Stockport County v Torquay United

Official Matchday Programme

vs Torquay United Sunday 16th May Kick-off 12:15pm

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

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

county

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

Thanks to: Dominic Mee at Torquay United Football Club and Pinnacle Photo Agency (PPAUK).

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 Vanarama National League North Champions 2018-2019 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

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Simon Rusk

Hi everyone, and welcome back once more to Edgeley Park for this afternoon’s big National League game against Torquay United.

A warm welcome also to Gary Johnson and his group of players, as well as all the staff, directors and those travelling up to the game from Torquay.

I’m writing these notes after our game against Dagenham on Tuesday night – a really hard match for us against strong opposition in good form. It was a real test for us that night, and although we didn’t manage to come away with the win, the point we did gain could prove a crucial one come the end of the season.

Today is the type of game everyone wants to be involved in – the ones that really matter at the business-end of the season, between two sides with everything still to play for. Torquay’s record this season speaks for itself, and we know we face another big challenge this afternoon to pick up all three points.

We’re on a really good run of form right now, and our strong set of results over the last 15 games is a real testament to the collective effort of everyone at the Club. We face some big tests over the coming weeks, but we are all pulling in the same direction, and I firmly believe that collective unity could well prove to be the difference in the big games to come.

I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support of the Club this season – even from a distance it means so much to us. I hope you all continue to keep safe and healthy in these strange times, and we’re all so looking forward to seeing you back inside Edgeley Park again in the coming weeks.

Enjoy the game today.

Simon 05

Proud to sponsor Stockport County Football Club

togethermoney.com

Club News Return of fans update Following Monday’s government announcement, we are pleased to confirm that we will be able to welcome fans back into the stadium on Saturday 22nd May, for our home match against Woking.

The club will always work towards accommodating as many fans as legally possible whilst following the government guidelines. As part of the latest guidelines, we are restricted on capacity, but we will be able to accommodate all of our season ticket holders.

In addition to this, there will be 100 tickets available to purchase

in the Railway End. We aim to allocate these tickets as fairly as possible and will be introducing a ballot system. For more

information and to apply, visit our website. The deadline for ballot entries will be tomorrow at midday.

Foster Care Fortnight As it’s Foster Care Fortnight, the Club want to thank all of the amazing foster carers in Stockport who are making a difference to local children’s lives today and every day – you’re incredible!

County fan runs 22 marathons in 22 days County fan Rowan Ardill is running 22 marathons in 22 consecutive days with the aim of raising £22k for The Running Charity, a charity that helps improve lives of local 16-25-yearolds who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. On Friday, with the starting line at Edgeley Park, he completed a ‘Footy Grounds’ marathon around Manchester. Good luck in the rest of your challenge Rowan! To donate and to read more about his story visit his JustGiving page; www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/202020 07

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Lois Maynard County’s midweek draw with inform Dagenham & Redbridge was arguably a result neither side wanted from a difficult game.

Two in-form teams going at it was a great spectacle for the neutral but for County, it hit severely hit their title chances, although it did strengthen their grip on one of the important top three spots.

County midfielder Lois Maynard acknowledged that Dagenham, who were full of confidence on the back of a six-game winning run, were one of the best teams to visit Edgeley Park so far this season. The result left County six points behind leaders Sutton, with just three games to play.

“I thought it was a difficult game,” said Lois, who joined County last year from Salford City. “We played well but

personally I thought it was a fair result with both teams having chances to win the game. We were all disappointed not to get the three points, of course, but our unbeaten run continues and we move on to the game against Torquay.

“Of course, it’s still mathematically possible. However, we’re all ready for whatever challenge comes our way, in order to reach our end goal.”

Lois arrived at Edgeley Park in February 2020. He only made one appearance for County in the 2019/20 season, away at Dagenham and Redbridge in a 1-1 draw, before it was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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He has a top-quality pedigree at this level, starting his career in non-league for Daisy Hill, Chadderton, Flixton and Winsford United before getting his move to FC Halifax Town in 2013. After two years there he moved to Tranmere Rovers, making it to the Play-Off Final in 2017 before moving to Salford City.

At Salford City, he won the National League North in his first season and won promotion again as the Ammies beat AFC Fylde at Wembley in the 2018/19 National League Play-Off Final. For Lois, it was an experience that remains as one of the highest points of his career, and his know-how of the play-offs will hold the County squad in good stead if Simon Rusk’s men do face the play-offs in the coming weeks.

“I mean, it’s obviously a fantastic memory and one I’ll cherish with me forever,” said Lois about his Wembley triumph. “To win a game of that magnitude, and create history for the club is amazing. Also, to create that history at Wembley, having lost there before with Tranmere, certainly was a euphoric feeling.

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Name: Lois Maynard Position: Midfielder Born: Manchester Date of Birth: 22nd January, 1989 Previous clubs: Daisy Hill, Chadderton, Flixton, Stocksbridge Park Steels (loan), Winsford United, FC Halifax Town, Tranmere Rovers, Salford City.

“I think experience in the squad always stands you in good stead for situations like the play-offs. I think it can help keep and maintain that calm, and focus your mentality which is needed in order to not play the occasion too much, and to remember to keep doing the things that have got us to this point.

“It is obviously and naturally a different atmosphere due to it being a one-off game and winner-takes-all occasion, but as I said earlier, it is important to stay focused on the game and remain calm.”

In 2019/20, Lois made 25 appearances for Salford in the Football League, scoring one goal before making the move to Edgeley Park. Lois, who is a cousin of England footballer Marcus Rashford, is happy with his achievements in the game, whilst admitting he has more to offer the County fans as the Hatters aim to return to the Football League.

“I’m very happy with what I’ve achieved in the game so far,” he said. “To have personal achievements and team achievements gives you a sense of fulfilment and I think anyone doing what they love every day, is very fortunate. I’m grateful to have had this amazing journey so far.”

County welcome fellow promotion-chasers Torquay United to Edgeley Park in the stand-out game of the weekend, and Maynard feels that the Hatters can be pleased with their efforts during the season so far.

“On the whole, it’s a been a very good season, but we want to make it a great season in these remaining games and are very focused on doing that. Like every season, there have been obstacles, but we’ve always been a tight-knit group which has helped us overcome anything thrown at us and get us to where we are now. One last push!”

Favourite TV programme?

The Office UK (Ricky Gervais, what a guy!)

Favourite music band: J Cole Favourite stadium played in: Wembley Best goal scored: Grimsby away, playing for FC Halifax.

Best game played in: Play-Off Final for Salford City.

Best advice given to you by anyone in the game: To work hard, learn, and cherish every moment.

Boyhood team: Manchester United Twitter or Facebook: I only use Instagram haha.

If you could buy a ticket for one sporting event what would it be: Ringside at a Mike Tyson fight in his prime!

Highlight of your career: Gaining promotion to the League at Wembley.

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ELLIOT NEWBY

Welcome...

Torquay United One of the defining games of the National League season will play out this afternoon, with nothing but a win sufficient to boost either side’s title prospects, as fourth host second.

Torquay United have been consumed by the quest for top spot from the first weeks of the season to the last, with Gary Johnson’s men having been league leaders after 22 of the 39 match days so far.

They first topped the table in late October, when a 4-1 victory at Aldershot made it four wins out of five in the first month of the campaign, which included a 1-0 win over County at Plainmoor on the opening day of course.

October ended with a demolition job on previously unbeaten Hartlepool, with The Gulls winning 5-0 up in the North East - utterly dominant against a team that were to become promotion rivals.

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Nickname: The Gulls Founded: 1899 Stadium: Plainmoor Capacity: 6,500 Address: Marnham Rd, Torquay Postcode: TQ1 3PS Distance from Edgeley Park: 257.4 miles (4 hours 24 minutes) Current league position: 2nd

By the end of 2020, Torquay had won 11 of their 15 games, smashing in 10 goals in two matches over the Christmas period for good measure, and looking every inch the champions-elect of the league.

Then, injuries struck; lots of them! Each week The Gulls’ injury list seemed to extend and by the end of February 16 players were unable to feature in their FA Trophy game at Woking, with the majority of those absentees due to injury.

Naturally the balance of the side was affected throughout this challenging period and subsequently The Gulls’ grasp on top spot weakened.

DID YOU KNOW?

Last season’s games between thes e two sides were goal-fest s. Torquay won 4-0 here at Ed geley Park in September 20 19, before County won 51 in Devon two months lat er!

From January 2nd to March 16th the previously near-imperious United won just two of eleven league games, losing five, to relinquish first place to Sutton.

Their recovery since then has been hugely impressive, with 10 wins, two draws and just one defeat in 13 games piling the pressure on their promotion rivals. That fine form was enough for The Gulls to reclaim top spot for a fortnight, though Sutton usurped them again on Tuesday night, winning a crucial game in hand to edge out in front once more.

Whatever happens from here on in, what a season it’s been for everyone at the club! Goalkeeper Lucas CovolanCavagnari has kept 12 clean sheets in 23 appearances, highly-rated midfielder Connor Lemonheigh-Evans has weighed in with 10 goals and 12 assists in his most productive season to date, and captain Asa Hall has had the best goalscoring season of his career at the age of 34, bagging 13 times from the centre of the park.

The Gaffer: Gary Johnson There was surprise and delight in equal measure amongst United’s fan base at the appointment of Gary Johnson’s in September 2018, and his impact was immediate. Three wins and three draws preceded a recordbreaking ten match winning streak, which lifted the club up from 14th into 1st place. Under his guidance they remained there for the majority of the season, before finally clinching the National League South title, and with it promotion, in April 2019.

Whilst there have obviously been stand-out players, the squad have been superbly guided by their vastly experienced gaffer, Gary Johnson. The 65-year-old is aiming for a seventh promotion of his managerial career and, having overseen in excess of 1,100 games, he has a wealth of experience to tap into in these final weeks of the campaign, with games against Barnet (h) and Altrincham (a) to come after today.

One incredible achievement this season has been Torquay’s ability to score after 90 minutes have passed. Nine times The Gulls have scored in injury time so far, including against ourselves back in October, earning 10 precious points.

County know to our cost how relentless an opponent Torquay can be and with Sutton in their sights we can expect another extremely testing afternoon as the race for promotion nears its conclusion.

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The Players SHAUN MACDONALD (b:Oct 1996 s:Jul 2018) Keeper who started with Gateshead, being sent out on loan by them to Spennymoor Town, Consett and Blyth Spartans. He then had a permanent spell with Spartans before switching to the opposite end of the country.

CONNOR LEMONHEIGH-EVANS (b:Jan 1997 s:Aug 2020) Midfielder who joined the club permanently after three previous loan spells. He came through the ranks at Bristol City who also loaned him to Bath twice.

BEN WYNTER (b:Dec 1997 s:Jul 2018) Right-back who spent his youth career at Crystal Palace where he turned pro. After leaving he went on to figure for Bromley and Hampton & Richmond Borough. He can also play in central defence.

ASA HALL (b:Nov 1986 s:Jul 2018) Midfielder who joined from Barrow. The other permanent clubs on his CV are Birmingham City, Luton Town, Oxford, Shrewsbury Town and Cheltenham.

LIAM DAVIS (b:Nov 1986 s:Jun 2017) This left-back started with Fulham, moving on to Coventry City who loaned him to Peterborough United.

He then found his way to Plainmoor via Northampton Town, Oxford United, Yeovil and Cheltenham - with a short spell at GAIS of Sweden before the last of these clubs.

KYLE CAMERON (b:Jan 1997 s:Jun 2018) After being spotted by Newcastle United playing for Cramlington Juniors and Northburn Wanderers, He was loaned to Workington, York City, Newport and Queen of the South. He is a left-sided central defender.

GARY WARREN (b:Aug 1984 s:Jul 2020) Having been involved with Mangotsfield United and Team Bath, this central defender then crossed borders to play for Newport and Inverness CT. Back in the South West he signed on for Yeovil and Exeter, from where he joined the Gulls after a loan stint.

DANNY WRIGHT (b:Sep 1984 s:Jul 2020) Started in the lower levels of the pyramid with Dereham Town and Histon before joining Cambridge United. Next stop was Wrexham, and the forward continued mostly in the National League with spells at Forest Green Rovers, Gateshead and Kidderminster before a switch to Cheltenham and most recently Solihull Moors.

ARMANI LITTLE (b:Apr 1997 s:May 2019) Product of Southampton’s academy, this midfielder made his way to his current club via Oxford with two loan spells at Woking.

JAKE ANDREWS (b:Oct 1997 s:Jun 2019) Former loan player in his second season on the club’s books. A midfielder, his other permanent side was Bristol City, from where he has also had temporary spells with Guernsey FC, Chippenham Town and Cheltenham Town.

ADAM RANDELL (b:Oct 2000 s:Oct 2020) Defensive midfielder who joined in time to make his debut on the opening day against County. His loan spell from Plymouth is his first away from his parent club.

ANDY COLLINGS Home-grown goalkeeper, he has had time away from the club on loan with Bristol Manor Farm.

ANDREW NELSON (b:Sep 1997 s:Jul 2020) Forward whose previous clubs have been in the North and Scotland, He began with Sunderland, and went on loan to Hartlepool United, Harrogate Town, Falkirk and Darlington. Before moving to Plainmoor he returned to Scotland to sign for Dundee.

Gary Warren

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MATT BUSE (b:Jul 1997 s:Aug 2019) Right-sided defender or midfielder who made the step up from Taunton Town after impressing in pre-season.

He has previously been with Weymouth and Gosport Borough. Loaned to Bath City and Chippenham.

SAM SHERRING (b:May 2000 s:Oct 2020) Defender who has come through the ranks with AFC Bournemouth. He is on loan from them and was previously sent out to Weymouth.

JACOB EVANS (s:May 2020) Attacking midfielder who joins the pro ranks after making good progress with South Devon College, English Colleges and United reserves.

OLAF KOSZELA (b:Mar 2002 s:Mar 2019) Rewarded with a pro contract for his prolific scoring record in the club’s age group sides. He has since been loaned to Tiverton Town and Dorchester Town.

SCOTT BODEN (b:Dec 1989 s:Nov 2020) Sheffield United product who was with Sheffield FC and IFK Mariehamn of Finland before joining Chesterfield for a first spell. The striker’s career progressed with Macclesfield Town, FC Halifax Town, Newport County, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Wrexham and Gateshead before returning to the Spireites, and he is now on loan with Torquay.

DEAN MOXEY (b:Jan 1986 s:Sep 2020) Left-back who joins from EFL neighbours Exeter. He started with them Before moving on to play for Derby County, Crystal Palace and Bolton Wanderers, then returning to Exeter.

LOUIE SLOUGH (s:Aug 2019) A home-grown product this central defender was loaned to Dorchester in October 2020.

AARON NEMANE (b:Sep 1997 s:Dec 2019) Joined after being released by Manchester City. His first club were Amiens in his home country of France. City had loaned the wide man to Glasgow Rangers, Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles and Tubize in Belgium.

OWEN PRICE (s:May 2020) Another to recently progress from South Devon College, English Colleges and United reserves. The left-back is now in the professional ranks.

ROB STREET (b:Sep 2001 s:Jan 2021) Forward who has signed on loan from first club Crystal Palace.

BILLY WATERS (b:Oct 1994 s:Oct 2020) Forward who started with Crewe Alexandra, before moving on to Cheltenham and Northampton. The Cobblers lent him to Cambridge United, back to Cheltenham and to Newport.

BENJAMIN MBUNGA-KIMPIOKA (b:Feb 2000 s:Mar 2021) Forward who came in on loan from Sunderland for the

Dean Moxey

rest of the season. He moved to the North East as a youth from Swedish side IK Sirius.

LUCAS TOMLINSON (b:Feb 2001 s:Apr 2021) Having joined United on loan from Bristol Rovers in April 2021, 20-year old Lucas is widely regarded as one of Rovers’ most exciting prospects, having made five substitute appearances for the first team since turning professional two years ago.

JOE LEWIS (b:Sep 1999 s:Jan 2021) Swansea City product, the central defender joined permanently from them after a previous loan spell with The Gulls.

MAX SHEAF (b:Mar 2000 s:Jan 2021) Attack-minded midfielder who has joined on loan from Hull City. He had a previous spell out on loan with Cheltenham.

LUCAS COVOLAN (GK) (b:Jun 1991 s:May 2019) Goalkeeper Lucas joined United in May 2019, following a brief trial with the club midway through the previous season. Capped by Brazil at U20 level, Cavagnari began his career with Brazilian giants Vasco da Gama, and played for a number of other clubs in his homeland prior to joining English non-league side Whitehawk.

BEN WHITFIELD (b:Feb 1996 s:Sep 2019) Midfield signing who was most recently with Port Vale. He began as a youngster with Bradford City and Guiseley before joining Bournemouth. Loan stints with Kidderminster Harriers, Yeovil and Vale followed.

JOSH UMERAH (b:Apr 1998 s:Sep 2020) Forward last with Ebbsfleet United whom he joined after playing for Boreham Wood on loan in 2018-19. His only other permanent employers were Charlton Athletic where he spent 11 years. He has also had loan spells with Kilmarnock and Wycombe Wanderers.

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Torquay United

Three to Watch Photos: Pinnacle Photo Agency UK

Danny Wright Plainmoor regulars had longadmired the Norwich-born centre forward’s performances for a number of opposition sides over the past decade, beginning with his starring role in village side Histon’s remarkable rise up through the footballing ranks between 2007-2010.

2008/09 was a notable highpoint for both the team and Danny himself, with his winner in the 1-0 FA Cup win over League One Swindon Town setting up an even more memorable triumph over the mighty Leeds United in the following round.

Although it would be Torquay themselves that would ultimately scupper Histon’s Football League dreams in the playoffs, Wright was now a man in demand, with a succession of National League clubs benefiting from his goalscoring exploits during the next five years, prior to his first link-up with current United boss Johnson in July 2015.

Stints at the top tier of nonleague football with Cambridge, Wrexham, Forest Green, Gateshead, and Kidderminster, had seen Danny earn himself a reputation as one of the most feared strikers at that level, however, the Football League 18

remained uncharted waters, until his move to Johnson’s Cheltenham Town saw the Gloucestershire outfit reclaim their League Two status at the first time of asking. Aided by the likes of future United colleagues Asa Hall and Aaron Downes, Wright’s 22 goals in 44 games played a large part in seeing The Robins secure the title by twelve points, with the target man proving equally effective in the EFL, as he notched 11 goals during in first season amongst the sacred 92.

A move back into the National League with an ambitious Solihull Moors side in 2018 would once again see the best brought out in player and team, with another double-figure tally seeing Tim Flowers’ men go within touching distance of securing promotion. Danny jumped at the chance of renewing his successful partnership his former Cheltenham boss – with a Football League return very much on the agenda for all concerned.

Kyle Cameron After joining the club in July 2018, Kyle Cameron would go on to become one of the division’s star performers as United swept towards the 2018/19 National league South title.

After spending his youth career with Newcastle United. Cameron spent time on loan at Workington, York City and Queen of the South and has also been capped by Scotland twice at Under-21 level.

A natural left-footer, Kyle put in a number of commanding displays throughout the season and notched his first goal for the club with a towering header in the vital 1-0 away win at Concord Rangers in March 2019.

Kyle was rewarded for a fantastic campaign by being named in the 2018/19 National League South ‘Team of the Season’.

Asa Hall Midfielder Asa Hall became the first United captain in over 90 years to lift a championship trophy, following the 2018/19 National League South title success.

Hall brings a wealth of experience to the squad having made over 300 first-team appearances turning out for clubs such as Luton Town, Oxford United, Shrewsbury Town and Cheltenham Town.

He was part of Gary Johnson’s squad that earned the Robins a return to the Football League in 2016, prior to being reunited with his former manager again last season.

Asa’s calming presence, not to mention important goals, helped steer United towards the National League South summit last season, and he was recognised for his influential performances by being named in the 2018/19 National league South ‘Team of the Season’.

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Rebellious Jukebox Gareth Evans selects Torquay on the County Rock-Ola, and presses play to discover a link with, and test the credentials of… BEN HOWARD. So, what’s the connection?

This lunchtime’s subject - a singer-songwriter in the mould of Nick Drake, who posthumously received the Rebellious Jukebox treatment for our Solihull programme - is actually a London-born lad, who entered the world in Richmond 34 years ago last month. But to the world he is essentially Devonian, following a move to the South West whilst at primary school to be raised in Totnes - just over 20 miles away from the ‘English Riviera’ where today’s visitors ply their trade. Ben Howard has a direct connection with the town of the ‘Gulls’, too, having pursued some of his education at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School. Rebellious, though? Let’s ‘Take Five’…

Ben, as an 11-year-old, was to be found playing the guitar and composing his own tunes under the influence of such giants as Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, John Martyn, Joni Mitchell and Van Morrison 1. Fits and Starts Growing up as he did with music-loving parents, whose records by great singer-songwriters of the 1960s and ‘70s were rarely off the family turntable, young Ben, as an 11-year-old, was to be found playing the guitar and composing his own tunes under the influence of such giants as Drake, Bob Dylan, John Martyn, Joni Mitchell and Van Morrison. Not that this was immediately part of a career masterplan, mind, as, after leaving school, he headed west to read Journalism at University College Falmouth - although, six months before graduation beckoned, he quit to play his melodic, roots folk music at open-mic nights around Devon and Cornwall, as well as releasing, in 2008, his debut EP, ’Games in the Dark’, as a self-funded effort. Two further Extended Plays followed, on the Nashville label Dualtone and for the London-based,

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independent Communion Records. And all the while, Ben’s reputation was building up beyond the West Country - both nationally and internationally.

Following a series of sold-out dates across the UK and Europe, the major companies’ interest was piqued - and, during 2011, he signed to Island.

2. Ben Who-ard?

Island Records put out Ben’s first album-proper, ‘Every Kingdom’, later in 2011 - which was nominated for the following year’s Mercury Prize.

Alt-popsters alt-J, in the event, scooped that one with ‘An Awesome Wave’ - but 2013 was to prove Ben’s ‘annus mirabilis’, when he walked away with two Brit Awards, for British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act, before playing on the Pyramid Stage at that summer’s Glastonbury festival. Ahead of the Brits, few - in relative terms - had been overly familiar with his music, let alone bought ‘Every Kingdom’, but immediately after the event, sales of the album on Amazon rose a staggering 4,600 per cent overnight, and he had on his hands a platinum-selling record. He could smile, too, as a question along the lines of ‘#Who on earth (I paraphrase that bit) is Ben Howard?’ started trending on Twitter!

3. Why Island?

The label was a natural choice of musical home for Ben, given its earlier history of UK folk singers - including Drake and Martyn, to whom he is seen as a worthy successor in style, both in terms of often dark and sometimes wildly enigmatic lyrics, and technically immaculate acoustic guitar playing (although, following his first album, he proceeded to ‘go electric’, too, towards the outer reaches of indie-folk). Ben is also a left-handed guitarist - providing another link of sorts with Drake, who played a right-handed guitar upside down, restrung for a left-hander.

When playing live, he rarely completes a set without giving a shout-out to Torquay - while his association with Totnes saw him chosen during 2015 to appear on the town’s 10 pound note

4. Devonian Devotion Ben may hail from the capital by virtue of his birth, but his heart, it would seem, is forever in Devon.

When playing live, he rarely completes a set without giving a shout-out to Torquay - while his association with Totnes saw him chosen during 2015 to appear on the town’s 10 pound note. His ‘Burgh Island’ EP, released in late 2012, refers to the iconic tidal landmark off the coast of South-West Devon whose art deco hotel was once frequented by the likes of Agatha Christie, Noël Coward, Lord Mountbatten, and Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.

5. Virtual Gigging Whilst a number of his fellow musicians have gamely staged performances during the pandemic for fans unable to experience the real thing in person, there has been an uncomfortable eeriness about viewing shows played to empty auditoriums.

Ben, on the other hand, in launching his latest album, ‘Collections from the Whiteout’, only last month, put a rather more cinematic spin on things with a global live-steam from Goonhilly, the satellite earth station in Cornwall. On a chilly spring day, and performing under enormous white dishes on The Lizard Peninsula, he made the most of the medium with a unique concert setting and its surrounding wideopen spaces. Out of this world, you might say…

Rebellious Jukebox Rating:… Cloud NINE. 21

Harry Barrett reflects on the Northern Section Few top-flight giants were slain by plucky Northern Section clubs in the FA Cup pre-war, teams rarely progressing beyond the last 32. But in three successive seasons in the 1950s, Gateshead, Port Vale and York captured the country’s sporting imagination with third-tier clubs almost living the dream of reaching the FA Cup Final.

As the nation prepared for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953, Gateshead experienced, according to a local scribe, “a delirium of epidemic proportions”, as the Redheugh Park team reached the quarter-finals.

After dispatching fellow northern sectioners, Crewe and Bradford Park Avenue, Liverpool travelled north. A capacity crowd would have been expected but on the same afternoon 56,507 watched Sunderland struggle to draw with Scunthorpe while 63,499 at Newcastle had a wasted afternoon, when their tie with Swansea was abandoned due to fog after eight minutes. A mile away on the south bank of the Tyne, that same fog swirled, and it was a somewhat muted 15,193 crowd that greeted the 84th-minute Gateshead winner.

Newspapermen had to be told the scorer’s name at the final whistle, though a reporter suggested, “the Liverpool defence was mediocre even by Nat Lofthouse third division standards”.

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Second Division Hull were beaten 2-1 at Boothferry Park in round four, the players enjoying an overnight stop at at Hornsea. Into the last 16 and the long trip to Plymouth necessitated another hotel break, at Okehampton, before a one-goal victory. Devon grumbled about Gateshead’s “spoiling tactics”, but they were in the quarters and Bolton were drawn at home.

Normally attracting 4,000 fans, the club had to commandeer the town hall for ticket sales, with a woman so badly injured in the scrummage, that she had a leg amputated.

Playing in a borrowed Newcastle strip, the Heed more than matched the eventual beaten finalists who fielded five internationals. One of those, Lofthouse, headed the second-half winner with the homesters appealing for an earlier handball. Still, Gateshead had made as much money from the six Cup games as they did from the whole league season.

Twelve months later Port Vale beat the 1953 winners Blackpool, Stan Matthews and all, in round five on a Burslem quagmire. Two goals up after half an hour, the Vale defence that conceded just 21 league goals on their way to the Northern Section title were never in trouble. In the earlier rounds Vale had seen off Darlington, Southport (after a replay) and QPR to earn a Fourth Round trip to Cardiff.

City’s goalie was stretchered off after 20 minutes, an injury that helped the Valiants to a 2-0 success in the no-subs era.

After the euphoria of beating Blackpool, Vale were clear favourites for their quarter-final trip to Leyton Orient. But the Southern Section team were no pushovers, as police searched fans for 1,300 stolen tickets prior to the game. That ‘iron curtain’ defence was again severely tested and a narrow 1-0 win put Port Vale into the last four.

Vale’s 25,000 ticket allocation for the semi-final with West Brom sold out on the first day and 100 buses and fourteen special trains transported supporters the short journey to Villa Park. Albion, top of Division One, were stunned as the Burslem men led at half-time and a frenetic second period followed. The Baggies levelled, were awarded a controversial penalty, converted by former Valiant Ronnie Allen, and Port Vale had a late equaliser disallowed for offside.

So near, yet in 1955 York were even closer to Wembley, losing to eventual winners Newcastle in a semi-final replay. The Minstermen, beaten by Huddersfield in a Sixth Round tie in 37/38 that went to two games, surpassed that achievement with football described by Henry Rose of the Daily Express,as “First Division class”.

Vale’s 25,000 ticket allocation for the semi-final with West Brom sold out on the first day and 100 buses and fourteen special trains transported supporters the short journey to Villa Park

Mercurial Stanley Matthews, the poster boy of 1950s Footyland, was shackled for the second season running by a Northern Section full-back, York beating Blackpool 2-0 at Bloomfield Road Stanley Matthews in round three.

Future England World Cup winning manager, Alf Ramsey skippered Tottenham in the Fifth Round tie to no avail. The Londoners were beaten 3-1 at a snow-covered Bootham Crescent.

Ironically York’s trickiest games were against nonleague opposition. They squeezed home by the odd goal in five against Scarborough in round one, trailed Dorchester for half the game before winning the Second Round match 5-2 and struggled at Bishop Auckland in round four. The 3-1 victory over the famed Amateur Cup fighters somewhat flattered City as did the narrow 1-0 scoreline at Notts County in the quarters.

Meadow Lane housed its record attendance of 47,310, when York earned their semi-final place, and a crowd limit of 65,000 was set for the Newcastle fixture at Hillsborough. Despite going behind, City rallied on a heavy pitch, equalised and almost grabbed a late winner. So to Roker Park for the midweek afternoon replay. Loudspeakers were set up in York marketplace to relay the radio commentary, and news that pivot Alan Stewart had to leave the field for stitches in a forehead gash. He returned to play on the wing, but while the reorganised defence performed manfully, Newcastle won 2-0.

Nowadays there is nothing particularly special about playing at Wembley, and the FA Cup is just another competition. Then it was special, and Wembley Cup Final day a national occasion, covered live by television. Little wonder those Northern Section footballers of Gateshead, Port Vale and York are still revered and remembered in their localities.

They almost delivered the dream.

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Official Partners of The National League

County Ladies Good weekend for senior teams After a weekend off last week all three Senior teams were in action on Sunday. The First Team took on Cheadle Town Stingers at home whilst the Development side hosted Liverpool Feds Development, both friendly matches. The Under-18s were away at Crossfield Juniors in the Cheshire Women’s and Youth League.

Stingers play in the Premier Division of the North West Women’s Regional League, a tier below our First Team, but gave a good account of themselves in a closely fought first-half. The only goal being scored by Maria Figueiredo to leave County leading 1-0 at the break.

Ronnie Green made a few changes soon after half-time, one of which was to introduce Immy Williams, who soon justified her inclusion by

Wildcats sessions will be starting again soon!

volleying home from the edge of the box. County continued to press but the final score stayed at 2-0.

Development were unlucky to go behind in the first couple of minutes when a looping free-kick in from the right just dropped into the back top corner of the net. It wasn’t until the second half when a goal on her debut for Charlotte Evans levelled up the scoreline.

The Under-18s, meanwhile, were busy scoring goals away at Crossfield, the final score being 2-10. It’s been a good season for the Under-18s, and they’ll finish second in their league, narrowly missing out on top spot.

We will soon be announcing dates for open training sessions where any players wishing to play for SCLFC next season can come along to SSV for a session. Dates

Maria Figueiredo, scorer of our opening goal against Stingers

for Senior and Junior open training will be publicised on social media and our website. Keep your eyes peeled!

Also starting again soon will be our Wildcats sessions for girls aged five and up who are starting out in football. Having fun playing football is the focus of these sessions and they are run on a ‘turn up and play’ basis, no membership required.

Again, keep your eyes on social media and the website for start dates.

Finally, good luck to Simon and the team for today’s big game.

Everyone at SCLFC is cheering for you! #UTH!

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

Follow us on Twitter @SCLadiesFC or Instagram @stockportcountylfc.

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The Mad Hatter’s Quiz with Paul Dean

TRIVIA

WHO AM I?

1. For which club did former Torquay star Rodney Jack sign for £650,000 in 1998?

2. Which team did Neil Warnock move to as manager after his short spell as Torquay’s boss in 1993?

3. For which club did Sam Allardyce sign from Bolton in 1980?

4. With which club did Frank Lampard have a loan spell in 1995-1996?

5. For which club did Robbie Fowler finish his playing career in 2012?

I signed from Man City in 1965 and made 60 appearances for the Hatters before transferring to Halifax in 1967.

6. Who is the highest scoring foreign player in Premier League history?

7. Which two players did the Hatters sign from Preston North End in 1993?

8. Which former Hatter signed for Torquay in 2007?

S Q O U S O V W G R G K S Z M G B U Q X

A A L W Z A H A A B F T P D L R P A D L

Y L O R E R Q N M F A Q J P R E X T D V

C H A R L T O N B T E F K G F A S P O T

Y E N N I F M O T A M B O G U V W C F H

N N N D H L F U U K R R T H Z E K D N Q

L H A M Q A V V X B D N S T W S B E E Q

S Y S O F K N Y K O C I E C J G W Z J N

K S L A L S F S N X L I F S B O U E G J

K M E U R C U B E G H B F E L T I B A O

I X T N M G A W L N I L M E A N H D V T

Q N N L U N G A S A S P A X P U G I F V

C R F J K O D L Z I H H I X X H Y X L N

N G B S Q O S S S S C C J Z V R T I E O

R C C H F E M I Q I J R E F D E I U C U

D B B Q N P U N M M C A I F N G F A D T

K E V I N K E E G A N G V V Q O G I B Q

S Z J N P T O D X B Q G D Y D R M I V C

E L D D O H N N E L G D E K V L E B J C

Answers:

T M X M J I L R W U P K V X L Q E R H E

Who Am I? David Shawcross

ALAN HANSEN CHARLTON DALGLISH DENIS LAW EDWARDS GLENN HODDLE GORDON BANKS GREAVES JOHN BARNES KEVIN KEEGAN MICHAEL OWEN ROGER HUNT SOUNESS TOM FINNEY

Trivia 1: Crewe Alexandra 2: Huddersfield Town 3: Sunderland 4: Swansea City 5: Muangthong United 6: Sergio Aguero 7: Martin James & Mike Flynn 8: Mark Robinson

WORDSEARCH

27

GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk

Terrace Talk Just three league games remain for County in the 2020-21 National League campaign and without disrespecting Woking and Yeovil Town to come, this lunchtime’s televised encounter against Torquay United tops the lot.

Torquay are second in the table as things stand and their experienced manager Gary Johnson has once again worked his magic at Plainmoor.

He is looking for a second promotion at the club since taking over the reins back in September 2018.

With over 1,000 games as a manager, he has been part of promoted teams at Cambridge United, Yeovil Town, Bristol City, Cheltenham Town and, finally, today’s opponents whom he helped guide to the National League South title two years ago.

Standing in their way is a County side who have been on a remarkable fifteen-game unbeaten run which continued on Tuesday night with a 1-1 draw against Dagenham & Redbridge. Simon Rusk is just four months into his first full managerial role but the transition from coaching the Under-23 side at Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion has proved seamless.

Torquay last played in the EFL, then known by its traditional name of the Football League, back in 2014, whilst it has been ten years since The Hatters last played at fourth-tier level, just twenty years after appearing

Torquay boss Gary Johnson led Cheltenham to the title in 2016

in what is now known as the Championship.

County, by coincidence, gained promotion as Champions from the National League North in 2019 so it is testament to both clubs that within two years they have made the step up and are now looking for a return to League Two which from a Hatters’ point of view could see renewed acquaintances with the likes of fellow North West clubs Rochdale, Oldham Athletic, Salford City and maybe Tranmere Rovers or Morecambe depending on Play-Off results.

Going slightly further afield across the county borders there are also potential games in Cumbria against Carlisle United

and Barrow as well as Battle of the Roses fixtures with Bradford City and Harrogate Town.

Torquay, on the other hand, will be looking at renewing rivalries with their Devon neighbours Exeter City with the Grecians just having missed out on a Play-Off place in League Two earlier this month by a couple of points.

These are the rewards for making the step up and with fans set to return to stadiums next week the potential of these games, coupled with returning to live events after a year away from the game they love, will make this year’s National League conclusion one of the most exciting in recent times.

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Steve Bellis Columbo, The Faroe Islands and Mascara!

I must admit to being a tad concerned when everyone started talking about today’s game as a potential title-decider.

There was the small matter of a game against the very much in-form Dagenham and Redbridge to play first.

Ironically that would have made an excellent TV game, such was the quality of football between the top two form teams of the day.

The Daggers have made huge strides since our win there in January and arrived at Edgeley Park having won six on the bounce.

Typically, the heavens opened an hour or so before kick-off much to dismay of the Dagenham Managing Director who travelled by train and got a right Stockport soaking on the short walk from the station. Poor Steve looked like a cross between Columbo (only our more senior fans will remember him) and Gene Kelly in his ’Singing in the Rain’ musical when he arrived at the Players’ Entrance.

Did you know there is actually a statue of Columbo in Budapest? Well, you do now.

The rain gave the pitch that extra zip and this contributed to an excellent match.

We deserved our lead provided by the increasingly influential Paddy Madden and had we held on until the break it might have been a different story but all credit to the visitors who levelled just before the break and came out all guns blazing in the second half.

Speaking of all guns blazing it was interesting to see the government’s choice of countries on the all-important green list revealed last week.

For those of you looking to enjoy a well-earned break you could go sheep watching in the

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The poor Dagenham Managing Director looked like Columbo after his walk from the station

Falkland Islands or how about whaling in the Faroe Islands where the temperature climbs up to 13 degrees centigrade in August.

Yes, it’s fair to say that the green list was rather uninspiring with only Portugal standing out as a genuine holiday option.

Portugal will also be the host country for this season’s Champions League Final following the decision to take it out of Turkey who are now on the red list.

Being an all-British clash the obvious and most sensible location would of course be the UK, but bumbling Boris did such a good job of meeting UEFA’s requirements that it is now being hosted in Portugal.

So, instead of the fans of Chelsea and Manchester City having to make the domestic trip to London along with around 2,000 UEFA hangers-on, they now have to travel to another country meaning

You could go sheep watching in the Falkland Islands or how about whaling in the Faroe Islands where the temperature climbs up to 13 degrees centigrade in August around 12,000 people will leave the UK running the risk of being contaminated by the dreaded Covid thingy and then return.

longer than it was which is no mean feat because it’s bloody miles away.

Good work, BoJo.

Since then Torquay have been in great form picking up results which at times seemed unlikely.

In other news, following weeks of rumours about where this year’s National League Play-Off Final will be held, a decision has finally been reached.

Today’s match will of course have a bearing on the promotion outcome so it is no surprise that BT Sports have selected it for live coverage.

With Wembley ruled out because of the Euros the most constant rumour was that it would be at the King Power Stadium, although there was also a mention of Villa Park which would be a good option logistically. However, the rife rumours were wrong.

Once again we thank our friends at BT for their excellent coverage which should never be taken for granted as it provides much-needed profile for National League clubs.

The final will be at... wait for it... drumroll please...

Ashton Gate! As far as anti-climaxes go this is a pretty good one.

While I am sure it is a very nice stadium with very nice people it’s hardly central. I can’t imagine our fans singing ‘Ashton Gate, Ashton Gate, we’re the famous Stockport County and we’re going to Ashton Gate’ should we earn the right to play in the final. It’s not quite got the same ring to it as ‘WemBer-Lee’.

It should be a cracker and will hopefully provide another example of the quality of the football at this level.

I hope everyone that has made the journey up from the English Riviera has a very safe journey home.

Finally, have you ever wondered why women can’t put mascara on with their mouth closed or why Doctors leave the room when you get undressed... they are going to see you naked anyway?

Of course, that’s a long way off at present but we could make significant progress by getting all three points this afternoon.

It seems a very long time ago that we played Torquay at Plainmoor and that’s because it was a very long time ago, on the opening day of the season to be exact.

We were the better side that day but could not find the back of the net and we were punished with a late goal which made the journey home seem even

Why can’t women put mascara on with their mouth closed?

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County Heaven Hatter in Macc writes: Good afternoon, everyone - and greetings on this rather rare occasion of a Sunday lunchtime kick-off in front of the cameras at Edgeley Park.

I shudder to think what unholy time any of our guests’ travelling contingent making the trip up to SK3 on the day will have had to set off from the English Riviera but, on the bright side, their hour of arrival back home afterwards should at least not be too late!

Today’s fixture against our old Football League friends Torquay remains a fascinating one for live coverage, even though, within the space of a few days, and following results in midweek (notably, our draw and Sutton’s win), it has shifted from being a potential title-decider to - dare I say - a possible rehearsal with the ‘Gulls’ for next month’s play-off final? We shall see…

County’s automatic promotion hopes are now looking highly improbable after another Sutton victory, by three goals at Maidenhead, yesterday - but, if truth be told, the dropped points here against Dagenham & Redbridge five nights ago had left matters increasingly out of our hands in any event.

A point apiece on the night was fair, against, to these eyes, the best team to have visited EP this term although the ‘Daggers’ will have also felt frustrated, given that they realistically needed maximum points from their remaining games to make the play-offs.

(Many fellow Hatters might well, on the strength of their Tuesday evening performance, have shared my relief that we should now avoid a re-match with them in June!)

O-quay, enough Torq-ing from me. Time now to hand over to my esteemed contributor, and County Heaven’s Law-talking Le-Gull Guy. What’s occurring, Sandy?

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Sandbach Hatter writes: Cheers, Maccy – surely a Le-Gull is something you might find flying around a French seaside resort?! Or am I just being Gull-ible, here? (Don’t worry, folks, the season is nearly over.)

Ok, who fancies a quick update from the County Heaven Games Room? Well, shut it, you’re getting one anyway.

At the time of going to press, Hermann has now taken a slender lead in Ceefer’s County Prediction Competition, edging in front of Lennie and Maccy in joint second, whilst in the Traditional Prediction League the latter co-hosts with Archie, it’s Ceefer who is currently top of the table. It seems the hosts are very good at predicting, just not in their own competitions!

Although, to avoid any allegations of impropriety, perhaps that is how it should be.

Meanwhile, over in Lennie’s Limerick Lounge, the latest three winners were Gazz, Hermann and Lennie himself, for their closing lines relating to the recent fixtures against Halifax, Wealdstone, and Dagenham (& Redbridge), respectively.

Finally, my current quiz will be about to enter its final week when these notes reach the masses (that’s Mr and Mrs Mass, of Dawlish Avenue, Brinnington), and the three former County players revealed so far are Alun Armstrong, Chris Beaumont and Dean Henderson. With just one player left, see if you can work out what links them all together. I’ll give you an INITIAL clue, which is that I really went to TOWN while planning this quiz when I should have been working from HOME. Stay safe, fellow Hatters, and we’ll be back for the final programme of the (regular) season).

Animo et Fide. www.countyheaven.com

Opposition View Ahead of this afternoon’s massive game, Torquay United supporter Nigel Tabb provides his viewpoint from our visitors.

What is your assessment of Torquay United’s season so far?

An excellent season up to now - although now in second place after Sutton United’s win at home to Woking, to have been at the top of the table for a large part of the season has been beyond my expectations.

What have been the highlights of your season so far?

To have won 5-0 away to fellow challengers Hartlepool United in front of the BT cameras in October was a good showcase for Torquay United and the way that we were in control of the game. Another highlight was the 6-1 win at home to Yeovil Town at Plainmoor on Boxing Day when supporters were permitted to attend. A crucial result was winning 1-0 away to Sutton United with Asa Hall’s late winner. As a season ticket holder who would normally attend all the away games as well, to watch the games via live-stream facilities and BT Sport has been a bonus.

Asa Hall is a good leader

Too many quality players have succumbed to long-term injuries: Kyle Cameron in central defence; wingers Aaron Nemane (once on Manchester City’s books) and Ben Whitfield; forward Danny Wright amongst others since Christmas.

Adam Randell, a 20-year-old on loan from Plymouth Argyle for the season, is highly-rated and expected to have a good future in the game.

What are your hopes for the rest of the season?

My hopes are to win the league but to finish second or third and to gain promotion through the playoffs would be ‘Plan B’!

What are your thoughts on Stockport County?

Stockport County I view as a ‘sleeping giant’ of lower-league football now recovering after having fallen on hard times in recent years. Familiar opponents to Torquay United.

Who are the Torquay United ‘players to watch’?

Connor Lemonheigh-Evans has had an impressive season in midfield and has an eye for goal as does our captain Asa Hall - a good leader with plenty of experience.

What are your memories of games against Stockport County?

My first game I recall against Stockport was a 3-0 victory for the Gulls at Plainmoor late in the 1967/68 season when we just

missed out on promotion to the then Football League Division 2 - attendances of 9,000 at home in those heady days. A victory in the fog at Plainmoor in February 1976 - a Saturday evening kick-off with Torquay scoring four late goals after being a goal behind. A 4-0 win for Torquay at Plainmoor at the end of the season in 2006 as part of our successful run to avoid relegation out of the Football League - the game was a rearranged fixture after the original fixture was postponed not long prior to kick-off. The reverse fixture at Edgeley Park that season was also postponed at short notice in December due to a frozen pitch and our supporters’ coach was turned back at Knutsford Services!

A 1-1 draw when rearranged for late January. Another outstanding score was a 5-1 win for Stockport at Plainmoor during 2019/20, bizarrely after Torquay had won 4-0 at Edgeley two months earlier!

Have you been to Edgeley Park before?

My first visit to Edgeley Park was in August 1989 - a 1-1 draw and a pint of Robinson’s Best in the Armoury. About six visits to Edgeley Park since including last season plus the Stockport v Torquay FA Cup-tie played at Moss Rose in 2009 at the Football Association’s behest. A hat-trick for Elliot Benyon in our 4-0 victory.

And finally, what is your prediction for the game?

3-2 to Torquay!

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The County Years

1905

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

Opening game Bolton Wanderers Reserves were the visitors for our opener of a Championship-winning year.

County: Joe Butler, Jimmy Heywood, Arthur Waters, Bob Suart, Tommy Hall, Roly Codling, John Hodgkinson, Tommy Brittleton, Tom Green, Billy Parker, Ted Bardsley.

Things did not look so good early on in this Lancashire Combination Division One game as Harry Abbott gave the visitors the lead.

County responded well though and, “playing with unabated vigour”, were ahead by half-time thanks to Tommy Brittleton and John Hodgkinson.

Further goals from Ted Bardsley and Billy Parker meant it was a comfortable win in the end for the 4,000 crowd, with two points taking the Hatters to second in the table.

Tommy Brittleton

Tom Green

First debutant Jack Turner was promoted from the Midland League side to face Ashton Town on 11th February, a game County won 4-1. The centre

34

half had been with the Hatters pre-season but had switched to Hull City before returning in the New Year. He would make just two appearances for the senior side before leaving for unknown pastures new.

Summer business County’s Lancashire Combination win attracted interest in their players and moving on to other League clubs were Butler and Roly Codling (both Clapton Orient), Harry Hancock (Blackpool), C Battles (Burton United). Whilst staying in nonleague were Ernie Fletcher (Earlestown), Joe Foster (Crewe), Tom Ball (Hyde Saint George) plus Turner and Herbert Hughes (untraced).

The Manager and Committee added a significant number of new men with keeper Arthur Pemble (Kings Norton), full-back Dick Hegarty (West Hartlepool ), half-backs Ernie Cresser (Barrow), Fred Hancock (Rock Ferry), Tommy Butterworth (Bury), and forwards Fred Crump

(Stalybridge Rovers), George Dodd (Rock Ferry), Bob Manson (Brynn Central), Joe Schofield (Manchester United), Sam Farrant (Bristol City).

Closing game & last debutants It was a return game against fellow League newcomers that ended the year.

County: Pemble, Hegarty, Waters, Suart, Sammy Dodd, Butterworth, Walt Roberts, Jimmy Pass, Crump, George Dodd, James Goodwin.

We were unable to repeat the home win but gave Chelsea a good challenge before losing 2-4. In fact, Fred Crump had given us the lead, and Arthur Waters made it 2-2 early in the second half after Jimmy Robertson scored twice. Robertson added his third and Frank Pearson made the win safe whilst the Hatters were unable to get the ball past the homesters’ sturdy stopper.

James Goodwin (SCAN 137) and Dick Hegarty (SCAN 138) both made their debuts in this game. The latter had joined in the summer, whilst James had signed a few weeks before from Hanley Swifts. After this season, County’s best in the EFL until 1999, he stayed for a second year, whilst the other man moved back North East in 2006 switching to Sunderland Royal Rovers.

Most appearances in calendar year Bob Suart 40 (ever present), Ted Bardsley and James Heywood 39 each.

Most goals in calendar year Bob Manson 10, Jimmy Pass 9, Ted Bardsley and Fred Crump 8.

Bob Suart

Plus a special mention for goalkeeper Joe Butler who scored a penalty.

Worst run Four games without win (18th February to 11th March) L1 D3

In effect, Fred became the only man to lead County to two Championships, although team selection would have been done by the committee Best run Nine games unbeaten (3rd April to 9th September) W6 D3 The man in charge Fred Stewart was back in his role as Secretary-Manager after a brief sojourn that saw the club appoint probably their first true manager in Sam Ormerod the man who took two Hatters men to Fred Stewart Clapton Orient in the summer. In effect, Fred became the only man to lead County to two Championships, although team selection would have been done by the committee and tactics were mainly the preserve of the trainer.

And finally...

The title win was all the more impressive as other clubs were sniffing around and on 4th January the Cheshire Daily Echo reported the club had rejected bids from Sheffield Wednesday for Brittleton and denied they had refused an offer from Middlesbrough for Green. The forwards’ departures were not delayed long as Wednesday completed the £500 transfer a few days later, with Green heading to ‘Boro in early February for around £310.

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

35

STOCKPORT COUNTY

1

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

1

Madden 34’

McCallum 43’

Tuesday 11th May | Vanarama National League | Edgeley Park

The Hatters further cemented their hold on third place in the National League, and extended their unbeaten run to 15 games, but ended up sharing the points at Edgeley Park in a rearranged contest with in-form play-off hopefuls Dagenham & Redbridge.

Paddy Madden’s seventh County goal gave them a short-lived lead, before the visitors equalised just ahead of half-time to secure the draw.

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Sam Byrne Following Tuesday’s absorbing draw with a superb Dagenham side, it’s hard not to feel like some of the shine has been taken away from today’s clash with Torquay – but it’s still all to play for as we reach what’s still looking like a tense climax to the campaign.

Daryl McMahon’s Daggers rightly earned a heap of plaudits from pundits and supporters on Tuesday evening, but aside from any disappointment on the night around the obvious blow to County’s National League title hopes, I think the stalemate did show – once again – County’s grit under Simon Rusk.

There have been a few occasions this season (and down the years, to be honest!) as a County fan where you’re left frustrated. The goalless draws with Aldershot and Maidenhead earlier this season were frustrating because you knew that County were the much better side and that the failure to get over the line was our own doing.

If the title is indeed beyond The Hatters now, this fifteen-game unbeaten run and defensive solidity can only stand County in good stead for the play-offs 38

County have become hard to beat

On Tuesday night, however, I didn’t feel that same frustration – and that was really because it was a game which could have gone either way, and it wasn’t a case of County ‘slipping up’ or not getting the job done against a poor side.

In truth, Dagenham could even have won it themselves late on, so for me, it showed, once again under Rusk, County’s solidity as a team, and that ‘hard to beat’ trait which Rusk has instilled.

Alex Reid and John Rooney have 40 goals between them

If the title is indeed beyond The Hatters now, this fifteen-game unbeaten run and defensive solidity (yes, despite what a certain pundit has had to say as of late, County hold the best defensive and clean sheet record in the league!) can only stand County in good stead for the play-offs.

As for today, it’ll be yet another tough afternoon against a side pushing for their own return to the Football League. Torquay’s ‘never say die’ attitude is well-documented with the unbelievable amount of late goals Gary Johnson’s side have scored to win points this season, including against County on the very first day of the season back in October.

Their place in the top two of the division can’t be disputed, and they’ll fancy their own chances of success to end this season.

County’s performances and results have been a mixed bag in front of the BT Sport cameras this season, but the same can be said for The Gulls – who were recently held to a goalless draw with in-form Bromley live on BT Sport, just as County were a month prior. The afternoon is shaping up to be a tense, tight affair which yet again could go either way.

Meanwhile, the news this week of the confirmed National League play-off schedule has again demonstrated the importance of holding on to third spot for County – or, indeed, snatching second place from one of Sutton and today’s visitors

Torquay. One fixture less, and the home advantage, in these play-offs may well provide a vital advantage for Rusk’s men ahead of the final at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate on 20th June.

Today’s game could yet be a preview of the endof-season play-offs – and on the pitch, I think the potential absence of Paddy Madden following his injury during Tuesday’s draw will be a real blow for The Hatters. Aside from the obvious goalscoring threat, Madden’s work-rate and willingness to muck in all over the pitch has been there for all to see since his move from Fleetwood Town earlier this season – indeed, Tuesday’s injury came in a challenge where Madden was tracking back following his opening goal.

However, Rusk and company will be confident that there’s more than enough firepower in County’s side to get any job done – the combined 40 goals of Alex Reid and John Rooney alone are evidence of that. Elliot Newby has been a real shining light since his move from Chorley, and Harry Cardwell and Richie Bennett provide more than enough support to test any defence at this level.

The title and play-offs are all still to play for, but it’s nice to feel confident that a County side are in form, full of confidence and well equipped to take on either challenge in the coming weeks.

Enjoy the game!

39

Physio

Luke Smith Good afternoon everyone.

This week we have Paddy Madden on the injury list after rolling his ankle in the previous game. The injury has been diagnosed and we expect to see him in the next few weeks with the aim of firstly managing the issue and, second, building a strong ankle to reduce the likelihood of re-injury.

Furthermore, we have Will Collar who has progressed to grass sessions and is doing very well, we can expect to see him hopefully in the next couple of games. Mark Kitching has been to see a specialist and has a detailed plan of action to help with his ongoing back injury. We are aiming for pre-season training as a return to first-team activity.

Enjoy the game, Luke

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SNAPPED! Tuesday evening’s NK Electrical Man of the Match, chosen by Match Sponsor Powered Access Solutions, was Ryan Rydel. Well done Ryan, we hope you enjoy your bottle of Stockport Gin!

43

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Supporters’ Co-operative The Supporters’ Co-operative are about to embark on a period of quite considerable activity off the park as County look to make that muchdesired step back into the Football League on it.

We have told you about the Half-Marathon on 5th September 2021, here’s a few more items we are working on: Supporters’ Co-operative meeting with club We reported previously that we had been seeking a meeting with representatives of the Club, and happily we can now confirm that this will take place on Thursday 20th May. The Co-operative will seek to use this meeting as the starting point for Supporter/Club liaison, and as such hope to make this the first of many regular sessions between Club and ourselves.

We will, of course, report following the meeting

as soon as practicable, and we hope, if you have a question that is in need of an answer from the Club, that you have told us about it before today’s deadline via info@countysupporterscoop.co.uk The Cabin is no more, but...

We can now confirm that following consultations with the Club, they have agreed to allow the Supporters’ Co-operative to pitch up pre-game on match-days near the entrance to the Cheadle End Car Park on Hardcastle Road.

Thus there will be at least two Co-operative Board members on duty probably twixt 1:30pm and 2:30pm each match-day to answer any queries or offer help, starting on the first home game of next season.

Consultation Process/Supporter Survey Many thanks for your support of this effort.

You can still send your survey response in to s.surveyplanet.com/baszytK6W We look forward to publishing the results of same in the near future.

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Updated Newsletter Asset.pdf

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07/05/2021

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COUNTY JUNIORS

Hello again, and we are back at Edgeley Park for our much-awaited match with Torquay United.

It is strange that we are playing on a Sunday, but it is no surprise that BT Sports have decided to show the game on TV. It should be a really good game for the viewers to watch and let’s hope for the points in our quest for promotion. Our visitors set the league alight with a brilliant start to the season being way ahead of other teams then seemed to hit a low patch early in the New Year, but are now back on form at the correct time for the close of the season.

So, this afternoon we should see two in-form teams go head-to-head for the much-needed points.

We have had the great news that all being well some fans will be allowed back into grounds from 17th May and that County are looking to have some fans in the ground for the last home league match against Woking next weekend. We have been informed that there will be no Family Lounge until probably the start of next season which we think is a sensible decision.

That’s all for this time, enjoy the game.

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to Liam Barnett who celebrates his 18th birthday on 20th May. Have a great birthday Liam from all the family and all of us here at County Juniors.

Mascot Liam Age: 17 (soon to be 18!)

Favourite player: Ben Hinchliffe (as Liam also plays in goal!)

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.

ALEC HERD Alec was 36 when he joined County after playing as a guest during the war. Despite his age he proved a good servant to the club with 111 Third (North) appearances and 35 goals. He then went on to work for the club as a scout and also had time in charge of the reserve and ‘A’ teams. His presence on the books led to the second occasion in League history of father and son, David, playing in the same match.

48

GORDON WILMOTT A man who was on the way to being a stalwart of County’s side when injury struck. This centrehalf put in 11 seasons after moving from Birmingham City. He took a few years to become a first choice then after two seasons missing a handful of games, he broke an ankle. After recovery he was not able to reclaim his permanent place and ended with just 219 games, a figure that might well have been doubled but for that injury. He moved on to Crewe during the Hatters’ Division Three relegation season but after retiring in 1960 returned as chief scout.

LEN BARKER Not many County men can have had a more impressive impact on their first-team debut. County were trailing 0-3 to Crewe Alexandra at half-time when many of their fans arrived after train trouble. Debutant winger Len Barker then hit a second-half

After recovery he was not able to reclaim his permanent place and ended with just 219 games, a figure that might well have been doubled but for that injury hat-trick to level the scores. Len was working as a bus driver for Stockport Corporation when he signed. He lost his place for a while but turned in plenty of appearances that season. His career was effectively ended by a double leg break and he went back to the buses.

JIMMY McGUIGAN One of the many Scottish players to sign for County in the first few post war decades.

Jimmy was a renowned penalty taker, with the winger often ending the game with a band of mud down the front of his shirt where he cleaned the ball ahead of a spot-kick.

Jimmy would stay with County for just over a year before continuing his career with Crewe Alexandra. He would return to Edgeley Park in the 1980s as manager but spent several months of that spell on sick leave.

Player Ken Finney Bev Glover Tom Swinscoe Alex Paterson Alec Herd Gordon Wilmott Robert Barclay Len Barker Ralph Maddison Fred Kenny Jack Easdale Ray Ratcliffe Mick Ward Jimmy McGuigan Frank Reid Joe Sanaghan Billy Robinson Benny Lester William McGann Tommy Cavanagh Dennis Ward Andy Black Allen Oliver George Dick Milton Dixon Albert Emptage Ron Evans Maurice Brooke George Allman Bryan Brennan Keith Goalen David Herd Bob McCaig Ray Weigh Jack Connor Eddie Moran Ray Haddington Ken Hodder Tommy Bell Bob Murray Harold Bodle Geoff Crosby Len Rowland Laurie Platts Frank Clempson Chris Anderson Don Ashe Dennis Herod George Pilkington Gordon Kennedy

Debut 03.01.1948 31.01.1948 07.02.1948 13.03.1948 20.03.1948 21.08.1948 28.08.1948 28.08.1948 28.08.1948 25.09.1948 16.10.1948 16.04.1949 02.05.1949 20.08.1949 20.08.1949 20.08.1949 07.09.1949 17.09.1949 22.10.1949 04.02.1950 27.04.1950 19.08.1950 19.08.1950 14.10.1950 21.10.1950 13.01.1951 03.03.1951 24.03.1951 26.03.1951 21.04.1951 21.04.1951 05.05.1951 18.08.1951 20.08.1951 20.10.1951 27.10.1951 15.12.1951 24.03.1952 23.08.1952 22.09.1952 18.10.1952 17.01.1953 17.01.1953 07.02.1953 21.02.1953 19.08.1953 19.08.1953 19.08.1953 19.08.1953 05.09.1953

Signed From UGB (St Helens) Cheadle Hulme Chesterfield New Brighton Manchester C Birmingham C Alloa Ath Manchester U Doncaster Rov Manchester C Liverpool St Helens team None Sunderland Huddersfield T Bournemouth & BA Chesterfield Ransome & Marles Wilmslow Preston NE Nottingham For Manchester C Derby Co Carlisle U Stalybridge Cel Manchester C Macclesfield Buxton Junior None Local junior team None Blackburn Rov Bournemouth & BA Bradford C Leicester C Manchester C Junior ex-Adswood YC Oldham Ath Inverurie Loco Works Betteshanger CW Leek T Ashton U Burton A Manchester U Nelson St Mirren Stoke C Chester Bolton W

49

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Strawberry Radio Jon Keighren

This afternoon’s live televised clash with Torquay United is the final game at Edgeley Park to be played behind closed doors.

The much-anticipated return of the Blue & White Army will take place next weekend when Woking come to County for the final scheduled home league clash of the season.

After seven years outside of the EFL, the Gulls still harbour hopes of winning the National League, so the pressure is on the visitors to gain three points – defeat for them this afternoon would probably kill off their hopes of claiming top spot.

But it looks likely there will be more to come because County’s hopes of a top-three finish remain firmly in our own hands, as Simon Rusk takes his side into today’s game defending a proud 15-match unbeaten run.

April’s Manager of the Month Gary Johnson has done a tremendous job with Torquay this season, and having won this league previously with both Yeovil and Cheltenham, he knows exactly what is needed to mount a title challenge.

Tuesday’s hard-fought draw with Play-Off hopefuls Dagenham & Redbridge was an absorbing contest between two of the form teams in the National League, leaving County with a remarkable return of 20 points from a possible 24 over the past month.

The manager has created a tremendously positive culture around the club, which has led to such a stunning sequence of results, and Edgeley Park is a great place to be right now.

But I still feel the presence of fans would’ve made it even more positive and could’ve helped to secure even more points this season. Cast your minds

Like County, the Gulls are in great form, ten games unbeaten and having won their last four away from home.

Simon Rusk sees his side defend a 15-match unbeaten run

back to our title season, the late winners from Sam Minihan against Kidderminster and Sam Walker against Spennymoor, as well as the incredible atmosphere against Curzon Ashton at the end of the campaign – there is no question the fans made all the difference in those games.

One thing that can’t be ruled out today is a late winner – Torquay have snatched victory in eleven games this season after the 80th minute, but County aren’t far behind with more than a quarter of our goals coming in the final 15 minutes. You won’t want to turn off early, that’s for sure!

Enjoy the game, and now I can finally say it: “See you next weekend!”

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51

Oshor Williams As the season reaches its climax, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation around the town. Even at my ‘mature’ age and stage I’m finding it hard to stop thinking about the possibilities and permutations to be determined by our remaining results. Can we produce that perfectly-timed run in the final furlong which enables us to nudge home ahead of the field? With a prevailing wind and a stumble from our opponents it is still not mathematically beyond the bounds of possibility.

However, every game plan must have a contingency and if as seems likely it is our fate to seek glory in the play-offs then bring it on. Thanks to the beneficence of ‘King Boris’, from May 17th, home supporters will be able to attend league matches as well as the play-off eliminators and semi-finals.

His largesse goes beyond granting us mere social interaction. From Monday we will also be able to hug each other and have a pint

Unlike the traditional EFL play-offs there will be no need for strategic consideration on how to approach the home and away leg. Each game is death or glory with no second chances

inside the pub instead of huddling together outdoors in our Canada Goose coats like a colony of Emperor penguins.

I was fortunate enough to participate in two straight promotion campaigns over consecutive seasons before suffering a crushing play-off defeat in the subsequent season at the hands of my former club Port Vale. I am not ashamed to confess that having met with triumph and disaster I was unable to treat those two imposters just the same! When you get to within touching distance of the crowning glory of promotion, winning is the only game in town.

When the play-offs were introduced in 1987 one of the main criticisms was that they undermined the meritocratic nature of the league system whereby teams with the most points gained promotion. Indeed, in its infancy the play-off system threw up some alarming anomalies in which teams finishing way ahead of their rivals were denied promotion losing out in the play-offs to those with an inferior points tally. When

The play-offs generate excitement for fans to the very last

Oldham finished seven points clear of Leeds but lost to them in the 1987 play-off semifinal manager Joe Royle railed against the injustice.

But the play-off system has brought great benefit to the game ensuring that there are fewer meaningless end-of-season games and in doing so they generate interest and excitement for the fans to the very last. The new elimination format being used in the National League provides a thrilling series of one-off knockout fixtures culminating in a showcase final at Ashton Gate. Unlike the traditional EFL play-offs there will be no need for strategic consideration on how to approach the home and away leg. Each game is death or glory with no second chances and as such is more akin to a mini-cup competition with the draw determined by the final league position of

the six contenders. It is interesting to note that those currently occupying the play-off positions are clubs with a long and proud Football League history, so there will be no easy opponents and no easy passage to the final.

Having failed in my one and only play-off campaign, I feel ill-qualified to offer any advice should that be our pathway to promotion. The players are professional enough to know what’s at stake and their main objective is to stay fit, stay focused and stay positive. For my own part, and without tempting fate, now that we have access to hugs and pubs I shall be diligently rehearsing how to celebrate effectively!

Enjoy the game.

Osh

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Deadly Duos Steven Davies

Craig Hobson & Connor Jennings Welcome back to what is now our third home game on the bounce, where we play fellow promotion chasers Torquay in what is to be one of the most important games this season.

This is also our second-to-last home league game with only two games left after today. With everything still at our fingertips, especially with the play-off structure that they now use, giving the second and third-placed teams the home advantage.

One of the two players I’m going to write about today came back for a second spell at County this season, so he will be extra-familiar to you all.

The first player came to us via Stalybridge, making his debut against Alfreton alongside fellow newbies Alex Kenyon and Jordan Fagbola in the season’s opener in 2012/13. This was our second season outside of the Football League.

When Bolton-born winger/striker Craig Hobson came to the Hatters via a loan spell he had previously netted 26 times before a broken arm sidelined him.Once back from injury his form caught the attention of ourselves at the time so we brought him to Edgeley Park.

Although it took Craig a few games to find the net, once he started scoring he certainly made up for lost time. Scoring two goals against Ebbsflett in a 3-1 win got him off the mark and he followed that up with another two in the next game away to Hereford.

He scored in a 5-3 win over his previous team Stalybridge and again in the next game against Lincoln, therefore making it an astonishing six goals in six games.

After County he moved to Chester before making his way back to Stalybridge where he currently is still on the books.

Later on during that same season we also took another player on loan who made his debut away to Nuneaton in the 2012/13 campaign. Manchester-

Craig Hobson

born Connor Jennings had also started his youth career at Stalybridge Celtic before playing over 100 games including an England ‘C’ call up (where he scored).

Scoring a hat-trick on his Hatters’ home debut in a 6-0 cup win certainly introduced him to with a bang to the County faithful, goals against Southport, Telford, Hyde, Nuneaton and Wrexham followed. They say that there’s nothing worse than catching feelings for a loan player and this proved to be true as we certainly missed his goals when he left.

A move to Wrexham followed where he netted 20 times before spending four years at Tranmere and playing over 140 games.

Fast-forward to 2020 and he and his brother James were both signed back to County where it certainly is a family affair.

Connor Jennings

Now let’s get three points!

55

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57

Talking Football Sam Preston

Ian Holloway’s Blackpool were fined in 2011

There was plenty of talk about the ‘integrity’ of the competition in the Premier League this week.

Manchester United faced three games in five days and accordingly made ten changes for the middle one, against Leicester.

They lost 2-1 at Old Trafford in a result which had major implications in the race for the top four.

Former Manchester City midfielder Trevor Sinclair even called for United to be docked six points as punishment.

But Premier League managers are entitled to use their squad in whichever way they see fit.

It was ridiculous when Mick McCarthy’s Wolves and Ian Holloway’s Blackpool were punished for making ten changes in 2009 and 2011, respectively.

As Holloway said at the time: “Who the hell are [the 58

Premier League] to tell me my players are not good enough?”

Blackpool only lost that game with Aston Villa 3-2, due to an 89th-minute winner. Holloway wasn’t threatening the integrity of the competition, merely protecting his squad.

In the summer of 2011, the Premier League made changes to ensure that managers would not be punished if they chose any combination of players within the 25-man squad submitted at the start of the season.

That was the right move.

Some matches near the end of the season bear different hallmarks to those near the middle. Some teams are ‘on the beach’, with little to play for.

Struggling sides near the bottom of the league are suddenly more dangerous to face than those in mid-table, because they’ve got something to play for.

It’s just one of the quirks of the fixture list and any team who are relying on the results of others with just a handful of games remaining only have themselves to blame.

If Liverpool don’t make it into next season’s Champions League, it’ll have more to do with the six straight home league games they lost at the turn of the year.

The primary responsibility of the managers is to their own clubs.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has guided his team to Champions League qualification ahead of time, which gave him the luxury of rotating more freely.

Also, City made nine changes for the visit of Chelsea and lost 2-1 but there was nothing like the same furore, despite the fact that result also had big ramifications in the race for the top four.

Pep Guardiola was well within his rights to do that. He needed to hand his players a rest after a season at the end of which they’ll have played in every single possible fixture apart from one – the FA Cup final.

It’s just one of the quirks of the fixture list and any team who are relying on the results of others with just a handful of games remaining only have themselves to blame If West Brom had been willing to move their game with Liverpool into midweek, United’s wouldn’t have had such a ridiculous schedule.

But they refused, as they were quite within their own rights to do. They’re relegated already now but didn’t know that at the time.

Why would they disadvantage themselves just so that United, Liverpool and maybe others in the topfour race benefit?

They had to look after themselves, just like United did.

Manchester City made nine changes versus Chelsea

59

The Hatters v The Gulls

Facts & Figures Head to Head

Goals scored

Previously at EP

Played (all competitions): 69

County: 70

Played (all competitions): 34

County: 22

County: 16

Draws: 18

Draws: 9

Torquay: 29

Torquay: 88

First competitive meeting

Last time out

Saturday 10th January 1948 FA Cup County 3 Torquay 0

Previous games Saturday 3rd October 2020 National League Torquay 1 County 0 Saturday 30th November 2019 National League Torquay 1 County 5

Torquay United 1 County 0

They played for both clubs Tommy Anderson, Gary Brabin, Louis Britton, Jim Carrick, Kieran Charnock, Andy Crawford, Brian Croft, Mike Eckersall, Jim Fryatt, Martin Gritton, Billy Harker, Joe Hill, Walter Hunt, Graham Jones, Mark Loram, Garry Monk, John Muir, Gareth Owen, Anthony Pulis, Mark Robinson, John Rowlands, Tommy Spratt, Leslie Thompson, Dale Tonge, Simon Travis, Aman Verma, Jamie Ward.

60

Saturday 3rd October 2020, National League

County’s National League campaign started with a last-gasp 1-0 defeat at Torquay United, as Connor Lemonheigh-Evans struck an addedtime winner for Gary Johnson’s side.

Despite large spells of dominance for Jim Gannon’s new-look side, the hosts took all three points deep into stoppage time at Plainmoor.

County line-up: Hinchliffe, Hogan (C), Palmer, J. Jennings; Minihan, Maynard, Rooney, Kitching; C. Jennings (Thomas, 85); Reid (Keane, 46), Bennett (Bell, 75).

Subs not used: Barnes, Stott.

Torquay: 9

2020-21

CHE

Statistics Home L 3 4 4 2 4 7 8 7 7 4 6 4 6 9 8 7 9 11 11 9 9 14 0

F 40 32 32 28 27 30 30 29 32 24 26 34 25 29 27 31 20 24 31 25 23 12 0

A 16 18 19 13 13 20 18 28 28 12 21 16 24 32 27 24 24 33 47 32 34 39 0

W 11 12 8 12 9 8 10 10 9 6 8 3 7 7 7 5 6 4 2 3 3 3 0

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

Away L 4 4 5 5 7 4 7 4 7 7 9 12 5 5 10 11 10 11 13 15 15 12 0

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

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

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

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

A 18 17 21 16 25 20 23 23 23 24 24 30 18 23 29 39 32 28 46 32 54 46 0

W 24 23 21 20 18 18 19 17 18 16 17 16 12 14 15 15 11 11 9 8 7 6 0

D 9 8 10 12 10 10 6 12 8 11 8 6 16 10 6 6 9 6 7 8 8 6 0

Total L F 7 69 8 64 9 62 7 65 11 58 11 58 15 56 11 59 14 60 11 44 15 51 16 50 11 48 14 57 18 52 18 55 19 41 22 44 24 44 24 39 24 42 26 31 0 0

Total

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

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

Subs

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

Goals

0 0 0 2 0 0 10 3 2 4 0 0 3 5 1 5 1 2 3 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 3 2 1 5 2 2 3 1 5 2 2 1 1 7 3 3 1 5 11 0 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 2 8 17 4 1 15 4 2 0 0 1 0 0 8 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 1 10 1 1 1 1 1 10 0 1 1 - 68 45

Subs

0 0 18 0 13 9 28 0 3 0 0 3 0 40 0 37 0 14 23 22 15 13 21 26 7 0 28 30 32 1 1 17 0 11 2 3 17 6 -

F 29 32 30 37 31 28 26 30 28 20 25 16 23 28 25 24 21 20 13 14 19 19 0

A 34 35 40 29 38 40 41 51 51 36 45 46 42 55 56 63 56 61 93 64 88 85 0

GD 35 29 22 36 20 18 15 8 9 8 6 4 6 2 -4 -8 -15 -17 -49 -25 -46 -54 0

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

Cup Starts

League Subs

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

D 4 5 3 9 6 3 3 6 4 6 5 2 9 4 3 2 4 2 2 6 6 2 0

Starts

Player Roll-Call

W 13 11 13 8 9 10 9 7 9 10 9 13 5 7 8 10 5 7 7 5 4 3 0

Starts

Promotion

P 40 39 40 39 39 39 40 40 40 38 40 38 39 38 39 39 39 39 40 40 39 38 0

2 0 21 1 13 9 34 0 3 0 0 4 0 45 0 42 0 20 24 28 19 13 24 28 7 0 34 36 37 1 1 19 0 17 2 8 17 8 -

0 0 0 3 0 0 12 4 2 5 0 0 3 5 1 5 1 2 4 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 1 0 0 4 3 2 5 2 2 3 1 5 3 2 1 1 7 3 6 1 6 14 0 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 3 5 2 9 21 4 2 20 4 2 0 0 1 0 0 10 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 3 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 13 0 1 1 - 82 49

Goals

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

Goals

# 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

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

Biggest Win Most Goals Highest Attendance Lowest Attendance Top Goalscorer

Pts 81 77 73 72 64 64 63 63 62 59 59 54 52 52 51 51 42 39 34 32 29 24 0

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

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

Relegation

National League Records Saturday 12th December 2020 Chesterfield 6-0 Barnet Tuesday 20th April 2021 Wealdstone 0-6 Maidenhead United Saturday 17th April 2021 Wealdstone 2-7 Hartlepool United Saturday 26th December 2020 Torquay United 6-1 Yeovil Town 1,323 Tuesday 15th December 2020 Weymouth 2-3 Wrexham 337 Michael Cheek (Bromley) 20 = 15 Goals + 5 Penalties

On his first start, Ryan Rydel won Man of the Match against Dagenham & Redbridge

# 1 2 22

National League Fair Play Team Stockport County 45 Boreham Wood 55 Yeovil Town 103

2 1 4

Pts 200 230 452

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

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63

2020-21

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

64

Comp Score A H H A A H H H

Att Pos

NL NL NL NL NL FAC4Q NL NL

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

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

Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan ³ Minihan Minihan Minihan

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

Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard 1 Maynard Maynard Croasdale Maynard

Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Keane Palmer 1

Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan 1 Hogan Hogan

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

H FAC4Q A FAC1 H FAC2

4-0 2-1 3-2

-

Keane Keane Keane

Stott Stott Stott

Croasdale Croasdale ² Croasdale ¹

Palmer Palmer Palmer 1

Hogan Hogan Hogan

Thomas Kitching Kitching ³

A A A H A A H

NL NL NL FAT3 NL NL NL

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

Thomas Minihan Minihan Keane Minihan Minihan Southam-Hales ¹

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

Maynard Maynard Maynard Croasdale Croasdale Maynard Maynard

Keane Keane Palmer Palmer Palmer Keane Keane 1

Hogan Hogan Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan

Kitching ³ Williams ¹ Kitching ¹ Kitching Kitching Kitching Kitching

H H H A H A

NL FAC3 FAT4 NL NL NL

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

-

4 4 4 3

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Barnes Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

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

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

Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard

Keane Keane Palmer 1 Keane Palmer Keane

Hogan Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan

Kitching Kitching Williams Kitching Kitching ¹ Kitching

H H H A A H H

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

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

-

5 3 4 4 6 6 4

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

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

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

Maynard ² Croasdale Maynard Maynard ³ Minihan Croasdale Croasdale

Keane Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan

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

A A H A H H

NL NL NL NL NL NL

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

-

4 4 5 4 4 4

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan ³

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

Croasdale Maynard Maynard Maynard ³ Croasdale Croasdale

Palmer ³ Keane Keane Keane Palmer Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan 1 Hogan Keane Keane

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

A H A H H A A

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

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

-

4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Minihan Southam-Hales Southam-Hales Southam-Hales ² Southam-Hales Southam-Hales Minihan

Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J

Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ² Croasdale

Palmer 1 Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer 1 Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan ¹

Walker ³ Walker ² Walker Walker Walker ¹ Walker Walker ²

A H H H H A

NL NL NL NL NL NL

1-0 4-0 1-1

-

4 3 3

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Southam-Hales Minihan Southam-Hales

Jennings J Jennings J ³ Jennings J

Croasdale Croasdale 1 Croasdale

Palmer Palmer Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan

Walker ³ Walker ¹ Rydel ²

-

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 Jennings C 1 4 Reid

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

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

Keane ¹ Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Croasdale Croasdale ³ Owen Keane

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

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

Barnes Barnes Barnes

Hopkins ³ Jennings J Jennings J

Maynard ¹ Maynard ¹ Maynard 4

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

Rooney 1 Rooney Rooney Gilmour ² Rooney Croasdale Croasdale

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

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

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

Barnes Barnes Barnes Hinchliffe Barnes Barnes Barnes

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

Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Rooney 1 ² Gilmour Gilmour Gilmour

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

Britton ² Britton ² Britton Bennett Britton Bennett Britton ³

Rooney 1 Rooney 4 Croasdale Rooney Rooney 1 Rooney 1 ³

Bennett ³ Croasdale Bennett Bennett 1 ³ Bennett Croasdale

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

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

Barnes Barnes Hinchliffe Barnes Barnes Barnes

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

Gilmour Gilmour Rooney Palmer Stott Stott

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

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

Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney ³

Croasdale Bennett Bennett Keane Bennett ² Dalby Dalby ¹

Jennings C Jennings C Walker ² Walker ¹ Gilmour Gilmour Gilmour

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

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

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

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

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

Bennett ³ Thomas Keane Bennett ¹ Dalby ² Bennett ¹ Newby

Newby Rooney 2 ² Newby ³ Newby ¹ Newby ¹ Newby

Dalby ¹ Croasdale Croasdale Madden Madden ³ Madden 1

Collar Cardwell 1 ¹ Cardwell ¹ Croasdale Cardwell 1 Collar

Reid Reid ³ Reid Reid Collar 1 Reid ²

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

Keane ² Newby ² Shaw Walker ² Shaw ² Walker

Maynard Collar Collar ² Collar Stretton Stretton ³

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

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

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

Madden Madden Madden ¹ Madden 2 Madden 1 Madden Madden 1

Cardwell Cardwell Cardwell ³ Cardwell ¹ Cardwell 1 Cardwell ¹ Cardwell 2 ²

Collar ² Collar ¹ Reid 2 Reid 1 ³ Reid ² Collar Newby

Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons

Newby Newby ¹ Newby ¹ Newby Newby ¹ Newby ³ Rydel ²

Rooney ¹ Keane Maynard ² Williams ³ Williams Maynard ² Maynard

Southam-Hales ² Minihan ² Minihan ³ Minihan ² Minihan ² Minihan Southam-Hales ¹

Reid ³ Reid Collar Collar ¹ Collar Reid 1 ¹ Reid ³

Rooney Rooney 1 Rooney

Madden 1 Madden Madden 1 ¹

Cardwell ² Cardwell ² Cardwell

Collar ¹ Reid 2 Newby

Fitzsimons Fitzsimons

Bennett ² Bennett ² Bennett ²

Maynard ¹ Maynard Keane

Minihan ³ Southam-Hales Minihan

Reid Newby ¹ Reid ¹

Stanyer

Hopkins

Williams ² Williams ³

Minihan Minihan ¹

Williams ³

Minihan ¹

Palmer 5 Kitching ¹

Bennett ¹ # Keane

Rydel ³

65

National League News CHE

STERFIELD FC

Here’s a strange thought: fast-forward a fortnight and the 2020-21 National League campaign will be complete!

That’s not uppermost in County or Torquay fans’ minds of course, with every minute of our three remaining games about to consume us with all the emotions football brings, though within that fortnight champions will be crowned and all eyes will shift to the end of season play-offs, for the last act of a dramatic finale.

It’s a season that seems to have gone on forever. County will finish the campaign having only played three more league games than the ill-fated 2019/20 season, though with games seemingly on an infinite Saturday Tuesday rhythm it feels like we’ve played so many more!

A weird thing about starting in October, with the mixed weather we always experience in that month, is that we can’t get to the end of a season this time and cast our minds back to sunsoaked pitches in August. Indeed, with the recent ropey weather offering little in the way of sunshine or clear skies, you’d be forgiven for thinking we’ve been competing in a winter league.

It’s also been an extremely bumpy campaign as the clubs have gamely tried to navigate the covid pandemic. For starters we weren’t sure the season would begin at all in the early days of the national lockdown, though in retrospect it all began quite 66

efficiently at first. There was even a brief period where fans were allowed into the home games at 12 of our counterparts, though not long afterwards a surge in covid cases increasingly led to more and more postponements, especially around December and January.

There followed a lengthy time when getting a game on seemed something of a minor miracle.

In February the National League North and the National League South were abandoned, with the National League only just surviving a membership vote to continue. Seven teams wanted the season to end, though they were outvoted by 13 others.

By early March confirmation came that promotion and relegation between the National League and the Football League would continue as normal, thus making all of our efforts in trying to return to the Football League worthwhile!

However, the cessation of the North and South leagues means there’s no relegation from our league this season, so several teams have been spared the stresses of a fight against the drop. It’s an odd situation and with many clubs understandably utilising the Government’s furlough scheme to reduce their expenditure, it’s no surprise to see some truly dire results

week in and week out for those towards the bottom of the league.

Then we have the Macclesfield and Dover situations. Macclesfield signed players but were wound up as a business on September 16th, leaving the league one member short from the very start, whereas Dover struggled along until January 30th, competing in 15 games before deciding they couldn’t continue. The club remains in business, though their results were expunged for this campaign and they will start next season with a 12-point deficit.

And so, the season’s end is fast approaching and amidst all the chaos and confusion we have one of football’s great underdog stories developing, with part-time Sutton United on the brink of becoming a Football League side. Of course, Torquay and County will do their very best to stifle Sutton’s hopes this afternoon, and in the coming weeks, though whatever happens immense credit and respect are due to Matt Gray and his team.

Surrounded by ex-Football League clubs in the table with big budgets and without a wealthy backer of their own, Sutton winning the league would seem to me a very fitting sporting achievement in a season where the clubs, and in many ways the sport at this level, somehow defied all the odds to reach a conclusion.

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Match Officials Referee Andrew Kitchen Assistant Referee 1 Alex Gray

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 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 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 Ross Fitzsimons Jack Hinchy Will Collar Tom Walker Harry Cardwell Elliot Newby Ryan Rydel Paddy Madden

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

[1405] [1406] [1388] [1409] [1410] [1414] [1412]

1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 31 32 33 34 35

Shaun MacDonald Ben Wynter Liam Davis Kyle Cameron Gary Warren Connor Lemonheigh-Evans Asa Hall Danny Wright Armani Little Jake Andrews Adam Randell Andy Collings Andrew Nelson Matt Buse Sam Sherring Jacob Evans Olaf Koszela Scott Boden Louie Slough Dean Moxey Owen Price Aaron Nemane Rob Street Billy Waters Benji Kimpioka Lucas Tomlinson Joe Lewis Max Sheaf Lucas Covolan Ben Whitfield Josh Umerah

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

Assistant Referee 2 Oliver Noonan Fourth Official Ed Duckworth

Next At Edgeley Park

Woking Saturday 22nd May 2021 Kick-off: 3.00pm Vanarama National League

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