Stockport County v Eastleigh by Duplexity Artwork

Official Matchday Programme

vs Eastleigh Tuesday 23rd March Kick-off 7:00pm

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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: Karl Lenaghan 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: Mike O’Brien 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

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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, Chris Ridgway, Oshor Williams, Steven Davies, Dave Wardle, Stephen Kenneth, Steve Bellis, Alex Cowdy, Jon Keighren. Thanks to: Tom Mulholland at Eastleigh FC & Martin Bellis 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

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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, and welcome back once again for another game under the floodlights at Edgeley Park. A warm welcome also to Ben Strevens, his players and all the staff and representatives of Eastleigh who have made the journey up for this game. Eastleigh’s results this season have shown they’re a side to be taken seriously in the play-off picture, and I’m sure they’ll be looking to build on a good win against an in-form Halifax side at the weekend. For ourselves, we come into this one on the back of gaining a very late point away at Sutton on Saturday, a result we fully merited on the back of a really strong second-half performance. To come back and recover from going a goal down, and to react in the way we did against a side flying in the league right now, showed an unbelievable desire, resilience and commitment those are all key attributes I know this group of players possess. This is a really demanding time for the players right now with the games coming thick and fast and still so much to play for, but the spirit and unity of this team right now is what will maintain our energy over the next few months, and I’ve been really impressed with the attitude of every one of my players. We have added to the group in recent weeks with several

individually talented players, but to succeed as a group we must continue to move forward as one whole unified club and team in order to achieve success, and I feel we’re in a great position to do that right now. It’s frustrating that you can’t be with us inside the ground right now to cheer us on, but our conversations as a group have always been about how much we

want to give you all something really special to get behind, especially at the end of a difficult time for everyone. On behalf of myself, my players and my staff, I want to thank you for your continued support – it continues to motivate us every single day. Enjoy the game today. Simon 05

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Club News Nyal Bell joins Altrincham on loan Striker Nyal Bell has joined Altrincham on loan until the end of the season. Nyal has scored 18 goals in 88 appearances for the Hatters since joining from Gateshead in 2018. The 23-year-old has made three appearances off the bench for County so far this season before enjoying a loan spell at FC Halifax, scoring three goals in seven appearances. We’d like to wish Nyal the best of luck during his time on loan at Moss Lane.

County Heroes: Steve Cunningham We hear of fans’ inspiring stories, generosity and acts of kindness within the community and we want to help give them the recognition they deserve. Our next County Hero is Steve Cunningham, who has given people a real sense of belonging and ownership through his not for profit organisation, ACE. Read the full story on the Club’s website.

Dagenham fixture given new date

Our National League fixture at home to Dagenham & Redbridge has been given a new date of Tuesday 11th May, with kick-off at 7pm. The game was originally due to take place on Saturday 13th March, but was postponed due to a positive Covid test in the Dagenham ranks. The game will now take place in between games at home to Wealdstone and Torquay United.

Frank Worthington Everyone at Stockport County is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Frank Worthington, at the age of 72. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time. A full obituary for Frank will be uploaded to the Club Site in due course.

Full match details will be announced closer to the time. 07

Harry Cardwell Harry Cardwell has certainly hit the ground running in the opening weeks of his County career. The on-loan striker showed his quality coming off the bench on his debut in County’s impressive 2-0 win over in-form Chesterfield at Edgeley Park and at Weymouth in the following game. And he followed up his excellent performances with a deserved goal in County’s 5-0 demolition of Solihull Moors, before he suffered a slight knock in the first half against Barnet which caused him to miss Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Sutton United. Cardwell, who is hoping to recover from injury in time to be in contention for tonight’s game, has impressed massively at County and his physical strength, willingness to bring midfielders into play, and eye for goal will be vital as the season enters its do-or-die stage. Moving to a new club can understandably pose its challenges, but Cardwell has settled in quickly and says that making the move to Edgeley Park at the same time as on-loan Chorley team-mate Elliot Newby was a big help. 09

“It’s been really good,” said Harry on the opening weeks of his County career so far. “I’ve really enjoyed the last couple of weeks or so, we’ve got a good squad, we’re doing well, and it always helps settle quickly into a new club when you get off the mark. Signing at the same time as Elliot was helpful in helping me settle in as we were both in the same boat and I also knew Will Collar from my time at Brighton Under-23s. “As a striker, you want to get off the mark as soon as possible and to score on my first start was very pleasing.” Off the pitch, Cardwell said he was extremely impressed by the County set-up behind the scenes. “It’s amazing,” he said. “The stadium and the training ground are next level. We’ve got a great group of players with a lot of quality and the training ground is the best place I’ve ever trained at. The new players coming in to add to the current group can only be a good thing for the Club. It’s a very impressive squad with a lot of competition for places.” So what does Harry feel are his main qualities that he can offer in the crucial weeks ahead? “I look to hold the ball up, to link up the midfield, and get behind defences as well. I can learn off strikers such as Paddy Madden, who has just arrived at the Club, and has been a top, top goalscorer in League One, he’s a great player to learn from.” The opportunity to bring in Cardwell came as a result of the unfortunate circumstances in the National League North and South, after the 2020/21 season was declared null and void. Harry, who joined Chorley permanently in the summer, has one cap for Scotland Under-21s, having previously spent time in Reading and Brighton’s academy before a three-year spell with Grimsby in the Football League. Cardwell impressed during Chorley’s recent run to the Fourth Round of the Emirates FA Cup, finding the net in the Magpies’ 3-2 win away at League One Wigan Athletic in the First Round. Harry thought he would get the opportunity to face County last September, but a planned pre-season friendly between the Hatters and Chorley at Victory Park was called off due to positive Covid tests in the home squad. 10

And he is looking forward to stepping out at Edgeley Park in front of a packed home crowd once the restrictions are eased and supporters are allowed to return to football stadiums. “I can’t wait,” said Harry. “It’s been a strange season and the games remind me of when I played in the Under-23s with no fans. I’m used to it now but it does level up the games. Some places you would say are tough places to go and can be intimidating is no longer the case because the stadiums are empty.” This evening County welcome play-off chasing Eastleigh to SK3, buoyed from the late, late goal which earned a point from last Saturday’s draw at leaders Sutton United. Harry believes confidence is high from James Jennings’ 94thminute goal, and he is confident the Hatters can take that morale boost into this evening’s game. “James’ goal was a real boost and to equalise so late in the game was definitely a point gained. We’ve got a huge week ahead with the game this evening as well as Hartlepool on Saturday so we know we’ve got to be 100 per cent in every game to pick up the points.”

Favourite TV programme? Game of Thrones Best moment of your career? The FA Cup run at Chorley – scoring at Wigan. Best goal? Scoring on my debut for Chorley at Aldershot. Boyhood team? Manchester United Biggest influence on your career? My Dad, and my Academy Manager at Reading – Eamonn Dolan Best stadium played in? The Emirates If you could buy a ticket for one sporting event what would it be? World Cup Final If you could change one rule in football what would it be? VAR – if you are watching football. There’s no VAR in our league!

Welcome...

Eastleigh We welcome Eastleigh FC to Edgeley Park for tonight’s twice-rearranged fixture, for just the Hampshire club’s second-ever visit to SK3.

It’s a 400-plus mile round trip for the players and staff to undertake from the South coast, and even in normal times may be the kind of away game that only the most ardent travelling fan embarks upon, especially on these dark and chilly nights! The Hampshire side currently sit in ninth position in the table, having won 11 and drawn 10 of their 28 games this season. Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Halifax, courtesy of a Tyrone Barnett volley, secured The Spitfires a muchneeded first win in six games, ensuring they remain in contention for a play-off place. Ben Strevens’ men are just a point away from seventh at present, and just four points behind County in fourth, and look handily placed going into the final third of the season. Although the wins had dried up prior to Saturday, Eastleigh did go eight unbeaten between late January and early March, which included a 1-0 win over County in our first-ever trip to the Silverlake Stadium. Throughout the season Eastleigh have proven difficult to beat, losing just seven times - a record equal to all of the promotion chasers and bettered only by tabletoppers Sutton United. 12

FACT FILE Nickname: The Spitfires Founded: 1946 Stadium: The Silverlake Stadium Capacity: 5,192 Address: Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, Hampshire Postcode: SO50 9HT Distance from Edgeley Park: 220.6 miles (3 hours 48 minutes) Current league position: 9th

Even when falling to defeat, The Spitfires have only lost by more than a one goal margin on two occasions. Eastleigh have won four times on the road in their 13 away games so far, with the most notable success being their opening day rout of Barnet, when five different goalscorers earned Eastleigh a superb 5-1 win. Victories away to Bromley, Yeovil Town and Boreham Wood have since followed, with summer signing Ben House on target in three of those four wins.

House has really made a home at Eastleigh after joining on a free transfer from Reading. The 21-year-old Scotland youth international settled into his new place immediately, netting five times in his first month at the club and being chosen as the National League ‘Player of the Month’ for November. The goals have dried up somewhat in recent times for the young striker, though the vastly experienced Tyrone Barnett has filled the void admirably, with his Saturday strike being his ninth of the season.

The Gaffer: Ben Strevens After a brief five games as interim manager, Strevens was named permanent Eastleigh boss in November 2018. Strevens played over 100 times for the Spitfires as a player and his talent on the field has continued off it, as he was successful in taking Eastleigh all the way to the National League play-off semi-final in his first season. The manager’s playing days were spent with 11 different clubs across 19 years, and he is now entering his second full season in charge at the Silverlake.

Memory Match: 9th January 2016 FA Cup Third Round

Non-league side Eastleigh came within minutes of upsetting Bolton as their FA Cup tie ended all-square. Darren Pratley spared bottom-of-the-Championship Bolton’s blushes when he pounced on a loose ball in the area to equalise three minutes from time. Eastleigh led through a Dorian Dervite own goal just after half-time. The centre-back turned Jai Reason’s dangerous cross past his own goalkeeper as an upset looked on. The game in Hampshire survived three pitch inspections before finally going ahead. A crowd of more than 5,000 squeezed into the ground just a short walk from Southampton Airport and almost saw the home side reach the fourth round for the first time in their 70-year history. Bolton, dogged by financial problems, brought 1,000 of their own supporters, who nearly had a wasted journey.

Manager Strevens has assembled a classic mix of DID YOU youth and KNOW? experience The club were without an in his team, official nicknam e until 2005 wh en a competition with freshwas run by th e supporters to faced decide upon a name. The Spitfire ae recruits roplane was firs t flown from Ea from lower stleigh Aerodr ome and ‘The Spitfi down the res’ was chos en as the fans’ fav non-league ourite su ggestion. pyramid featuring alongside seasoned veterans like 35-year-olds Danny Hollands and Barnett, who have both played as high as the Championship in their careers. Defender Andrew Boyce and midfielder Jack Payne also have more than 300 Football League appearances between them. All four featured last time Eastleigh visited Edgeley Park, back in August 2019, when County secured a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Adam Thomas and Elliot Osborne. Eastleigh finished last season in 16th position, though a stronger start to this campaign indicates a sustained play-off push is an eminent possibility this time around. If The Spitfires do reach those heights it will be their third attempt to land promotion to the Football League, having also featured in the play-offs at the end of the 2014-15 and 201819 seasons, losing out to Grimsby Town and Salford City respectively. A first-ever win at Edgeley Park could propel the club into the play-off places and it’s sure to be another intriguing battle under the lights tonight. 13

The Players TYRONE BARNETT (b:Oct 1985 s:Jul 2019) Striker who started with West Bromwich Albion, before continuing his early career with Midlands sides Rushall Olympic, AFC Telford United, Willenhall Town, Hednesford Town and Macclesfield Town. Next stop was Crawley Town before being bought by Peterborough United. Further permanent moves followed to Shrewsbury Town, AFC Wimbledon, Port Vale and Cheltenham Town. CALLUM BAUGHAN (b:Nov 1999 s: 2018) A versatile defender who since being promoted from the club’s Academy has suffered with two ACL injuries. Ross Flitney

LEWIS BEALE (b:Sep 2000 s:Jul 2019) Forward who scored regularly for the club’s younger sides, and was rewarded with a first-team squad place. TOM BEARWISH (b:Oct 1999 s:Jul 2017) Attacking midfielder who came up through the Portland United youth ranks before joining the Spitfires. He has had dual-registration spells with Dorchester Town, Portland and AFC Totton. ABS BAGGIE (b:Apr 1992 s:Jun 2020) Former Hatter who as a schoolboy started with Reading, Southampton, and back to his first club’s Academy. Loan spells with Rotherham United, Port Vale and Crawley followed, before the striker

made the switch to Yeovil Town. He found his way to County in 2015 via further moves to Hayes & Yeading United, Salisbury City, Tranmere Rovers and Bristol Rovers. Just 17 games and one goal later he was released in February, and has since figured for Poole Town and Weymouth. PIERCE BIRD (b:Apr 1999 s:Aug 2020) Central defender who started with Dunkirk before being spotted by and joining Notts County. They loaned him to Leek Town, Alfreton Town, Grantham Town and Boston United. TOM BLAIR (b:Apr 1999 s:Oct 2020) Left-winger who joined earlier this season from Dorchester Town. ANDREW BOYCE (b:Nov 1989 s:Jul 2017) Central defender who started as a youth with Doncaster Rovers, failing to make the first team but playing on loan with Worksop Town and Mansfield Town. He moved on to King’s Lynn Town, and then Lincolnshire sides Gainsborough Trinity, Lincoln City and Scunthorpe United. The Iron loaned him to a few clubs before he made the permanent move to Grimsby Town.

Abs Baggie

ROSS FLITNEY (b:Jun 1984 s:May 2017) In his second spell after signing from Bromley. The ‘keeper started with stints at Arsenal and Fulham, moving on after a few loan spells to sign for Barnet. His other clubs include Croydon, Dover, Gillingham and Whitehawk.

MIKE GREEN (b:May 1989 s:Nov 2011) Left-back who returned to the club from Port Vale after his previous spell ended with a move to Totton. Earlier in his career he played for Brockenhurst and Christchurch. RYAN HILL (b:Mar 1998 s:Oct 2020) Joined after two years with Hampton and Richmond Borough. The midfielder came through the ranks at Beaconsfield before moving to Stoke City’s Academy. DANNY HOLLANDS (b:Nov 1985 s:May 2017) Central midfielder who began with Chelsea and was loaned to Torquay United. First moved to the area to play for AFC Bournemouth, then joined Charlton Athletic, returning to the coast to Portsmouth after loans with Swindon Town and Gillingham. He joined the Spitfires from Crewe Alexandra. BEN HOUSE (b:Jul 1999 s:Aug 2020) Started with Reading who loaned him to Swindon and Dagenham & Redbridge. The forward then made the move to today’s opponents. JOE McDONNELL (b:May 1994 s:Aug 2020) Goalkeeper who spent the end of last season with Notts County, having left Wimbledon. He started with Basingstoke Town and Hendon Town and whilst with Wimbledon was loaned to Hampton and Harrow Borough. CAV MILEY (b:Apr 1995 s:2017) Midfielder who joined from Jersey side St Paul’s. JOE PARTINGTON (b:Apr 1990 s:Jun 2019) Right-back who has returned to Eastleigh after two years with Bristol Rovers. He joined Portsmouth from Gosport & Fareham, before moving on to Bournemouth. They loaned him out to Eastbourne Borough, Aldershot Town and Eastleigh, the latter move becoming permanent in the summer of 2015. JACK PAYNE (b:Dec 1991 s:Jun 2019) Returned to the club after a loan stint from Ebbsfleet United. Before joining them the midfielder played his football in the EFL, with Gillingham, Peterborough, Leyton Orient and Blackpool listed on his CV.

Alex Wynter

Danny Hollands

BEN SCOREY (b:Dec 2000 s:Jul 2019) Central midfielder who was promoted from the youth set-up in 2018-19. SAM SMART (b:Jul 1998 s:Jun 2019) Midfielder who before joining had played for Basingstoke for his entire career to date, attracting interest from Football League sides in the process. DAN SMITH (b:Sep 1995 s:Jul 2020) Forward who returned for a second spell after a high scoring season for Bognor Regis Town. He ended his first stint when he moved to join the youth system at Portsmouth. Whilst with them, he went on loan to Gosport Borough and Cork City. JOE TOMLINSON (b:Jun 2000 s:Jun 2020) Attacking left-back who started with Yeovil. Was with Hungerford Town the season before joining today’s opponents after moving from Brighton. Brighton had previously loaned him to Bognor Regis. ALEX WYNTER (b:Sep 1993 s:Jun 2018) Central defender who started with Crystal Palace, before playing for Sutton United, Colchester United and Portsmouth. He joined Colchester permanently, later moving on to Maidstone United. 15

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Rebellious Jukebox Gareth Evans selects Eastleigh on the County Rock-Ola, and presses play to discover a link with, and test the credentials of… BENNY HILL. So, what’s the connection? Yep, one week after going ‘Sheep Farming in Barnet’ to hail pop-punk princess Toyah within these pages, it would seem as if we are veering tonight from the sublime in the early 1980s back to the Oh-gor-blimey - and Ooh-err-missus - of the early ‘60s and ‘70s. And yet, the Southamptonborn Alfred Hawthorne Hill (1924-92) - best known for his mastery of vaudeville-style slapstick, parody and the double-entendre - did something Ms Willcox never quite managed, and had a Number One hit. What’s more, it’s a classic of its kind - and, for the purposes of this column, it boasts a direct link with Eastleigh, where a teenage Hill’s work on a horse-drawn milk float shortly before the Second

The tune people are most likely to recall is the wacky saxophone instrumental that became the closing theme of his television show World War was later to bring about the creation of 52-year-old Ernie Price, ‘The Fastest Milk-man in the West’ and the subject of a novelty chart-topping single three decades later. A most un-likely pop star, then. But Rebellious, too? Let’s ‘Take Five’… 1. His legion of celebrity fans While there is necessarily a focus in this feature on our subject’s musical output, it was, of course, comedy for which he was best known - taking his cue from comedians of the British music hall, and re-naming himself after an American one (Jack Benny). The Benny Hill Show was broadcast on over 130 channels across the world, including countries as diverse as France, Cuba and China; appeared every day on a television somewhere in the USA during the 1980s; and, before the advent of Glasnost, prompted fans in the Soviet Union to point their aerials towards Finland in the hope of picking up the programme. Among the famous who sung his praises were one of his own childhood

idols, Charlie Chaplin, actors Michael Caine, Burt Reynolds and Mickey Rooney, novelist Anthony Burgess, honorific ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson, and (I swear) rapper Snoop Dogg. 2. ‘They called him Ernie…’ The song that was to top the charts for four weeks around Christmas in 1971 was not exactly an overnight hit, as Benny had performed a version of it on his show the previous year - and some 15 after it had been originally written. Back in the days when a promotional video was far from the norm on Top Of The Pops, one was shot to accompany ‘Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West)’ - with Benny playing the eponymous fictional hero, inspired by his pre-war work as a roundsman for Hann’s Dairies, who competed with ‘Two-Ton Ted from Teddington’, the bread delivery man, for the affections of a young widow, Sue. (Market Street, where the Eastleigh business had initially operated as Dorset Dairies, receives a namecheck in the song’s opening verse, too.) Ernie, alas, meets his end when he and Ted resort to a duel, using their respective dairy and bakery products as weapons - but, even at the story’s fatal moment, after a distressed Sue had tried to separate the love rivals, the line ‘And Ernie, he pushed her aside, and a rock cake caught him underneath his heart’ went far beyond normal scanning conventions by hurriedly packing 19 syllables into a line normally meant for no more than a dozen! 3. He was covered by Bogshed! Indie kids of a certain age - old enough to recall the mid-1980s, in this case - were rudely shaken out of their shambling ways when the angular, guitarled Hebden Bridge band Bogshed performed a twisted, surreal wonk version of Benny’s 1961 Top 20 hit ‘Gather in the Mushrooms’ on the John Peel

The Benny Hill Show was broadcast on over 130 channels across the world, including countries as diverse as France, Cuba and China

Show. Benny was to chart a couple of other times with music hall comedy tunes in the early ‘60s before making it big several years later with ‘Ernie’. His ‘Harvest of Love’ about a lovelorn farmhand later covered by Scrumpy and Western outfit, The Wurzels - is worth checking out, if only for backing farmyard impression vocals by The Kestrels, who also toured with The Beatles. 4. He appeared in a Genesis video! It was during the band’s poppier, rather than progrock, years - but Benny’s Fred Scuttle character stole the show in the vid for ‘Anything She Does’ during 1986, as a bumbling security guard who let too many fans into a Genesis rehearsal, before ushering them out and, just before the band returned to its hospitality room, dutifully cleaning up the mess that punters had left behind. 5. And to close… Mention Benny Hill in more recent years, and the tune people are most likely to recall is the wacky saxophone instrumental that became the closing theme of his television show - and always accompanied a sped-up chase sequence, with various cast members and comedy characters scuttling in pursuit of the hapless host. ‘Yakety Sax’ was its title, but the music belonged to others rather than to Benny - and is considered the signature work of co-composer, and saxophonist, Boots Randolph, for whom it was a minor US hit in 1963. Rebellious Jukebox Rating:… A saucy 7! 19

Stockport lad Harwood-Bellis is Taylor-made to go all the way to the top!

Taylor and his sister Becky were County mascots

Rising star Taylor Harwood-Bellis holds a great deal of affection for Stockport County.

Taylor and family with County legend Kevin Francis

Stockport-born Taylor, who is just 19 years of age, grew up supporting County along with Manchester City, the Premier League Champions-elect with whom he is now carving an exciting career. His family, too, have extremely close ties at Edgeley Park. His Uncle Steve is Club President after serving the Club in various capacities for over 40 years, including his hugely important return as an advisor to the Board in 2014 and Club Director in 2016. And his Dad Martin used to work for the Club, and he was for many years the man behind the much-loved County mascot Vernon Bear. Taylor was open about the fact he supported two teams, City and County, and he followed the Hatters as much as he could home and away.

“I’ve been to the home and away games, and get to as many as I can,” said Taylor, who is currently on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers. “I’ve got many good memories from watching County. I remember my first County away game at Chester where I went with my Dad and the game was called off in the second half! I remember the FA Cup at Barnet where we took a great following and I always enjoy going to Edgeley Park, and regularly watch the games from the top of the Cheadle End with the supporters, as I’m one of them!” Taylor recalls his first County game where he was around nine or ten months old. “My Dad took me to my first County game, at Edgeley Park. Jim Gannon was in charge. My Dad, my uncle Simon and my whole family are County fans, and always will be.

I enjoy going to the Social Club before the games and enjoy the atmosphere. I’ve also been to games on my own and enjoy watching the games from the Cheadle End, I love it, although I’ve watched games in other parts of Edgeley Park.” Taylor said that there have been so many highlights and fond memories he found it difficult to pick out his favourites, but he recalled County’s home game against Chester in the FA Cup as one of the best for atmosphere and, of course, the memorable 2008 Play-Off final at Wembley against Rochdale, where the Hatters celebrated promotion to League One. “Wembley was brilliant,” said Taylor. “I went on the day with my family and friends. We made a day of it and the atmosphere was magic. 21

“There’s also the Nuneaton game when we got promoted from the National League, another great day and I was so pleased to be there. “Barnet away in the FA Cup for atmosphere, and I remember being at Harrogate when Meppen-Walters scored that amazing goal, and at Chorley when Scott Duxbury scored that great header!” Taylor also picked out his favourite players who he enjoyed watching from the stands over the years. “Players from the promotion team, such as Tommy Rowe, Danny Rowe, Liam Dickinson. Liam scored us the goal that got us promoted at Wembley. Mike Flynn was a great player, and more recently Matty Warburton.” It’s been a whirlwind past few years for Stockport-born Taylor, who was promoted to the Manchester City first team under Pep Guardiola ahead of the last season after impressing on City’s summer tour of the Far East. He made his debut in the September of that campaign against Preston 22

North End and impressed so much that was awarded the game’s Man of the Match. Taylor went on to make four senior appearances that season for the Club, including the Champions League game against Dynamo Zagreb, and scoring his first senior goal in the FA Cup victory over Port Vale at the Etihad Stadium. This season, he has gained more first-team appearances, before he joined Championship side Blackburn Rovers on loan for the rest of the season in the next stage of his development. Taylor, who played in Blackburn’s impressive 1-1 draw at leaders Norwich last Saturday, is enjoying enhancing his football education by playing regularly in the Championship. “It’s brilliant and I’m really enjoying it,” said Taylor. “Playing regularly makes you a better player. Blackburn is a great club and I hope to help them climb back up to where they were. When I joined we did not have the best of results but we have improved and picked up some great results. I’ve joined Blackburn to improve myself and I have learned a lot from my time there so far.”

Prior to joining Rovers, Taylor had the opportunity to train every day with the Manchester City first team, including Sergio Aguero, who he recalled watching from the stands to fire City to their first Premier League title against QPR back in May 2012.

“I’m not looking too far ahead,” he said. “I’m just enjoying my football and doing the best I can. Learning off the likes of Pep Guardiola can only help me be a better player. He’s amazing, just look at what he has achieved.”

“My first training session was just amazing. Players like Sergio and David Silva, I grew up watching them. It was unreal.”

Despite his heavy football schedule, Taylor says he will always keep an eye out on how County are doing. It’s been over a year since County fans watched a live County game in the stands, and Taylor said his last County game was shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic forced the 2019-20 season to be cut short, and he is hoping to pop down to Edgeley Park once the restrictions are eased and Clubs are given the go-ahead to allow fans back into their stadiums.

He has also remained connected to the academy that he came through and helped the Under-18s to the club’s first FA Youth Cup triumph since 2008. Being a young centre-back in a Pep Guardiola side is no easy task, and it’s fair to say the competition for places in the City side is strong with the world-class talent the Spanish manager has at his disposal. However, it says something about the ability of HarwoodBellis when Guardiola had no hesitation in offering him a three-and-a-half-year extension to his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Taylor was at Nuneaton and was pleased to get his hands on the National League North championship trophy

Taylor says that fellow City team-mate Phil Foden, who also hails from Stockport, also takes an interest in how the club are doing. Taylor clearly has a bright future ahead of him with the sky being the limit, but he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

When I get the chance to watch County, I still go, home and away... I’m a County fan after all and fingers crossed the Club can get back in the Football League where they belong

But first he has a busy season to complete with Blackburn, and he hopes to build on his football education ahead of next season. If he can keep progressing, he has the perfect blend of strength, temperament and football ability to play for City in the Premier League for years to come.

Although the majority of Taylor’s family are County fans, his late granddad Dave was a City fanatic, and HarwoodBellis was extremely close to his granddad, who took a massive interest in Taylor’s footballing development. “I support City because of my granddad, who wasn’t necessarily a County fan – he was City through and through. “But my dad and uncle both worked at County so that has always been in the family. My mum and dad and sister have done a good job of keeping my head on my shoulders. When I get the chance to watch County, I still go, home and away, and I’ll try and get down as much as I can. “If I can’t, I’ll always try and find out how they got on. I’m a County fan after all and fingers crossed the Club can get back in the Football League where they belong!”

Official Partners of The National League

Stockport County Colts & Junior Academy The role of the goalkeeper at the Colts

Here at the Colts, we fall very much in line with the modern philosophies that we can see in so many football teams especially in the Premiership, where the goalkeeper often is encouraged to have good feet (especially at the top!). This often begs the question can players do this at a lower level? We often think that a mindset based on fear will always limit players. If they are good enough to play at Academy level then they should also be able to technically deal with pressured situations when playing out from the back. As a result, our goalkeepers, under the tutelage of our experienced coaches Barry George and Rhys Williams, are encouraged to control the ball from a back-pass and to then survey the options to see if they can play out and keep possession, rather than a catchall punt up the field which often becomes a lottery. The results at the younger ages are always going to be varied

and as long at the coaches and parents alike support this ideology, children will often flourish under the no-holds-barred mentality. From the top down, we are careful to make sure that fear doesn’t create a barrier with either players or coaches - the parents of our goalkeepers also know not to pressure their children into playing safe to avoid costly errors as the last stop in defence. As time goes by, yes, we see goals being given away as playing to this style can mean an error leads to a goal, but through time and perseverance, we find that our goalkeepers and defenders alike gain a clear understanding of what is required and steadily master this concept. At 11-a-side level - some of our players have now been with the club from a tender Under-7 and have mastered the skills of composed decision-making which has been facilitated by consistent messages and also solid technical development via our coaching programmes.

When our goalkeepers receive a back-pass, they now have a clear mandate to control the ball ‘unless’ there is an outweighing risk where they obviously need to clear, but even then we focus on a quality high-ball delivery with backspin so that the ball holds up for any of our advancing forwards to pick up. As we develop further as the supply line to the post-16 Academy - so many players come in with a physical height or strength advantage, but they often struggle to fit in when so many of our players are technically superior. As long as they have a willingness to work at this aspect of their game - we soon see a competitive atmosphere with all players, regardless of size, aiming to stake their place in County’s journey forward. If you interested in a trial with the Colts/Junior Academy teams contact Steve info@ stockportcountycolts.co.uk

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The Mad Hatter’s Quiz with Paul Dean

TRIVIA

WHO AM I?

1. From which team did Eastleigh sign Bondz N’Gala to break their record transfer fee? 2. What was the former name of Eastleigh FC? 3. Which club has won the French League Championship the most times? 4. From which club did Leeds United re-sign Peter Lorimer in 1983? 5. Who is the only Scouser to win the FA Cup with Liverpool and Everton? 6. Which team signed Tore Andre Flo for £12m in 2000? 7. Which manager was in charge of the Hatters between July 1970 and December 1971? 8. Which two Hatters players were sent off in a play-off final against Burnley in 1994?

E M I G W J S B H O B Y W A F U J F T B

X E F M T A A M P N Y J X V B E E C E H

K J I A N K R E E I A Y V W N G B Z T U

Y I J C R T I H T L S K S W T U O B N Y

W K H B M M G B D S B R S K H X C P K F

T E T V P N Y E S M A R N O R A A R A O

Z I U Z O Z T Q D E A C A V Z O T C D I

S M M T W H O A G R C A N A K H H N P L

O B R H F Y H W J W C S H M M C I H N O

X E Q W O L F E D I T I U R T N A W N B

V R T L G W N Z V I P L G A S A G P Z P

B V H M L R A O Z K M L A A L S O I M Q

P F T V O T M R V F S A X P C N S K A N

X A N B W I I R D H J S R J M O I I G T

M N B A H G K Z P J J N E I Y D L U U X

E E G A E B K L M Z N O A U A A V J F V

N G R N N C S F W J R K L D N J A M I X

O B X J F D I G V H Z N N D Y B A L A R

I J E F E O H R L R D R O F H S A R B R

V A L E N C I A I W M Q Z I Z M F Q M X

Answers:

AARON RAMSEY ARJEN ROBBEN CASILLAS DI MARIA DYBALA IBRAHIMOVIC JADON SANCHO POGBA RASHFORD SANCHEZ THIAGO SILVA TIM HOWARD VALENCIA VERTONGHEN

Who Am I? Frank Clempson

WORDSEARCH

Trivia 1: Barnet. 2: Swaythling Athletic. 3: AS Saint-Etienne. 4: Vancouver Whitecaps. 5: Gary Ablett. 6. Rangers. 7. Matt Woods. 8. Mike Wallace & Chris Beaumont.

I was a former Hatter who was also part of the Manchester United squad when they won the First Division title in 1951-52.

GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk

PADDY MADDEN

Steve Bellis Max Branning, Business Meetings and Egg-Gate! Don’t you just love a last-minute equaliser! I certainly do and Saturday’s 96th-minute leveller was up there with the best of them.

We didn’t help ourselves at times in the first half and gifted the hosts a couple of chances. Thankfully both were wasted and we were somewhat fortunate to head in all square at the break.

It was always going to be a tough trip to Sutton. The U’s (they were also known as the ‘Amber and Chocolates’... I bet they had fun trying to get that into a song) are on one hell of a run and are top of the form guide. Having said that, we have also enjoyed some good results of late and this was all set to be an intriguing encounter. Sutton are one of those clubs with a 3G pitch and without being too unkind theirs is a tad dated (think Queens Park Rangers 1981). As a side they are very physical and can be direct. They have an enviable work ethnic and don’t allow teams to settle at any point. (I actually sound like I know what I’m talking about there... don’t you agree?). Last week’s injury to Harry Cardwell opened the door for a first start for new signing Paddy Madden and the former Fleetwood man almost opened the scoring but his well-crafted header hit the bar.

The half-time cup of tea accompanied by an orange club biscuit and jammy dodger was spent discussing how we needed to tighten up in the second half. We did just that but could do nothing to stop an excellent Beautyman (I love that name) header ten minutes into the half. Our response to the goal was stirring and the chances started to come. It was also to be another frustrating afternoon as the referee waved away two very strong penalty appeals, one for a clear handball and the other for an equally clear foul on Jack Stretton. This was the same referee that we had for Dave Conlon’s game in charge at home to Boreham Wood a couple of months ago (incidentally he had a good game that day). I spent that game and this trying to think who he reminded me of. Then, in the early hours of Sunday morning it came to me. He was a cross between Max Branning (off Eastenders) and Professor Chris Whitty. Now he might have got the penalty decisions wrong (in my very humble and not very impartial opinion) but he came into his own (so to speak) in injury time. As one might expect, Sutton weren’t exactly in a rush after their 56th-minute goal and the fourth official signalled that there would be a minimum of four minutes added time. Note... ’a minimum’. The home side were in slow motion during those four minutes, taking their time, making substitutions, having a fag and anything else they could think of to waste a bit of time.

Powdered eggs... yuk!

The ref was clearly noting this and despite the groans from the home Directors box (they are a vociferous bunch at Gander Green Lane) he continued to play after the allotted four minutes.

Now if you thought they were vociferous then you should have heard me and the rest of the County contingent when James Jennings capped another fine display with the equalising goal in the 96th minute. It was one of those sweet moments that football gives you every now and then. We left the ground feeling like we had won while our hosts trudged off home feeling like they had lost. It was a great point and one thing you can certainly say about our players is that they never stop working until the final whistle sounds. The team had enjoyed a good pre-match overnight stay at the Hilton Hotel at Cobham. The staff at the hotel were excellent but there was some drama when our analyst Sean O’Callaghan noticed that there didn’t appear to be any eggs on the breakfast menu for the players. He was extremely concerned (they don’t call him ‘Panicker Rice’ for nothing), and he quickly summoned Alex Cowdy, our Head of Football Administration, to sort things out. Alex in turn contacted one of the hotel catering staff called Fabricio (he was a local lad I think) and the crisis was averted. Apparently, the eggs were on the other side of the menu. Phew! That was a close one.

Even Tom Bishop would have got this decision right

Worryingly, Matt Jansen took charge of the agenda which was basically as follows: 1. Discuss and approve the amount of drinks consumed before the last away game. 2. Assess the drinks available for the evening ahead. 3. Order and consume as many of said drinks as possible given the restricted time allowed. 4. Any other drinks/business. The meeting was formerly closed at 11pm when Mr Jansen disappeared to try and find the night porter so he could take further notes in his room.

However, ‘Egg-gate’ was not completely over. When breakfast was served the following morning, the eggs turned out to be powdered... arrrggggghhhhhh! Disaster!

Interestingly every hotel seems to have the same kind of beer on special offer.

Luckily the players and team management are stoic sorts and didn’t let this affect preparations.

It’s the same in the supermarkets too. Everywhere you go, there seems to be one beer they are struggling to sell... Corona! I can’t think why!

Meanwhile, I was a bit smug as I had been the unhealthy one who ordered fried eggs... you can’t get those in powdered form.

Finally, there was an incident last week that even referee Tom Bishop could not have got wrong.

I had done well to get to breakfast as I had chosen to have a few drinks with one of our scouting team Matt Jansen the previous evening.

It came during the Europa League game when Rangers Kemar Roofe seemed intent on changing the face of Slavia Prague’s goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar (I bet his nickname is ‘Coca’).

We had to get Alex to tell a couple of white lies to enable us to have a couple of swifties. Apparently as the non-playing chaps we could only eat and drink together if we were having a business meeting due to the rigorous measures taken to prevent Covid spread. Enter the ever-resourceful Alex, who informed the hotel that we needed a boardroom set out for four of us for dinner and a very high-level meeting at 7pm for four hours.

The referee correctly sent the offending player off and the Prague manager looked like he wanted to hit the Roofe (see what I did there). Anyway, back to this evening and a very warm welcome to the very select few who are able to attend. We extend a particularly warm welcome to the players, management and officials from Eastleigh. We wish them a pleasant evening and a very safe journey home. 31

Opposition View Tom Mulholland, Media Officer at Eastleigh FC, provides us with this evening’s view from the visitors. How do you assess your season so far? The start of the season could not have gone better, after an intermittent pre-season I think some fans may have been nervous but our opening-day performance at Barnet was superb, and certainly up there with the best I have seen in my three years working at the club. I think, bar the defeat at Halifax, there have always been positive signs to take from the games where we haven’t picked up points which is also good to see. There have been some draws that we’ve been disappointed not to win, whereas last season we may have ended up losing those types of games. I think we are in a very good place at the moment and I’m confident that we can get back up the table and challenge for the play-offs where we would more than deserve to be. What have been the highlights of the season so far? The easy answer is the openingday win against Barnet where we were superb across the park. Everything clicked on the pitch and it really set us up to hit the ground running. I would also say the Torquay game that followed. To come 32

back from a losing position showed that we have that ability this year and can keep fighting until the end. Also, seeing the start that Torquay have made to the season makes it even more satisfying that we beat the now league-leaders. Which players in the Eastleigh squad are the ones to watch out for this evening? Ben House can always grab a goal out of nothing, and his work rate off the ball also causes havoc for defenders. I’ve also been very impressed with Joe Tomlinson at the back, he has shown real versatility in attack and defence which is impressive at just 20 years old. Third, I would say Sam Smart is a player that can always produce that bit of a spark on the wing. His burst of acceleration and great crossing means that he can create chances when he gets a run at defenders. What are your thoughts on County? Before the season started, Stockport were up there in my predictions of who will be challenging for promotion. They are a tough, physical side who can also get the ball down and

play. The summer signings have only added to that with some proven EFL and National League players coming in. Do you have any memories of games against County? Our fixture last season was one to forget really. From what I remember, we didn’t really create too much and County I think deserved to come away with the win. I was sat pitchside in my role as club photographer so my two main memories were the atmosphere in that main stand behind the goal - it was my first time visiting Edgeley Park and the support was impressive - and also, unfortunately, I got a great view right behind the wonder goal which sealed the win for you. What is your prediction for the game? I’m usually a pessimist with predictions, and this will be a tough fixture again. This season, however, I think we’re a bit more resilient and will certainly be up for the fight. I would be happy to come away with a draw on a long Tuesday night trip to a playoff rival. I think 1-1 would be a good result, but we are capable of grabbing all three points as well if the lads turn up as we’ve seen earlier in the season.

Terrace Talk County left it late against Sutton United over the weekend with the game deep into injury time when James Jennings headed the ball past goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis to take a share of the spoils back to the North West. A win would have been more than ideal at Gander Green Lane but when you consider Matt Gray’s side had lost just once since the start of February and taken four wins and two draws from the last six, then a draw for the Hatters doesn’t seem too bad in the grand scheme of things. Saturday just gone also brought about good news for tonight’s opponents Eastleigh as they recorded their first win since taking on The Hatters at Ten Acres last month. Manager Ben Strevens had seen his side lose two and draw two in the lead up to the game against Halifax Town but Tyrone Barnett struck just before the hour against the Shaymen to put an end to that run. Simon Rusk has continued to add to his squad in order to aid County’s promotion push and what a coup it was last week when he persuaded the experienced striker Paddy Madden to leave EFL League One side Fleetwood Town. Paddy has been a regular goal-scorer since swapping football in his native Ireland for England nine years ago. His record for clubs such as Yeovil Town, Scunthorpe United and

James Jennings helped County to a share of the spoils on Saturday

Fleetwood speaks for itself and at 31 years of age he still has plenty of football left in him to be an asset to the Club moving forward. Back to tonight and with this game against the Spitfires being re-arranged from the start of the year due to the pandemic, it gives County a chance to narrow the gap on the top three and with a game against Hartlepool United yet to come, the recent additions to the squad plus the quality that is already here at Edgeley Park will be put to the test over the coming weeks but as they have shown at various

stages throughout the season it is something that they are more than capable of handling. Eastleigh still have promotion aspirations of their own and that win against FC Halifax has put them right back in the Play-Off hunt. In fact, the whole clamour to get into the EFL could actually involve as many as nine teams and even then Chesterfield in 11th and Maidenhead United in 12th have games in hand on some of those above. It’s going to be an exciting close to the season and County are right in the thick of it. 33

The County Years

1953

County Historian Ian Watts delves into the archives to bring you some of the Hatters’ more memorable moments from years gone by. Opening game A County side that were unusually lying in the bottom half of the table despite having the division’s top-scorer were unable to make a good start to the year. County: Jack Bowles, Tommy Bell, Jack Monks, Bob Murray, Ken Hodder, Billy McCulloch, Ken Finney, Eddie Moran, Jack Connor, Harold Bodle, Allen Oliver. The damage was done in the first half with goals for hosts Carlisle United from Robert Harrison and Allan Ashman. County did give the majority of the 8,919 crowd some worries as Harold Bodle pulled a goal back, but the defeat left the Hatters in 15th place in the Third North table. First debutant On 17th January, County introduce two new men to the first team ranks. Geoff Crosby (SCAN 564) and Len Rowland (SCAN 565) made their

Len Rowland receives his SCAN certificate

debuts. Geoff was a forward who had been signed from Leek Town the previous summer. He stayed for three seasons but struggled to break into the first team, playing five league games and scoring once before moving back to Staffordshire. Len signed from Ashton United a month earlier and took the left-back spot, playing regularly in the first 17 months of a fiveseason spell before moving to Wigan Athletic. He became the first recipient of a SCAN certificate at half time on 16th October 2010, the day the scheme was launched. Summer business Moving on were Bell (Halifax Town), Bowles (Winsford United), Dennis Ward (Hastings) plus Bodle and Cocker, both now with Accrington Stanley. New arrivals were Goalkeeper Dennis Herod (from Stoke City), half-backs George Pilkington (Chester), Monty Wright (Leeds United) and Percy Anderson (West Bromwich Albion), Ernie Corfield (winger, Bolton Wanderers), plus Scotsmen Chris Anderson (winger, most recently with Nelson but officially joining from Blackburn Rovers) and full-backs Don Ashe (St Mirren) and Gordon Kennedy (Bolton). Last debutant The last new man to be introduced to the first team made his debut as early as 15th September. Summer signing Corfield worked as a miner and was a part-time professional at County whilst training with Wigan. After his debut at Carlisle he would play just two more matches in his only season with us, before signing for Wigan.

Closing game The season was going much better than the last, but fourthplaced County hit the buffers at Chesterfield on Boxing Day. County: Herod, Fred Kenny, Rowland, Pilkington, Gordon Wilmott, Murray, Chris Anderson, Moran, Connor, Frank Clempson, Oliver. Chesterfield scored twice in each half to the delight of many in the crowd of over 10,000, getting revenge for their 6-1 defeat at Edgeley Park the day before. Their goals came from Cyril Hatton, Keith Marsden (2) and George Smith, but the Hatters were hampered in those days of no substitutes as Bob Murray suffered a blow just below his eye which would later mean he spent the next two nights in the Infirmary. Most apps in calendar year Jack Connor and Bob Murray 47 (max 50), Billy McCulloch 46 Most goals in calendar year Jack Connor 39 (includes 6 hat-tricks), Frank Clempson 13, Ray Weigh 11 Worst run 5 without win (11th to 25th April) D3 L2 Best run 6 games unbeaten (21st November to 25th December) W5 D1 The man in charge Dick Duckworth was a pre-war player for several Division Three sides who was appointed manager after serving one of those clubs, York City, in the same role. He took over in October 1952 but could not find the mix that could take County to that all-important top spot and moved on during 1956 to be appointed Chief Scout at Sheffield United. And finally... This was the year that Jack Connor was to record three hattricks in successive games. The run began with the visit of Chester in the FA Cup on 21st November with Jack netting three in a 4-2 win. A week later a 5-1 win at Crewe saw another trio, and he enjoyed Chester’s return for a League game on 5th December with three of the goals in a 5-0 win. The run was all the more impressive as Jack scored two in both the previous two games and went on to record 1-1-2 in the three matches that followed, for a run of 17 goals in 8 matches. Thanks to all the anonymous donors who have supplied images for this article.

County boss Dick Duckworth

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STOCKPORT COUNTY

Rooney 18’(p), 20’, Cardwell 24’, Walker 28’, Stretton 80’ Tuesday 9th March | Vanarama National League | Damson Park

A blistering attacking display saw County bounce back to winning ways in style, as four first-half goals set The Hatters en route to a 5-0 win over ten-man Solihull Moors a fortnight ago. Following full-back Tyrone Williams’ dismissal for a professional foul on Harry Cardwell inside the box, The Hatters blew their hosts away in a fivestar display – with Simon Rusk’s side erasing all trace of a previously poor record at Solihull down the years on an excellent night for County.

STOCKPORT COUNTY

BARNET

Hogan 9’, Stretton 83’

McQueen 62’

Tuesday 16th March | Vanarama National League | Edgeley Park

The Hatters returned to action at Edgeley Park for the first time in March, and secured a second successive victory that also saw them achieve the ‘double’ over struggling Barnet. But they were made to work hard for the three points by the National League’s second-bottom side, who looked to have earned a draw after cancelling out Liam Hogan’s early opener – until substitute Jack Stretton bagged the winner with seven minutes remaining.

Physio

Luke Smith Good evening everyone. This week we have John Rooney returning to on-field sessions and he should hopefully be back in first-team training this week. John has been excellent in terms of his recovery work in the gym, and he has focused very hard on returning to full fitness. He has been pushing himself each day and we will hopefully see him return to the match-day squad very soon. Furthermore, we have Liam Hogan unavailable this evening with a slight ankle issue which was picked up in the final few minutes of our last game, but we are likely to see a

speedy return for our captain. Next we have Mark Kitching who has been managing a back issue which was picked up several weeks ago. He will revisit the specialist this week to implement an effective treatment plan which should see him return to training very soon. Finally, Connor Jennings has recently had a shoulder issue which we are taking precaution over, he has been training individually until we can obtain a clear diagnosis and implement a treatment plan. Enjoy the game.

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SNAPPED! As late goals go, James Jennings ’ in the 96th minute was as dramatic as they come as Cou nty secured a vital point at top-of-the-table Sutton United last Saturday.

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Supporters’ Co-operative The Board of the Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative met again recently, continuing their Covid-induced habit of staging meetings via Zoom. Pete Towey, chairing the meeting, opened with a report of the recent meeting with the Club, expressing satisfaction about the way the meeting went. It was agreed that a further meeting be sought as soon as is practicable. Meanwhile, with the Cheadle End Cabin now history, we had received suggestions from the Club as to where we might set up on match-days, enabling effective communication between our members, County fans generally, and ourselves, one of which should prove to be a workable option. It was reported that the final ‘deferred consideration’ following the sale of the Co-operative’s shares in Stockport County

had been received, and it was reaffirmed that, as with the original distribution, the moneys received will be shared equally with Help the Hatters. Discussion then took place on our intention to undergo a ‘Consultative Exercise’ similar to one we took on some years ago. This is likely to be accompanied by a mission statement maybe incorporating elements of our recent ‘Presentation Document’ which has generally received a good response. It will contain for certain a host of pertinent questions aimed at ascertaining the views of supporters and members on the Co-operative, its values, the way it should be heading and lots more.

It was agreed we proceed with the project. On the Hatters’ Half-Marathon, it was confirmed that we are seeking clarity as to the position regarding essential permissions needed before we can safely and successfully run this race. We agreed to continue to seek answers and obtain the permissions. Finally, it was noted that the Stockport NHS Foundation had given us an excellent ‘Supporters Shout Out’ via social media following our effort raising £2,700 for them last year. Ian Brown Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative

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COUNTY JUNIORS

Hello again, and welcome to yet another night match under the lights at Edgeley Park. Tonight’s visitors are Eastleigh who have made the long journey north today. This fixture is another rearranged game which should have been played in the middle of November last year. Since then they have found some form and have gradually moved up the table to sit just outside the play-off places. Unfortunately, our match a week last Saturday with Dagenham and Redbridge was cancelled due to covid in their camp and has become another fixture to be rearranged in an already busy schedule. A week ago tonight we played Barnet here at Edgeley and will have played away at Sutton, the in-form team at the moment, last Saturday. Back to the Barnet game, what a hard-fought win that was. With the worry of relegation lifted Barnet looked a different side to one near the bottom of the table. With the games coming thick and fast we still have a limited number of virtual mascot places for up and coming home matches. If you would like to put your name forward, please contact Brenda on 07720 591316 or Ian on 07921 810464 for further details. I noticed from the Solihull streaming that they were also doing the same scheme, until we can all get back into the grounds maybe by the end of this season if all goes well. Congratulations to Lois Maynard for being chosen to represent Saint Kitts and Nevis’ national team. That’s all for tonight.

Happy Birthday A very happy birthday to our very own Brenda Williams, who is celebrating, shall we just say, a very special birthday on 26th March. Have a lovely day Brenda from all of us at County Juniors.

Mascots

Grayson Age: 1 Favourite players: Mark Kitching & Ash Palmer Hobbies: Eating, climbing and playing football with his brother

Louie Age: 4 Favourite players: Jordan Keane & Alex Reid Hobbies: Playing on his tablet and playing football at diddikicks

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. Scotsman JAMES BLAIR managed 25 first team games in a County spell that ended tragically. Having figured for Kilmarnock, Woolwich Arsenal and at Manchester City for nearly four years, he came to County from Bradford City and missed just four games between his debut and the 6-0 win over Leeds City on 14 February. He made just one more appearance before heading home to Dumfries to recover from illness. However, on 24 March, he took his own life. Signed from Midland League Rotherham County ALF BLUER made an immediate debut, and went on to play 20 games at left and centre half. He took some time to become established the following season but he did play occasionally during the war, after which he left to join Gillingham.

One of the real giants of the club’s history and an inaugural inductee into the Club’s Hall of Fame. After 26 first division appearances for Notts County ALBERT WATERALL switched to Edgeley Park. He stayed for a remarkable unbroken 13 years (a Club record) and played in a number of positions both forward and defence. When he left, he had chalked up a club record of 300 league games. He added to his tally 97 wartime appearances many playing alongside his brother Tommy. After playing for Denton JACK BERTENSHAW was with the works side of Otto Monstead, a margarine company. The forward joined us after scoring three in a trial game. His only Football League match for the club was that debut game but he was a regular scorer for the Central League side. His other first-team appearances came in the Manchester Senior Cup scoring in all three games. Hailing from Scotswood in Northumberland right full-back TOMMY ROBSON had originally played for North East side Ashington. He had

a trial with West Bromwich Albion before joining County for the 1914-15 season. He had to wait for his debut but was to go on and make 93 appearances for the club in the EFL plus one in the FA Cup. He is another player who figured regularly during WW1, making 69 appearances. Released by the club in May 1923 Tommy stayed in the area and died in the town in August 1949. WESTBY HEATH joined for the first official post-war season as the Football League returned. He had been at Luton Town, and played as a war time guest for Crystal Palace. He had an enjoyable debut, scoring one of the goals in a 3-1 victory over Stoke City. The centre-half would add an impressive 13 more goals to his tally over the next four seasons whilst making 86 appearances. On leaving the club he joined Cheshire League side Chester. A pre-war centre forward with Glossop, DENNY BULLOUGH had scored twice in a trial with the reserves and made his debut as soon as he signed; one of several changes following a 4-1 defeat at Fulham. In those days returned fixtures were generally played immediately and he scored as County turned tables on the Cottagers with a 2-1 win. That summer the amateur player headed to Antwerp with the Olympic Games squad, and this probably played its part in his being unable to get back into the selected County side until October. He had moved on by the time the next season began.

Player James Blair Stephen Fagan Fred Garrett Harold Tattersall Lol Cook Bill Chivers Harry Crossthwaite

Debut 02.09.1912 02.09.1912 02.09.1912 21.09.1912 28.09.1912 12.10.1912 28.12.1912

Alfred Middleton David Davies Thomas Bryden Alf Bluer Ernie Gault

22.02.1913 01.03.1913 12.04.1913 03.09.1913 03.09.1913

Tommy Lunn Benjamin Proctor Norman Wood Tommy Evans William McRailt Albert Waterall William Ashmole Lincoln Hyde Jack Bertenshaw James Hullock Ernie Lloyd Seymour Davies Jack Curtis Tommy Robson Frank Johnson Thomas Harrison Charles Danskin George Dingwall Frederick Fayers Jack Hodgkiss Arthur Metcalf Thomas Hartley Tom Brennan Westby Heath Edward Hudson James Huyton William Walker Denny Bullough John Briggs Ralph Hallworth Arthur Newman Stephen Beattie Harry Newbigging Patrick Norris Jack Thompson Albert Walmsley Albert Donbavand Harry Hardy Jimmy Walsh Richard Cragg Walter Shelton Joe Reid Eddie Brooks Arthur Burrows Frank Anderson Arthur Layton

03.09.1913 03.09.1913 03.09.1913 13.09.1913 04.10.1913 04.10.1913 06.12.1913 06.12.1913 14.03.1914 03.09.1914 26.12.1914 01.01.1915 30.01.1915 20.03.1915 05.04.1915 17.04.1915 30.08.1919 30.08.1919 30.08.1919 30.08.1919 30.08.1919 06.09.1919 27.09.1919 18.10.1919 01.11.1919 15.11.1919 26.12.1919 28.02.1920 06.03.1920 20.03.1920 02.04.1920 28.08.1920 28.08.1920 28.08.1920 28.08.1920 28.08.1920 04.09.1920 04.09.1920 04.09.1920 09.10.1920 16.10.1920 23.10.1920 30.10.1920 20.11.1920 18.12.1920 18.12.1920

Signed From Bradford C Bristol C Notts Co Haslingden Chester Hindley Cen Heywood U Stoke Mansfield Mechanics Oldham Ath Wallsend Rotherham Co Everton Cardiff C Tottenham H Blackburn Rov Chelsea Chester Barrow Notts Co Burton U Denton Otto Monsteads Third Lanark Chester Bristol Rov Brentford Ashington Davenport Juniors Hyde Sunderland Close Works Huddersfield T Bolton W Liverpool Norwich C Port Vale Luton T Crystal Palace Sutton Commercial Crewton U Glossop Crewton U Barrow ? Coventry C Runcorn Nottingham For Burnley New Mills Blackburn Rov Stockport Wycliffe Alderley Edge Ward Street OB Burnley None Manchester C Shelbourne St Pauls Cardiff C Cardiff C

County Heaven Sandbach Hatter writes: Good evening, everyone - and welcome to tonight’s visitors, the ‘Spitfires’ of Eastleigh, who – at the time of writing – sit just a few points behind the Hatters. As a result, securing a win this evening will be anything but ‘plane’ sailing, as our opponents will be looking to ‘propel’ themselves into those play-off spots! Whenever you visit County Heaven (which, if you haven’t already, you definitely should), one of the first sections you will no doubt be drawn to is ‘First Team, Reserves, Youth and Ladies Teams Discussion’, since this is where the latest hot-off-the-press news is housed. In particular, the ‘2020/21 Squad Update’ page has been busy of late, with the recent signing of Paddy Madden, Nyal Bell making a short trip down the A560 to Alty for the remainder of the season, and the return of Sam Dalby to his parent club, Watford. In addition, while not formally announced by the club, it seems goalkeeping coach Karlos Leneghan has also departed SK3, and everyone at County Heaven would like to wish him success in the future. Elsewhere, within ‘Stockport County Chat’, Hermann has been as busy as ever giving his insightful analysis of every match and performance, not to 50

mention uploading any pre- and post-match interviews put out on COWS for us all to enjoy/endure (depending on the result). With that, it is now time to leave you in the more-than-capable hands of my co-contributor, who is bound to have some ‘Spitfire’ based puns lined up – unless you’re just plane-ing on winging it, Maccy?! Hatter in Macc writes: Well, Sandy, I’d usually be Itchen (one for the away plane-spotters, there) to go full throttle on the pun-meistery, but I’ll keep myself grounded for now and see how the rest of the column takes off! So, another Tuesday, another home game - with tonight’s representing the third attempt to get this fixture fulfilled, following postponements in November (our Covid) and January (Eastleigh’s). It also follows two successive matches against London opposition that each saw a late strike by the Hatters have an impact on the points-haul. Jack Stretton’s super-sub effort a week ago here edged out Barnet, from the North end of the capital, by the odd goal in three. And, South of the Thames over the weekend, dare I say ‘JJ’ rather brought to mind ‘JG’ by emulating the original County ‘Ghost’ to steal in at

Jack Stretton’s super-sub effort edged out Barnet

the death and snatch a point at leaders Sutton. It is, of course, just a little more than four weeks since we last met this evening’s visitors. Following their single-goal triumph over us at Ten Acres, the Spitfires haven’t exactly been flying - with three draws and a pair of defeats preceding their return to winning ways against Halifax on Saturday. County’s form over the half a dozen matches that came after our trip to Hampshire - consisting of three victories, two draws and only one loss - has been more encouraging, but the game tonight, like the reversefixture in February, sees both sides remaining in play-off contention, so expect a close fight… er-ring on the side of caution. Chocks away, then! Enjoy the game - and stay safe. Animo et Fide. www.countyheaven.com

Chris Ridgway

Imagine Radio It’s a funny old game football, a draw can feel like a loss if you concede in the last minute, or of course a win if you get the goal - an injury to one player means another comes in and if that player scores the goal it seems to taste so much sweeter, and if it’s away at top of the league it just seems to mean more. James Jennings is a player who has had his challenges this season, times on the sidelines with injuries, time out of the team due to the fine form of Mark Kitching - you would forgive him for just wanting to get his head down and get on with his job when the chance came around. For James though, it hasn’t been the case.

lads are settling in - and who’s been singing what for initiation songs! It’s good to hear through all the drama of a league season, one in which we’re competing at the top end of the table, the players are just being players, keeping in line with tradition - and badly singing songs at the clink of glasses!

Being one of the fortunate ones that gets to sit in the ground and see the game, you hear all the talking on the pitch and who is saying what to who. James Jennings in these last few weeks has shown why he needs to be on the pitch. Leading from the back, he’s shown an experienced head, calm in possession doesn’t mind telling senior players if he thinks they need to up their game, and is showing the fitness levels required to compete at this standard of football.

I’m looking forward to seeing another good County performance tonight, against a team that won’t be easy to play against. Our players are good, the new way of playing is beginning to click to life, and when players like John Rooney and Connor Jennings come back into the side we’re all set to be some kind of force in the division.

Oh, and he scored THAT goal on Saturday against Sutton, that made a draw very much feel like a win away at top of the league. It’s not the first time we’ve seen teams try to run the clock down, the old ‘kill the game off’ - and in

James Jennings has shown why he’s vital to the County side recently

many ways you can hardly blame Sutton, who will be seeing their current position as the rope out of the division. Winding down the clock can be effective, and I’m sure if I thought about it I could think of times where it’s suited us, but the antics of the hosts on Saturday were a bit ridiculous, and it makes me feel a bit warm inside that it’s cost them two points, much in the same way as Boston and the like have done in recent years. It was nice hearing on the pod this week about how the new

Hope everyone is keeping safe and well - I’ll sign off with a bit of a teaser, as we’ve been working really hard these last couple of weeks to bolster up the legends coming on the podcast in the next few weeks. Let me tell you, there are some absolute corkers coming up, I for one can not wait! Enjoy the game, see you on the pod.

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Oshor Williams Last Saturday as my wife and I embarked on the final leg of our weekly shopping expedition, I have to confess that Osh was not in the finest of humours. We had just completed two stages of the retail equivalent of ‘The Bermuda Triangle’ comprising Lidl, Morrisons and Aldi. All money entering this perilous zone mysteriously disappears without a trace, a phenomenon which in our household repeats itself on a regular seven-day cycle. As I sat waiting in Aldi’s car park checking the BBC Sport App for updates on the Sutton United v County match, things looked bleak. Still 1-0 down with 89 minutes played, I resigned myself to a disappointing defeat and a damaging blow to our promotion campaign. Driving home along Bird Hall Lane I tried to compute where this would leave us in the table and more importantly how defeat against one of the top sides in the league would affect team morale. Imagine my delight when I revisited the results later and discovered that James Jennings had scored an equaliser in the sixth minute of added time. Within an instant the whole tone and complexion of the day altered and as I gleefully dunked another Hobnob into my celebratory mug of tea, I swear I could hear Bonnie

Manchester United’s late comeback in the 1999 Champions League Final is amongst the most famous of turnarounds

Tyler’s classic anthem ‘Holding out for a Hero’ blaring through the kitchen. If that’s the effect James’ goal had on me, one can only imagine the euphoria Simon and the lads felt back in the dressing room afterwards. It’s incredible how a late equaliser or winner transforms the mood and if scored in a crucial fixture it can become pivotal in determining the outcome of a season’s work. We’ve all witnessed or experienced those last-gasp game changers and there have been some famous instances over the years. When Manchester United trailed Bayern Munich 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League Final at the Nou Camp in 1999, Teddy Sheringham’s equaliser came in the 36th second of what was then called injury-time. Around 90 seconds

It’s incredible how a late goal like James Jennings’ at Sutton can transform the mood

later Ole Gunnar Solskjaer poked in the winner. I was watching the match with some pals, most of whom are ardent Manchester United fans, and when that ball crossed the line the outpouring of both emotion and alcohol was indescribable. But whilst my mates danced around the living room singing and shouting, I sat quietly on the sofa watching the screen, transfixed on the Bayern players as they slumped to their knees or collapsed prostrate on the ground, some of them completely motionless. They looked as though they had been savaged by a hoard of spiritual vampires who in that moment had descended upon them to suck the emotional life out of their souls. It is those images which remain etched on my memory rather than the ecstatic celebrations of Sir Alex Ferguson and his squad. Maybe that’s because I have experienced more Bayern than Man United moments in my career and therefore have a greater empathy for the forgotten loser than the feted winner. Following County’s great escape last week, I had my regular catch-up with Programme Editor Keith Chapman (or should I say Award Winning Programme Editor Keith Chapman!). We discussed a piece on last-minute goals for this week’s feature and Keith said: “You can recount some of the late winners from your time at County.” Unfortunately, when I played for County, we were more adept at conceding late winners than scoring them! I recall so many instances during tough away fixtures when a glance at the clock would indicate

only five more minutes of dogged resistance until the final whistle and a hard-earned point. As soon as I began to consider that happy outcome the clock would freeze, and the opposition would proceed to lay siege on our penalty area. Another shot, another cross and still the clock registering five minutes to go. A free-kick on the edge of the box and a fingertip save from our goalkeeper. Still the clock shows five minutes remaining. Inevitably from the resulting corner, a flick on at the near post and an outstretched toe (just like Ole!) usually signified the dagger in the heart known as the last-minute defeat. Maybe these are phantom memories, and it didn’t happen like this quite as often as I imagine. I’ll have to check the archives! What I do know is that all true drama whether in sport, theatre or cinema thrives on the last-gasp plot twist. Think how often heroes like Ethan Hunt of Mission Impossible or more famously James Bond manage to save the day with only moments to spare. Well Bond may be able to thwart an evil genius every now and then, but I don’t think he’d have secured us a point away from home against high-flying Sutton last week. That ‘Mission Impossible’ fell to another James which just goes to prove, ‘cometh the hour cometh the man!’ Enjoy the game. Osh 53

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Deadly Duos Steven Davies

Mike Flynn and Chris Marsden Hello and welcome to deadly duos as we welcome Eastleigh to Edgeley Park. For this edition, I am going to be writing about two players who worked perfectly together and fitted into the team as the backbone of defence and midfield throughout the 1990s. Mike Flynn was one of the best and most loyal defenders I’ve seen play in my time, especially one in a County shirt. Born in Oldham in 1969, he started his career at the Latics, making over 40 appearances in two seasons before moving to Preston North End in 1989. Circa 1993 Mike made his debut away to Plymouth and ended up playing 460 games in a Hatters shirt whilst also scoring 10, and when I first started going to County in 1995/96 he was the captain and never seemed to miss a game. In 1999, Birmingham City came in with a £800,000 offer that County and Flynn rejected. In late 2001 Carlton Palmer was appointed manager and Mike Flynn unfortunately saw himself as second pickings. More so since Carlton played as a player-manager role in the same position as Flynn. In 2015, Flynn came back to County as a scout before working as a first-team coach under Neil Young. After Young departed Flynn took charge for the clash against Nuneaton where we got a draw in his one and only caretaker managerial role for the Hatters.

Chris Marsden in Mike Flynn’s testimonial

to Huddersfield where he played over 120 games. After short spells at Coventry, Wolves and Notts County he moved to County (the proper one) in the 1995/96 season. During the 1996/97 season he was a first-team regular and scored some memorable goals against Shrewsbury, Crewe and Watford after coming on as a sub. He played over 60 games for us before Birmingham put a bid in and he moved to St Andrews in 1997 for £500.000.

If I had to pick my favourite County moment with Mike Flynn it would no doubt have to be the goalmouth clearance he made in the League Cup Quarter Final against Southampton, even all those years ago I can still remember it clear as yesterday whilst sat in the Pop Side.

Just a mere eight minutes into his Birmingham debut Chris scored against rivals Wolves in a 1-0 win, he played 60 games for Birmingham before he was sold for £800.000. In 1997 ex-County boss Dave Jones re-signed Chris for Southampton where he got to play in the Premier League as well as being tipped to make the England squad for the 2002 World Cup.

Now Chris Marsden was also playing at the same time and made his debut against Burnley away in 1996 playing a total of 86 games and scoring four. Chris started playing for his local club Sheffield Wednesday before moving

Chris also got to play in the FA Cup Final where The Saints lost out to Arsenal by a goal to nil, as well as playing alongside players such as Matt Le Tissier and with Gordon Strachan in charge at the time Chris formed a very good partnership with Wayne Bridge. Mike Flynn

A deadly duo who wore the County shirt with pride.

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SUTTON UNITED

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Beautyman 56’

Jennings 90+6’

Saturday 20th March | Vanarama National League | Gander Green Lane

County snatched a dramatic lastgasp 1-1 draw at National League leaders Sutton United on Saturday afternoon. Harry Beautyman had given the table-topping hosts the lead early in the second half only to see his strike cancelled out by a James Jennings header in the last seconds of the game at Gander Green Lane.

The Hatters v The Spitfires

Facts & Figures Head to Head

Last time out

Played (all competitions): 2 County: 1 Eastleigh: 1 Draws: 0

Goals scored County: 2 Eastleigh: 1

First competitive meeting 17th August 2019 National League County 2 Eastleigh 0

They played for both clubs Abdulai Bell-Baggie Matty Bound Tyler Garratt Kevin Gibbens Jamie Hand Gary McSheffrey Jordan Rose Jason Taylor

Previously at EP County: 1 Eastleigh: 0 Draws: 0 60

Saturday 20th February 2021, National League Eastleigh 1 County 0 The Hatters fell to a slender 1-0 defeat at Eastleigh in the National League, as a second-half penalty was enough to secure all three points for the hosts against the ten men of County. County line-up (4-3-3): Hinchliffe; Minihan, Palmer, Hogan ©, Stott (J. Jennings, 46) Gilmour (s/o, 30), Collar (Williams, 86), Rooney; SouthamHales, Bennett (Dalby, 70), Reid. Subs not used: Barnes, Maynard.

2020-21

CHE

Statistics Home L 2 3 4 2 2 5 5 3 3 4 5 4 5 6 6 4 4 3 5 9 6 11 5

F 31 23 22 16 22 24 27 21 18 13 23 25 20 22 14 14 15 17 24 20 20 8 9

A 12 13 13 9 9 14 22 14 11 14 11 19 20 18 15 15 12 10 24 26 24 30 18

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

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

Away L 2 4 3 5 6 2 3 6 4 4 6 4 6 8 7 7 8 9 9 6 9 9 6

2 0 3 1 0 0 6 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 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 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 11 14 16 15 20 7 13 19 17 18 17 17 20 29 24 20 20 21 32 16 30 35 17

W 17 15 15 13 13 13 12 12 11 9 12 11 11 11 10 10 9 8 8 7 6 3 3

Total

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 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

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 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 2 2 1 1 3 4 0 1 16 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 14 3 2 1 11 5 2 2 20 3 1 5 15 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 21 0 1 5 21 6 0 3 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 2 1 1 25 3 10 4 23 0 11 1 0 0 0 0 10 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 1 1 2 2 0 3 10 1 1 7 1 1 0 6 9 0 1 0 - 40 33

F 15 16 26 24 18 10 19 22 18 23 15 15 21 21 20 14 13 13 10 11 13 13 3

D 6 8 6 8 8 6 8 7 10 13 3 6 5 5 8 7 5 7 5 6 6 4 1

Total L F 4 46 7 39 7 48 7 40 8 40 7 34 8 46 9 43 7 36 8 36 11 38 8 40 11 41 14 43 13 34 11 28 12 28 12 30 14 34 15 31 15 33 20 21 11 12

A 23 27 29 24 29 21 35 33 28 32 28 36 40 47 39 35 32 31 56 42 54 65 35

GD 23 12 19 16 11 13 11 10 8 4 10 4 1 -4 -5 -7 -4 -1 -22 -11 -21 -44 -23

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 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 4 3 3 5 5 2 5 3 5 6 1 2 2 1 3 5 1 6 2 2 5 2 1

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

Player Roll-Call

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

Starts

Promotion

P 27 30 28 28 29 26 28 28 28 30 26 25 27 30 31 28 26 27 27 28 27 27 15

Biggest Win

Goals

National League Team Sutton United Hartlepool United Torquay United Stockport County Wrexham Notts County Bromley FC Halifax Town Eastleigh Boreham Wood Chesterfield Maidenhead United Aldershot Town Yeovil Town Altrincham Dagenham & Redbridge Solihull Moors Woking Wealdstone 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 2 2 1 1 3 4 0 1 22 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 32 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 20 4 3 2 12 5 2 2 26 3 1 5 19 3 2 1 1 1 0 0 24 3 1 6 23 9 0 3 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 3 3 1 31 4 14 4 28 1 16 1 0 0 0 0 12 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 0 2 1 2 2 0 8 11 1 1 7 1 1 0 8 12 0 1 0 - 54 37

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 57 53 51 47 47 45 44 43 43 40 39 39 38 38 38 37 32 31 29 27 24 13 10

W D L D D D W D D L L D L W L L D L L L D L L

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

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 Saturday 26th December 2020 Torquay United 6-1 Yeovil Town 1,323 Tuesday 15th December 2020 Weymouth 2-3 Wrexham 337 Michael Cheek (Bromley) 17 = 13 Goals + 4 Penalties

James Jennings scored a late, late equaliser in the 96th minute against league leaders Sutton United

# 1 3 23

National League Fair Play Team Dover Athletic 21 Stockport County 33 Yeovil Town 83

3 2 3

Pts 114 152 362

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 Sunday 21st March 2021

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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

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

4 4 5 4

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan

Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J 1

Croasdale Maynard Maynard Maynard ³

Palmer ³ Keane Keane Keane

Hogan Hogan Hogan 1 Hogan

Walker ² Walker 1 Walker ² Stretton ²

A H A H H A A

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

A H A H H H A

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

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 Hogan Gilmour Gilmour Gilmour

Williams ³ Thomas ³ Thomas ¹ ³ Rooney 1 ² 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 Hogan Palmer Stott Stott

Williams ² Southam-Hales ² Rooney 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

Dalby ¹ Cardwell 1 ¹ Cardwell ¹ Madden

Collar Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale

Reid Reid ³ Reid Reid

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

Keane ² Newby ² Shaw Walker ²

Maynard Collar Collar ² Collar

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

Bennett ³ Bennett ³ Madden ¹ Bennett ³

Stanyer

Hopkins

Williams ² Williams ³

Minihan Minihan ¹

Williams ³

Minihan ¹

Palmer 5 Kitching ¹

Bennett ¹ # Keane

National League News CHE

STERFIELD FC

I’m sure it wasn’t only County fans celebrating James Jennings’ stoppage-time equaliser at Sutton on Saturday - supporters of Hartlepool, Torquay, Wrexham and Notts County would also have revelled in the unexpected twist in the race for promotion, with moments like that often deemed decisive when the season ends. League leaders Sutton will aim to swiftly move on tonight, as they make the 12-mile journey to Hayes Lane to face Bromley. There’s no reason to suspect Sutton will stumble, having won eight and drawn two of their last ten, though it’s a tricky tie tonight with Bromley also in decent form. A 1-0 win over Solihull Moors on Saturday lifted Bromley to seventh and represented their fourth win in six games. The Ravens also have the top goal-scorer in the National League, with striker Michael Cheek boasting a record of 17 goals in 28 games. Hot on Sutton’s heels are Hartlepool United, who reached 10 games unbeaten at home on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Woking. Rhys Oates bagged his eighth of the campaign in the 80th minute to secure all three points and extend Pools’ best run of home form since the 2006-07 season, a campaign that concluded with Pools promoted. Manager Dave Challinor has the best win percentage of any permanent Pools manager in 18 years, though a few too many draws of late had helped Sutton open a greater advantage at the top. Securing all three points when Sutton slipped up on Saturday was crucial and Pools will aim to 66

capitalise on any similar situations tonight as they travel to Dagenham & Redbridge. Whilst all the excitement building amongst the Hartlepool fan base represents the best a football season can bring, their opponents at the weekend, Woking brought the grim reality of the 2020-21 campaign for others into sharp focus last week, when manager Alan Dowson threatened to furlough his entire playing squad. It seems no empty threat either, with the rationale being that unless Woking qualify for the FA Trophy final they have nothing to play for in the remaining weeks, with no risk of relegation or any prospect of promotion. The Cards take on Hereford in the semi-final on Saturday, with the lure of a trip to Wembley awaiting, though defeat is likely to cause a major reaction at the club. Woking are currently a part-time outfit, though with a move to full-time football planned for next season, and an overhaul of the current squad expected, it seems Dowson’s decision is made. “Let’s get the cards on the table, we’ll have a clean sweep next season. If we don’t get through then the players know how I think. I’ll put

the whole squad on furlough,” he was recently quoted as saying. Back to the race for the Football League then, and Torquay gained a much-needed first win in four games against lowly King’s Lynn on Saturday, to keep their promotion hopes alive. The only goal of the game came from Chesterfield loanee Scott Boden, and gave The Gulls a four-point advantage over ourselves and Wrexham in fourth and fifth. Notts County also picked up all three points, with two stellar strikes from Jake Reeves and Jordan Barnett helping them past Yeovil Town. Strangely, both teams face each other again tonight in a rearranged fixture. However, although both goals on Saturday were impressive finishes they can’t compare with the improvised ingenuity of team-mate Elisha Sam’s incredible overhead back-heel volley against Oxford City in the quarter-final of the FA Trophy in February. It’s a goal that has been viewed millions of times around the world online and the club recently confirmed it has begun to push for Sam’s magical moment to be included among the nominees for the Puskas award, run by FIFA, which recognises goals of aesthetic brilliance. What a boost that would be, for the player, club, and the National League if Sam is selected!

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Stockport County 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Ben Hinchliffe Sam Minihan James Jennings Liam Hogan Ash Palmer Lois Maynard Adam Thomas John Rooney Richie Bennett 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 Jack Hinchy Will Collar Tom Walker Harry Cardwell Elliot Newby Jack Stretton Nathan Shaw Paddy Madden

Eastleigh FC [1357] [1359] [1397] [1395] [1372] [1394] [1373] [1400] [1396] [1339] [1404] [1398] [1380] [1370] [1401] [1402] [1399] [1407]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24

Joe McDonnell Joe Partington Michael Green Cavaghn Miley Pierce Bird Andrew Boyce Abdulai Baggie Jack Payne Dan Smith Tyrone Barnett Sam Smart Callum Baughan Ross Flitney Tom Bearwish Alex Wynter Ben Scorey Joe Tomlinson Ben House Danny Hollands Ryan Hill Lewis Beale Tom Blair

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Tonight’s other Vanarama National League fixtures (7:00pm unless stated)

Aldershot Town v Chesterfield Altrincham v King’s Lynn Town Bromley v Sutton United Dagenham & Redbridge v Hartlepool United Torquay United v Solihull Moors Wealdstone v Woking (7.45pm) Yeovil Town v Notts County (7.45pm)

Match Officials Referee Scott Tallis Assistant Referee 1 Lewis Raper

Stockpor

Assistant Referee 2 Martin Parker Fourth Official Kieran Johnson

Next At Edgeley Park

Hartlepool United Saturday 27th March 2021 Kick-off: 3.00pm Vanarama National League

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Match Sponsor

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

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