Aldershot v County
A tricky trip to Hampshire
Sunday 3 December 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Sutton – Saturday 16 December, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Aldershot – Today, 2pm
Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and any Aldershot supporters joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Sunday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
Before we get into today’s edition, please allow me to share a link with our readers which will take you to a page raising money for Lisa Braithwaite’s funeral. Lisa tragically passed away on Thursday, and Les is currently raising money towards funeral costs to help give her the send-off she deserves. Click here to make a donation.
Ian Brown, Jonathan Baker and Oliver Brookland are on preview duty for us today, as County look to avoid an Aldershot FA Cup banana skin (which Swindon well and truly slipped on in round one) and make it safely through to the third round. Don’t forget the draw takes place before kick-off today, so we’ll know whether the prize is a trip to Maidstone or Man United before County take to the field in Hampshire. It’s on ITV at around 12.55pm before the live game between Eastleigh and Reading.
Today’s edition is sponsored by Tate Plastering Services. A big thank you to Gary. Give him a call on 07902 186564 or email gs.tate76@hotmail.co.uk if you’ve got any plastering work that needs doing at the moment.
Finally, I’m currently walking every street in Stockport to raise money for mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.
Total distance so far: 46.68 miles
Total steps so far: 83,302
Total raised so far: £1,017
Total completed streets so far: 24 (Click here for the full list, which includes reports and photos from every day of the walk.)
Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.
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 creators to call upon. Here’s their thoughts, general chit-chat and score predictions, ahead of our first ever cup tie against Aldershot.
Ian Brown, hedgegrower
Aldershot 1 County 2
Dave Challinor made 10 changes for the visit of Worksop in round one. What do you think he’s planning for this afternoon?
This one is altogether a sterner challenge than that posed by Worksop, thus I expect Challinor to select his side accordingly – he’ll want to win!
The long time hex that Aldershot appeared to have over visiting County sides has been seen off in our last couple of visits to the Recreation Ground but I see DC taking no chances with the prospect of being matched with one of the top sides in the land just one win away.
That means fielding a strong side, and I can think of no one from Tuesday’s team I would want to drop or rest, except possibly Touray to allow Bailey back in.
The time to send out the fringe players and youngsters is on Wednesday against Wigan in the EFL Trophy. Is Josh Popoola bring-backable for that one? If so, I’d love to see him running at the overconfident Lancastrians!
Jonathan Baker aka Geordie Hatter, The County Away Day Show
Aldershot 1 County 2
Who’s the most influential musical figure to come out of Aldershot would you say?
I’d have to go with Mickey Most. Born the son of a sergeant major in the military town, Most (real name Michael Hayes) arrived in Swinging Sixties London as a youth, where via early stints as a singing waiter and an itinerant vinyl salesman, he set out on an enterprising career in the burgeoning pop scene that would see him discover The Animals and Kim Wilde, produce Donovan and Lulu, manage Herman's Hermuts and The Yardbirds, and found RAK – the still-thriving global record label holding the rights to classic tracks including Hot Chocolate's “You Sexy Thing”. Add into all of this that he's the father of the lead singer from Johnny Hates Jazz, and you've got some hefty contribution to the popular culture. Not bad for a boy from the sticks!
Most died 20 years ago aged 65, having amassed a personal fortune reported at some £50 million. Whether he followed the fortunes of his birth-town football team is unknown, but the Shots sure as hell could have done with a fraction of those riches during their own financially imperilled history. Good to see the grand old Hampshire outfit back on its feet these days... but I don't think Tommy Widdrington's men will quite have enough to hold off a superior County outfit in this afternoon's knockout tie. 2-1 to the visitors – and the Hatters firmly in that third round hat!
Click here for some of Micky Most’s classic hits!
Oliver Brookland, Aldershot fan
What’s the mood like in Aldershot this weekend? Is cup fever building?
I think it’s probably the most excited the fans have been for a cup tie at the Rec in some time. There is definitely a sense of momentum and ambition at the club that hasn’t been there for a while, and that’s contributing massively towards this afternoon’s game. I wouldn’t want to come to our place as a fan of a Football League club, especially after what we did in the first round.
I think the draw being completed before kick-off might have an effect on the atmosphere too. Can’t remember the last time we were in a cup draw without kicking a ball.
I’m not one for score predictions but I can see it being a gruesome 1-0 either way.
Today’s sponsor: Tate Plastering Services
At this time of year, a lot of people like to get a few bits and bobs done at home before having friends and family over for Christmas.
If you’ve got any plastering jobs that need taking care of, give Gary a call on 07902 186564 or email gs.tate76@hotmail.co.uk.
Photo of the day
St James’ Park, Newcastle
A Newcastle United squad photo from 1985 featuring the likes of Gazza and Peter Beardsley. But can you spot the future County manager in the line-up…
Today in SK
🍽 Food and drink
The Petersgate Tap (SK1) have just taken delivery of three casks of the special Christmas Cake Porter from Mallinsons Brewing Company. Pop down for a festive pint today.
Two Sunday Roasts for £20 at The Red Bull (SK1). 12pm - 6pm.
Located next to the lovely canal walk in Romiley, The Spread Eagle (SK6) is the perfect spot to rest those weary legs over a refreshing drink and a delicious carvery. 12pm - 8pm.
Simply Sunday at TRUNK (SK7). Sunday brunch including face painting and colouring competitions. Call 0161 222 9260 to book a table, and mention “The Scarf My Father Wore” to receive a 15% discount off the normal tapas menu.
Sunday dinner at The Flying Coach (SK7). Chicken or steak, served with honey roasted parsnips, mash, roast potatoes, veg, Yorkshires and red wine gravy. Served from 5pm.
🎶 Free jukebox
The Nelson Tavern (SK1). 3pm - 6pm.
🎤 Live music
Carl Morris with a special Oasis set at The Armoury (SK3). 6.30pm.
The Scarf My Father Wore works closely with venues on a daily basis to bring you the most comprehensive guide to all of the best offers and events taking place across the whole SK region. Click on the links below for full details of everything taking place in your area over the next few weeks.
SK1 / SK2 / SK3 / SK4 / SK5 / SK6 / SK7 / SK8 / SK9 / SK10 / SK11 / SK12 / SK13 / SK14 / SK15 / SK16 / SK17 / SK22 / SK23
DJ Des
DJ Des has never even heard of Lil Nas X. But it’s a topical selection for today’s edition, as this song was number one on the day County finally won a game at Aldershot. The date in question was Friday 2 April 2021, with goals from Jack Stretton and Ash Palmer securing a 2-1 victory. Remarkably, County had failed to win any of their previous 26 games at Aldershot, over a period of more than 60 years.
Would you like DJ Des to play a song for your favourite County player, or a friend or family member? Email thescarfmyfatherwore@substack.com with your requests/shoutouts!
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