maynard ³ Croasdale Croasdale

Palmer ³ Keane Keane Keane Palmer Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan 1 Hogan Keane Keane

Walker ² Walker 1 Walker ² Stretton ² Walker ² Shaw ¹

A H A H H A A

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

2-1 0-0 3-0 4-0

-

4 4 4 4

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Minihan Southam-Hales Southam-Hales Southam-Hales ²

Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J

Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale

Palmer 1 Palmer Palmer Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan

Walker ³ Walker ² Walker Walker

A H A H H H A

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

C-C

-

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

1,031 11 Hinchliffe 792 5 Hinchliffe - 10 Hinchliffe - - Barnes - 13 Hinchliffe - 9 Hinchliffe - 4 Hinchliffe

Key:

CHE

STERFIELD FC

Bold = Goalscorer 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 = 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th / 5th Sub / = Yellow / Red Card = Penalty, * = Own Goal = Lost 6-7 on Penalties, = After Extra Time # = West Ham United additional unused substitutes: Jennings J, Stott

Rooney Rooney Rooney 2 Rooney 3 ³ Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney 2 Rooney 1 ¹ Rooney 1

Bennett ² Bennett Bennett ³ Bennett 1 Bennett Bennett ¹ Bennett ² Bennett ³ ² Bennett 1 ¹ Thomas Thomas ²

Jennings C ³ Jennings C ³ Jennings C ¹ Jennings C Jennings C Keane Jennings C ¹ Croasdale

Reid ¹ Keane Keane Reid ² Keane Reid ² Reid Reid ¹

Jennings C Reid 1 ³ Jennings C Reid 1 ³ 4 Jennings C 1 Reid

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

Stott Jennings J ² Jennings J ² Kitching ¹ Jennings J ² Jennings C ² Hopkins Jennings C ²

Keane ¹ Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Croasdale Croasdale ³ Owen Keane

Thomas ³ Thomas 1 ¹ Thomas ³ Thomas ² Thomas ³ Southam-Hales Southam-Hales ¹ Thomas ³

Bell ² Reid ³ Reid 1 ¹ Bell Reid 1 ¹ Bell ¹ Bell ² Britton ¹

Barnes Barnes Barnes

Hopkins ³ Jennings J Jennings J

Maynard ¹ Maynard ¹ Maynard 4

Southam-Hales ² Stanyer Southam-Hales Britton ³ Bennett ² Britton

Rooney 1 Rooney Rooney Gilmour ² Rooney Croasdale Croasdale

Bennett ² Bennett ² Bennett Britton ³ Bennett ¹ Thomas ¹ Bennett 1 ³

Jennings C Jennings C ³ Keane ² Jennings C Keane Jennings C 1 Jennings C

Reid 1 ¹ Reid 2 Reid Reid 2 Reid Reid Reid ²

Barnes Barnes Barnes Hinchliffe Barnes Barnes Barnes

Minihan ¹ Kitching ¹ Jennings C ² Hinchy Stott Stott Minihan ¹

Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Rooney 1 ² Gilmour Gilmour Gilmour

Williams ³ Thomas ³ Thomas ¹ ³ Hogan Southam-Hales ¹ Southam-Hales ¹ Williams ²

Britton ² Britton ² Britton Bennett Britton Bennett Britton ³

Rooney 1 Rooney 4 Croasdale Rooney Rooney 1 Rooney 1 ³

Bennett ³ Croasdale Bennett Bennett 1 ³ Bennett Croasdale

Croasdale Jennings C ² Jennings C ² Croasdale Jennings C Jennings C 1

Reid 1 ² Reid ¹ Thomas Reid 1 ¹ Reid ² Reid 1 ²

Barnes Barnes Hinchliffe Barnes Barnes Barnes

Minihan ¹ Hinchy 4 Minihan ² Jennings C ³ Minihan Palmer ³

Gilmour Gilmour Rooney Palmer Stott Stott

Williams ² Southam-Hales ² Hogan Williams ¹ Williams ¹ Williams ²

Thomas ³ Thomas ³ Reid ³ Thomas ² Croasdale ² Bennett ¹

Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney ³

Croasdale Bennett Bennett Keane Bennett ² Dalby Dalby ¹

Jennings C Jennings C Walker ² Walker ¹ Gilmour Gilmour Gilmour

Reid ³ Reid 1 ² Reid ¹ Reid Reid Reid ² Reid 1

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

Palmer ² Jennings J ² Stott Jennings J Jennings J ¹ Keane Keane ³

Stott Maynard Collar ¹ Williams ³ Williams ³ Collar ² Collar ²

Williams ¹ Minihan ¹ Minihan ² Minihan ² Maynard Maynard Cardwell ¹

Bennett ³ Thomas Keane Bennett ¹ Dalby ² Bennett ¹ Newby

Newby Rooney 2 ² Newby ³ Newby ¹ Newby ¹ Newby

Dalby ¹ Croasdale Croasdale Madden Madden ³ Madden 1

Collar Cardwell 1 ¹ Cardwell ¹ Croasdale Cardwell 1 Collar

Reid Reid ³ Reid Reid Collar 1 Reid ²

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

Keane ² Newby ² Shaw Walker ² Shaw ² Walker

Maynard Collar Collar ² Collar Stretton Stretton ³

Cardwell ¹ Stretton 1 ¹ Stretton 1 ³ Southam-Hales ¹ Southam-Hales ³ Southam-Hales ¹

Bennett ³ Bennett ³ Madden ¹ Bennett ³ Reid 1 ¹ Cardwell ²

Stretton 1 ¹ Rooney Rooney 1 ² Rooney 1

Madden Madden Madden ¹ Madden 2

Cardwell Cardwell Cardwell ³ Cardwell ¹

Collar ² Collar ¹ Reid 2 Reid 1 ³

Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons

Newby Newby ¹ Newby ¹ Newby

Rooney ¹ Keane Maynard ² Williams ³

Southam-Hales ² Minihan ² Minihan ³ Minihan ²

Reid ³ Reid Collar Collar ¹

Stanyer

Hopkins

Williams ² Williams ³

Minihan Minihan ¹

Williams ³

Minihan ¹

Palmer 5 Kitching ¹

Bennett ¹ # Keane

65

National League News CHE

STERFIELD FC

We have no way of knowing quite yet, though we might just have experienced one of the pivotal weeks in the promotion race, with impressive away wins, unfortunate injuries and home-town heroes creating the headlines in recent days.

The biggest news came from Gander Green Lane, home of second-placed Sutton United, who missed out on the chance to return to the top of the table, losing 1-0 to former leagueleaders Torquay. It was a significant setback for Sutton, with their opponents drawing level with them on 63 points. Torquay captain Asa Hall grabbed the all-important goal, with just ten minutes to go, to move The Gulls to within one point of current table-toppers Hartlepool United.

The defeat brought Sutton’s 15-game unbeaten run to an end, though it also marked a fourth game without a win and a third consecutive goalless outing for Matt Gray’s men. On the flip-side, Torquay have rallied superbly from a period of poor form that dogged them from late February to mid-March and had threatened to curtail their promotion push.

They have now won six of their last seven, becoming a key player in the promotion battle once more.

With just six weeks of the season remaining the league is perfectly poised at present and fans can excitedly scan the fixture lists searching for season-defining games. Could Sutton v Hartlepool on May 22nd be the one that decides the title, or might there be a significant plot twist when County meet Torquay on May 15th?

We look set for a fascinating finale.

Hartlepool supporters might have had a wobble this week, when news broke of their star ‘keeper Ben Killip being

66

ruled out for the rest of the season.

Killip sustained elbow ligament damage in a recent game against Boreham Wood, a game which saw him exit the field on 36 minutes with his team 2-1 down and without a sub goalkeeper on the bench. Up stepped forward Rhys Oates, who remarkably kept a clean sheet for the remainder of the game, which Pools drew 2-2!

There’s no doubt that Killip’s injury is a significant blow to the club though, for the former Grimsby goalie has only conceded 25 goals in 29 times.

He has also kept 13 clean sheets to make him the second-safest pair of hands in the league, behind our very own Ben Hinchliffe.

Pools have also brought in a new striker this week, securing the signature of Danny Elliott from Chester. Elliott is a 25-year-old Nottingham native, who represented Forest and Aston Villa as a youth player, before embarking on a nomadic journey that has so far included four years in America playing for three different clubs, a brief stop at a third division team in Spain, six games for Port Vale, five goals in five games at Alfreton on loan and then this - the best season of his career to date - during which he scored 8 in 22 for Chester in the National League North before their league was suspended. He also has a degree in economics for good measure!

Elsewhere, Wrexham were lauding their home-town hero Jordan Davies

on Tuesday night as he smashed a 35-minute hat-trick at Halifax, with fellow forward Dior Angus also on the scoresheet as a rampant Red Dragons humbled their hosts. Davies himself expressed his surprise postmatch, having more than doubled his career goals tally in a little over half an hour, though the shock result also sent a statement to all involved in the play-off race that Wrexham are still very much in the mix, despite suffering three straight losses prior to Tuesday’s turnaround in fortunes.

Halifax manager Pete Wild, who recently celebrated signing a new two-year contract at the club, could only bemoan a “mad half-hour” as his team’s five-game unbeaten home run was convincingly quashed. The Shaymen also swapped places in the league with Wrexham, with the Welsh club back in the final play-off place on 50 points.

Bromley also kept their play-off dreams alive with a fine comeback win at Woking, to secure their first victory under new manager Andy Woodman. Goals in the 83rd and 88th minutes, the latter an own goal, earned them a 4-3 win to move within one point of the play-offs.

All of a sudden the significance of every point in the promotion push seems magnified, with all the twists and turns thrilling and frustrating those involved in equal measure. Here’s hoping County continue to keep calm and carry on!

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Stockport County 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 34

Ben Hinchliffe Sam Minihan James Jennings Liam Hogan Ash Palmer Lois Maynard Adam Thomas John Rooney Connor Jennings Jordan Williams The Blue & White Army Mark Kitching Jamie Stott Jordan Keane Macauley Southam-Hales Ryan Croasdale Alex Reid Joshua Barnes Harvey Gilmour Finley Stanyer Jack Hopkins Adam Owen Ross Fitzsimons Jack Hinchy Will Collar Tom Walker Harry Cardwell Elliot Newby Paddy Madden

Maidenhead United [1357] [1359] [1397] [1395] [1372] [1394] [1373] [1400] [1339] [1404] [1398] [1380] [1370] [1401] [1402] [1399] [1407]

[1405]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 25 26 28

Taye Ashby-Hammond Jerry Wiltshire George Wells Shaun Donnellan Manny Parry Remy Clerima Josh Coley James Comley Nathan Blissett Danilo Orsi Dan Sparkes Bradley Keetch Rohan Ince Seth Twumasi Ryheem Sheckleford Reece Smith Alfie Egan Ryan Upward Josh Kelly Rhys Lovett Alan Massey Sam Barratt Josh Oluwayemi Josh Smile

[1406] [1388] [1409] [1410] [1412]

The numbers in brackets are each player’s unique Stockport County Appearance Number (SCAN), showing his position in the list of players to make their debut for the club in a senior competitive game. For more information please visit www.scanscheme.org

Today’s other Vanarama National League fixtures (12:30pm unless stated)

FC Halifax Town v King’s Lynn Town (12:15) Altrincham v Sutton United Barnet v Aldershot Town Chesterfield v Bromley Dagenham & Redbridge v Solihull Moors Notts County v Eastleigh Wealdstone v Hartlepool United Woking v Wrexham Yeovil Town v Boreham Wood

Match Officials Referee Robert Massey-Ellis Assistant Referee 1 Nicholas Hawksby Assistant Referee 2 Kieran Johnson Fourth Official Jake Topp

Next At Edgeley Park

Wealdstone Monday 3rd May 2021 Kick-off: 3.00pm Vanarama National League

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