Burton v County
Is another promotion campaign brewing, or will today’s trip to Burton fall flat?
Saturday 23 November 2024
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Dear County fans, Stopfordians, Burton supporters, and anyone else from The Football Family joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Saturday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
We’ve got five of your favourite County correspondents joining us this morning, which is also the number of goals Burton scored in their last match. Let’s hope that’s not an omen for this afternoon’s game. There’s plenty of positivity at The Scarf My Father Wore HQ, however, with Ian Brown, Jonathan Baker, Dan Culverwell, John Giles and Nick Lee all backing Dave Challinor’s men to record a third consecutive league win.
Today’s edition is sponsored by Luna Care and The Electrics Guy. A big thank you to April and Guy.
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: 176.31 miles
Total steps so far: 284,130
Total raised so far: £2,027
Total completed streets so far: 399 (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? Will Collar’s out for a month with diarrhoea… blah blah blah…tomorrow’s referee has handed out more cards than Moonpig…blah blah blah…County haven’t won at Birmingham for a thousand years.
Fortunately, he has a number of fellow County content creators to call upon. Here’s their thoughts, general chit-chat and score predictions, as County prepare for only their second ever visit to the Pirelli Stadium.
Ian Brown, All Things Stockport County
Burton 1 County 2
The main topic of discussion in terms of team selection for today seems to be Ibby Touray, who’s back from international duty. Would you put him straight back in the team, or stick him on the bench?
I’d start with Ibby on the bench.
The team that took on Wrexham produced what was for me their best win of the season, both in terms of the result and the manner in which it was achieved, namely by dominating the game for all bar the last 20 minutes when their opponents staged one of their traditional late rallies – a failed one due to County’s immaculate defending.
I was particularly pleased to see that Callum Connolly, having talked him down a touch before the Wrexham game, then produced by far his best game for us, and thus should stay in. It would also be sad and probably a mistake should Challinor opt not to continue playing both Ryan Rydel and Macauley Southam-Hales, so well are they playing.
As for today’s score, I note that Burton recently recorded their first win of what looks like a depressing season for them, but it was at home to Shrewsbury, who are now bottom, so maybe not that relevant today. I’ll go with a 2-1 away win. I think I sneaked a point last time out, so I’m on a run folks!
Ian follows County home and away, producing detailed match reports every week, along with lots of other great content. Head over to hedgegrower.blogspot.com.
Jonathan Baker, The County Away Day Show
Burton 1 County 3
We’re off to the home of British brewing today, a town which used to produce a quarter of all the beer consumed in the UK. What’s your favourite beer?
I’m not drinking at present, so I’ll give you my top three non-alcoholic tipples at the moment:
1) Guinness Zero
2) Brooklyn Special Effects
3) Erdinger 0%
As for today’s score prediction, I feel weirdly sure that we’re set to prevail by precisely three goals to one. (I may even lay money on it. Since I’m not drinking I need to have some vices do I not!)
Jonathan, aka Geordie Hatter, hosts The County Away Day Show on selected Saturday mornings during the season, when the Hatters are on the road. All episodes can be found at the-geordie-hatter.mixlr.com.
Dan Culverwell, The Scarf Bergara Wore
Burton 0 County 3
Having seen the new shirt you’ve just released, I’m afraid you’ve been charged with crimes against fashion. How do you plead…?!
Guilty as charged! But isn’t supporting County all about Passion and not Fashion?
The shirt is about as Marmite as you can get. Love it or hate it, it’s certainly different, and based upon the chair Sean Connelly had made.
With the fantastic help of Over The County Culture we’ve jointly made something that will make you smile or cringe, but at £25 delivered you can’t argue with the price and it’s something fun for Christmas!
As for Burton, I’m more worried going into this weekend than I was against Wrexham or Bolton. This is the sort of fixture we seem to have struggled with so far this season, where County are massive favourites against a struggling side. I’m hoping my fears and trepidation disappear by kick-off and the lads secure a 3-0 win.
Dan is part of The Scarf Bergara Wore team, hosting live County podcasts every Wednesday at 8pm. Click here for links.
John Giles, Stockport County Supporters Co-operative
Burton 1 County 2
How was the Andy Preece night at The Spinning Top on Wednesday?
It was a pleasure to hold an event with Andy and hear his memories at County, including that iconic goal against QPR, along with some great stories about Danny.
Very pleasing to hear Andy is doing well in management with his Chorley side currently top of the National League North and pushing for promotion.
Joining the Stockport County Supporters Co-operative costs £12 a year for adults, £3 for those aged 16-25 or £1 for under-16s. Click here for further details.
Nick Lee, SK3 TV
Burton 0 County 3
I can’t remember what it’s called, but one of my mates said there’s a pub in Burton that’s the best in the world. Where’s your best pub in the world?
I tend to find that a pub is like a blow job. Even when you encounter a bad one it's still a better day than most.
In terms of pubs rather than bars though, it's got to be The Magnet. An endless selection of beers (both wanky and non-wanky) and a fantastic ambience (whatever that means).
Nick’s one of the co-hosts of SK3 TV, a new podcast for the 2024-25 season, with live episodes every Monday at 8pm. Click here for links.
Today’s other prediction
Hatters Matters: Burton 0 County 2
A paw-some and purr-fect Christmas pet care service!
Still making holiday plans? April from Luna Care is here to lend a paw (or hoof!) this Christmas for all your pet care needs across Stockport and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for a dog walker, pet sitter, or even a pet taxi, April will make sure your beloved animals have a paw-sitive and cosy Christmas!
Services include the following:
🐶 DOG WALKING
Keeping your doggo’s tail wagging and energy burning during the festive fun.
🐱 CAT SITTING AND CHECK-INS
Providing purr-fect TLC with feeding, cuddles and playtime.
🐰 RABBIT CARE
Fresh food, clean habitats, and all the attention your bunnies need to feel hoppy!
🐴 HORSE CARE
With April’s diploma in horse care, she’s fully equipped to look after your horses. From feeding and grooming to exercise and mucking out, she’ll make sure they’re neigh-bourly looked after.
🚕 PET TAXI
Convenient pet taxi service to get your pets to the vet, groomer, or even a friend’s house.
Spaces are filling up quickly, so book soon to make sure your pets enjoy a stress-free and paw-some Christmas.
Give April a call on 07704 197519 or email april@luna-pet-care.co.uk.
Photo of the day
Mazuma Mobile Stadium, Morecambe
In the run-up to Christmas last season, County fans experienced torrential rain from start to finish in Morecambe. Looking at the weather this week, today’s trip to Burton could have similar vibes…
Your go-to Guy for any electrical problems this winter
Unfortunately, Guy was unable to work for eight months recently due to ill health (he had a stem cell transplant in February) but he’s now on the mend, he’s having his photo taken with billboards at rugby clubs, and he’s already taking on work again.
As we head into December, the telly will be on all day, the Christmas lights will be on all night, and your oven will be gearing up for the biggest day of the year on the 25th. If there’s any electrical stuff you need sorting out this winter, make sure you give Guy a call.
You can contact Guy on 07703 395902 or email theelectricsguy@icloud.com.
Today in SK
🎬 Cinema
Two films at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. Paddington In Peru (PG) at 12.15pm and 2.30pm, followed by Gladiator II (15) at 5pm and 8pm. Click here for tickets.
🍺 Food and drink
Pop in for a pint at Heaton Hops (SK4), CAMRA Pub of the Year for Stockport and South Manchester.
All pints £2.50 at The Cross Keys (SK8) from 6pm till 9pm.
If you’re simply in the mood for a couple of pints today, pop along to one of our featured venues such as AMP (SK1), The Crown (SK2), The Alexandra (SK3), The Steelworks (SK6) or The Three Tunnes (SK7).
🎵 Karaoke
The Nelson Tavern (SK1) with Lee. From 8pm.
🎙 Live music
Pete Maclaine and the Clan at The Dog & Partridge (SK2). 8pm.
The Impostors at The Crown Inn (SK6). 9pm.
Random photos of County players at other clubs
#53 – Ben Whitfield, Burton
Martin Lewis might advise on better investments, but if you fancy topping up your Christmas present fund, whack a load of cash on Ben Whitfield to score today. The former County man scored against us for Barrow last season, and the season before, and he’ll no doubt be looking to make it a hat-trick this afternoon.
Need any of these products or services this November? Support the businesses that support The Scarf My Father Wore
🖼 Art & Gifts: Kate O’Brien Art
🪟 Blinds & Shutters: Bauhaus Blinds and Shutters
📚 Bookkeeping: Eleven Accounts Services
👷♂️ Builder: C E Building Services Ltd
🧱 Builders Merchant: MKM Manchester South
🧽 Car Valeting: Rub A Dubz Detailing Ltd
🧼 Carpet Cleaning: A Star Clean Ltd
🏠 Carpets & Flooring: Kingsway Carpets & Rugs Ltd
🐈 Cat Flaps: That Cat Flap Company Ltd
👶 Child Health: The Sleep Nanny
🧹 Cleaning: Beespoke Cleaning
🚙 Coatings: Colourtone Ltd
🐶 Dog Trainer: Forever Home Dog Training
🐕🦺 Dog Walker: Luna Care
🚘 Driving School: CFN School of Motoring
💡 Electrician: The Electrics Guy
🏠 Estate Agent: The Agency UK
💧 Exterior Cleaning: Impact Pro Clean Ltd
💷 Financial Services: The Mortgage Mill
💐 Florist: The Flower House
🍦 Ice Cream Van Hire: Stevie’s Ices
💻 IT Services: Bridge Computer Services
🪚 Joinery: SAW Contracts Ltd
🔌 Kitchen Appliances: SW Appliances
🍳 Kitchens: Kitchenwise
🌳 Landscaping: Dylan’s Developments
📮 Leaflet Distribution: Wolf Distribution
🔑 Locksmith: APL Locksmiths Ltd
💪 Male Weight Loss: MAN v FAT
🖌 Painter & Decorator: BGM Decorators
🚑 Personal Injury: Parkers Solicitors Ltd
📸 Photographer: Adam Edwards Photo
🧱 Plastering: DT Plastering Services and Damp Proofing Specialists
🛖 Roofing: Pate & Lever Roofing Ltd
☀️ Solar Panels: Malbern Solar Ltd
👨💼 Solicitors: B.J. McKenna & Co
🍹 Spirits: Guerrilla Chicken Spirits
💆♂️ Sports Massage: RobMcRunning
🪨 Stonemason: LM Stone Creative
🚕 Taxi Hire: Lynx Taxis
☀️ Travel Agent: PTF Travel Ltd
👩🏫 Tutor: Conexus Tuition
📺 TV Aerials: SDS Aerials
🧰 Vehicle Repairs: C J Motors Stockport
⚖️ Weight Loss: Slimming World Reddish & Bredbury with Shlean