AFC Wimbledon v County
The first of three trips to London during the second half of this season
Friday 27 January 2023
Off to London we go. Win, and we could be in the play-offs by 5pm. It’s not quite the same scenario as Tuesday night. Victory over Bradford would have guaranteed us a place in the top seven (for now, at least). Three points at Plough Lane tomorrow would only move us up one place to 9th for certain, although we could finish the day as high as 6th. That depends on how Swindon, Barrow and Mansfield all do at home. I’d actually take a point in the capital to be honest. Looking at our next five games, Wimbledon are the highest in the league. After that, there’s a decent number of points to be picked up against Crewe, Tranmere, Harrogate and Crawley. Whatever the outcome, AFC Wimbledon are a top club, and I’m sure County fans will have a decent day out in the capital. A safe journey to all the Hatters heading south tomorrow.
Back in November, many readers will have heard the devastating news regarding a lifelong County fan whose wife has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. A fundraising event, to raise money for ongoing treatment as well as supporting a young family, has been organised for Saturday 4 February at Our Lady’s in Stockport. The event sold out within a couple of days, but a small handful of tickets have just become available. Let’s get these sold over the weekend if we can. Contact details are in the image below.
Finally, today’s edition is sponsored by STUDIO26 Haircare. A big thank you to Aaron and the rest of the team in Hazel Grove. County season ticket holders can get a 20% discount at STUDIO26 Haircare throughout January. See below for further details.
Des Junior
Des Junior loves writing about County. But he can never be arsed doing match previews. They’re a bit dull, aren’t they? Paddy Madden’s out for two games with an ingrown toenail…blah blah blah…tomorrow’s referee has handed out more cards than Moonpig…blah blah blah…County haven’t won at Birmingham since 1672.
Fortunately, he has a number of fellow County content providers to have a pre-match natter with. Here’s their thoughts ahead of our first ever trip to AFC Wimbledon’s new home.
Ian Brown, hedgegrower
It’s a bit of an inconsistent start to 2023 for County with one win, one draw and one defeat. How will we do on Saturday?
I’m relishing watching County at Plough Lane after so many years, but I’m not expecting too much in the way of ‘edge of your seat’ excitement. If there is to be any of that then County will have to be the providers as Wimbledon have only scored once in January, in a defeat to Sutton United, with their last two games ending 0-0.
Whilst many will see a low scoring draw as likely, my view is that there is enough quality in the County squad to ward off that possibility and nick all the points.
Key to this for me is Dave Challinor resisting the temptation to change the starting line-up, but if all are fit who played on Tuesday then we should go with the same 11; take the game to our hosts and let Collar, Hippolyte, Wootton and Madden do the biz up front.
I see it ending 2-0 to us with the occupants of the Cherry Red Records Stand going home happy!
County’s last 10 meetings with Wimbledon/AFC Wimbledon (not including anything with Milton Keynes in the name):
Wimbledon 2 County 0 (1978-79, Division 4)
Wimbledon 1 County 2 (1980-81, Division 4)
County 0 Wimbledon 0 (1980-81, Division 4)
Wimbledon 2 County 1 (1982-83, Division 4)
County 1 Wimbledon 3 (1982-83, Division 4)
Wimbledon 2 County 0 (2000-01, Division 1)
County 2 Wimbledon 2 (2000-01, Division 1)
County 1 Wimbledon 2 (2001-02, Division 1)
Wimbledon 3 County 1 (2001-02, Division 1)
County 1 AFC Wimbledon 0 (2022-23, League 2)
Nick Lee, The Scarf Bergara Wore
You can’t beat a County away day in London. What’s the best one you’ve ever been on?
As much as I despise Wembley I’ve got to say the Rochdale play-off final. Me and some mates had been on an all-nighter at South in Manchester the night before and only managed half an hour of sleep before we had to get to Cheadle Heath Morrisons for the minibus. I worked there at the time and vaguely remember seeing my boss and calling him a paedo for having the sheer temerity to take his infant daughter shopping. I’ve grown up a bit since then, promise.
More beers on the minibus followed, before a stop-off at McDonalds somewhere before going into Wembley. I definitely got a bollocking for querying the price of a cheeseburger and a Fosters. Luckily though, the Fosters sobered me up a bit for the game. Cue sheer elation at seeing us finally win at Wembley.
As much as I can’t stand the place, I’ll be buzzing if we get there again this season, even though it’s a terrible stadium in a terrible location.
Jonathan Baker aka Geordie Hatter, The County Away Day Show
I feel like I always bombard you with music questions, but as you always give us such insightful answers, here’s another one! Ahead of our trip to Wimbledon tomorrow, I’ve just been listening to the classic “Overground, Underground” song from The Wombles. What’s your top five TV theme tunes?
1) Brush Strokes
I don't actually remember much about this BBC Two sitcom of the late 80s, except for the pleasant if vaguely jarring surprise of hearing the unmistakable tones of Kevin Rowland from Dexys Midnight Runners over the opening credits. It's a lovely, mournful track and has stood the test of time - class being permanent, and all.
2) Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?
I've just looked this up and apparently it was co-written by the show's co-creator Ian La Frenais alongside a member of Manfred Mann. I can still remember the warm feeling the song evoked in me when hearing it for the first time, in the Odeon cinema in Newcastle (we'd been taken to see the feature length film of the sitcom as a treat, which may even have been my first ever visit to 'the pictures', and I was ridiculously excited).
3) Minder
Again I'm just instantly taken back, now to my teenage years, when this show starring Dennis Waterman (who sings the title track ‘I Could Be So Good for You’) used to bring the nation to a halt on a weekly basis. It used to air on a school night (Thursday?) and I'd watch it on my little black and white portable TV, while playing darts. We used to make our own entertainment in those days, you see.
4) The Good Life
Set in suburban Surbiton which is quite possibly in the vicinity of Wimbledon. And featuring the thinking ecologically minded 70s man's crumpet, Felicity Kendall. I don't know if she ever got down to Plough Lane, but if she did I bet she turned a few heads in the queue for the tea bar. I'd have stood her a Bovril and a Double Decker, make no mistake.
5) Wimbledon
The tennis highlights on the BBC. Seems rude not to include this one as we travel to SW17 this weekend, even if (as far as I know) the menu on the Fingerpost Flyer doesn't extend to strawberries and cream. I absolutely do extend to strawberries and cream on midsummer evenings however, and maybe a glass or two of Pimms to accompany, even though I have no idea what sort of drink Pimms may actually be. Listen, if it's good enough for Stockport's very own Fred Perry (or would be, if he wasn't dead) then it's good enough for me. New balls please!
Speaking of balls, a tight one tomorrow, between two teams in patchy form, both intent on attaining a play-off berth. I can see a draw: 1-1.
Jon Keighren, Stockport County
AFC Wimbledon have lost 1 of their last 13 league games. This looks like a tricky one for me, and I’d probably be happy with a point. Would you agree?
They’ve had a big refresh of their squad in the window after losing four loan players plus their top scorer to a Qatari team for a million quid. So you could make an argument to suggest that this might be a good time to play the Dons, whilst the new recruits are still settling in. Also, no team has drawn more games in League Two this season, which explains why they’re in the bottom half. It’s a tough game, no question, but one which we should be looking to win. Whatever the outcome, it’ll be great to make a first ever visit to AFC Wimbledon, a club which deserves every success after the way their fans were treated by MK.
Can County pick up all three points in the capital tomorrow? What’s the best London away day you’ve ever had? And what’s your favourite TV theme tune? Click on the button to leave your comments.
Today in SK
🕺 Pay day, finally! Christ, January’s a long month isn’t it? There’s cash in your bank now though. Where better to spend it than Bask on a Friday night? Dance your January blues away, with DJ Gareth Brooks on till 2am. Free entry.
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A new year, a new you! OK, your resolution to get fit in 2023 has probably already gone out of the window, with a Domino’s on the way to soak up the Christmas and New Year’s Eve booze. But one thing you can do to turn a few more heads is get a smart new haircut. There’s only one place to go - STUDIO26 Haircare in Hazel Grove. Aaron and the team provide high-class barbering services in a hygienic, positive and client-friendly environment. You’ll be well looked after, and if you’re a County season ticket holder, take it with you to receive a 20% discount in January.