Carlisle v County
Carlisle v County
For the final time this season, predictions from your favourite County correspondents, plus a Wembley chat with some of our sponsors
Sunday 28 May 2023 - WEMBLEY WEEK!
🎶 Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, we’re going to Wem-ber-lee, que sera sera 🎶
Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and any Carlisle supporters joining us today, a very warm welcome to the final part of WEMBLEY WEEK on The Scarf My Father Wore! Hope you’ve enjoyed our series of special features over the last seven days.
Will the website be kicking off CELEBRATION WEEK this time tomorrow? Carlisle will surely provide a strong test at Wembley this afternoon, but Jon Keighren, Ian Brown, Jonathan Baker and Nick Lee all fancy County to win for only the second time at Wembley. We have seen a Hatters victory already this weekend. Let’s hope that’s a good omen…
Today’s edition is sponsored by Valet for You. A big thank you to Paul. Give him a call if your car needs a good clean after Wembley.
NO SLEEPS TO GO! 🥳
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 excellent County correspondents to call upon, and they all fancy Dave Challinor’s men to get over the line at Wembley this afternoon. Oh, please please please be right…
Jon Keighren, Stockport County
Carlisle 1 County 2
A fairly simple question this week but one with two parts to it. How are you feeling A) after your operation and B) ahead of Wembley?
I’ve had a bit of a rough week after an op at the Spire Hospital on the Wirral but thanks to my amazing consultant, Jeremy Wilson, I should be in that commentary box today. I may be powered by codeine to get through the match but I’ll do whatever it takes!
Today represents everything that Mark Stott has worked towards since taking over in February 2020. I have massive belief in our squad of players. There is a togetherness which is very reminiscent of 2008 – a great bunch of lads, no egos, lots of love, and a team spirit which, when coupled with their exceptional ability, gives them a great chance this afternoon. I’m going for County to win 2-1 inside 90 minutes. Paddy Power will prevail.
Ian Brown, hedgegrower
Carlisle 0 County 2
After a lengthy injury list, and a two-hour battle with Salford last weekend, have County got enough left in the tank to get over the line?
I see last Saturday’s performance as a beacon of hope that points towards the team having had their reserves of energy and pizzazz boosted rather than depleted. Yes, we were taken to extra time and penalties but as the game went on County were the team looking the likeliest to win, and the manner in which it was achieved spoke volumes for their inner strength.
Challinor is fortunate to have many of his top men coming back from injury – if not to full match fitness, then at least to something not that far removed from it. The key factor once again will be how and when he deploys them. Last Saturday, the ploy of bringing a clutch of big hitters on after an hour worked, but any joy at that must be tempered by an acknowledgement that for the first hour, before the substitutions, we might have been two or three down had it not been for Ben Hinchliffe.
It may well be that Sarcevic and Collar need to be held back today, but in my view the same does not apply to Croasdale who absolutely should start. His presence helps to stabilise the defence, which looked under the cosh particularly early on against Salford. Going forward he contributes significantly and with Sarcevic and Collar joining him at some point, County will have the tools to do the job.
So, we definitely have enough left in the tank to do the biz against Carlisle, and I’m looking for us to score early, coming away with a 2-0 win.
Jonathan Baker aka Geordie Hatter, The County Away Day Show
Carlisle 1 County 2
I thoroughly enjoyed your final show of the season yesterday. Let’s have your top five moments from this season’s broadcasts.
1) Guest moment of the season
One of my favourite parts of every show is when I get on the week's Fantastic County Fan Guest, and one of the first things we talk about is how they got into watching us. There's been some brilliant stories this season, but the truly showstealing moment belongs to Ian (aka Timberwolf) who on the morning of the postponed Crewe game regaled us right off the bat with his tale of him and his dad getting into County completely at random, owing to Stockport being the destination of the next train to pull into Keighley railway station on a bygone Saturday which they had earmarked to take in a game. I said to Ian at the time the first sentence of this debut appearance from him was akin to when Cody Johnson took to the EP turf and brought the house down with a Cruyff turn. And I'll stand by that.
2) Edgeley Roundabout Island Disc of the season
Our Fantastic County Fan Guest gets to pick a tune for us to play – another favourite part of the show for me, not least because it opens up my ears to musical genres I may be less familiar with. As was the case with John K Bilsbury, who on the morning of the Hartlepool fixture, introduced us all to the rarified flavours of German Bagpipe Prog-Rock/Techno-Funk (that may not be its precise title, but something equally esoteric). The song was “Corvus Corax” by a bunch of hairy Teutonic gentlemen going by the name of Tanzwut, and featured an instrument called a hurdygurdy, which made the sort of sound your washing machine emits when it's about to go on the blink. It was simply marvellous.
3) Away town moment of the season
Another of my favourite parts of the show (let's face it, they all are) is the moment when County fan of note Ian Dowden gets in touch to advise us the name, address, and menu offer of choice from the Chinese takeaway near to the away ground that he's picked out for any hungry County fans partial to an Oriental-themed lunch to call into on their way to the turnstiles. The origins of the slot have been lost in the mists of time, and are nothing whatsoever to do with me. Ian's played a blinder again all season, but for sheer opulence it's hard to see past his early-campaign choice of the Royal Baths Restaurant at Harrogate. The buffet comes in at a hefty £40 quid a pop, but you can't argue with the quality.
4) Poll of the season
Each show we take the pulse of the County Nation, on a matter of topical or fundamental importance to our people. On the morning of the Orient game the poll was on the best away day of the season, and in the tightest-ever result, our springtime visit to Brunton Park edged out the autumn trip to Valley Parade by a single vote. Let's hope Carlisle in opposition bring us similarly happy memories today.
5) Listening moment of the season
I don't normally get to listen to the show in advance of kick-off myself, for the inconvenient reason that I need to present it, but an exception was made on the late morning of the Bradford game, when I had the show on playback at top volume when racing over the Pennines on the M62 peaks. Hefner's “The Day That Thatcher Died” came on as we traversed the motorway’s highest point, and I felt a wave of elation that lasted until we reached the suburbs of the Wool City. I got into the ground with a minute to spare, and we edged it, 1-0. I'll take that today as well!
Nick Lee, The Scarf Bergara Wore
Carlisle 2 County 3
How’s your itinerary looking for today?
Early start for us. My mate Dave is driving so there’s four of us departing Edgeley at 6.30am. Wealdstone is the first stop-off to enjoy the fan zone and meet a few mates before getting the train to the ground. (Side note: “the ground” doesn’t really sound grand enough in this case. I might have to write to the Football Cliches lads about that one.) Hopefully meeting a few people in and around Wembley and cheering the lads on to a win. For anyone interested, the drink of choice for the journey is the old reliable Dark Fruits, and I’ve got one hell of a playlist ready.
I’m expecting today to be the opposite of cagey. I’m going 3-2 to the glorious boys in blue followed by one hell of a sesh back in SK.
Get your car valeted after the trip to Wembley
My good friend Mark Fletcher is taking his daughter Betsy (a future County Ladies star) to Wembley today. Here’s her list of goodies for the trip. I mean, it’s a cracking list don’t get me wrong, but there could be one or two crumbs to contend with off some of those items.
For those County fans driving to London today, I’m sure you’ve got your own packed lunches and drinks for the journey. If your car needs sorting out when you get back, give Paul a call at Valet for You. He offers a professional valeting service across Stockport and the surrounding areas.
Click here for contact details.
A chat with some of our sponsors ahead of County’s sixth trip to Wembley
What’s your thoughts on County getting to Wembley?
Absolutely buzzing, haven’t been able to concentrate on much else since we beat Neville’s vanity project.
What’s your favourite kitchen appliance?
Neff slide and hide oven, I can get Alexa to turn it on without needing to get off my backside and it looks cool as fuck.
If County win today and fans want to celebrate by getting something new for their kitchen, what should they get from you?
A vacuum cleaner to clean up after the promotion party, or a fridge to store the champagne in!
What’s your thoughts on County getting to Wembley?
It’s a massive boost for the local area, given this tough financial climate we are all currently in. Not only that, but it’s put a huge smile on lots of faces this week. There’s a genuine feeling of excitement among County fans about the direction the club is heading, after very difficult times in recent years. And I’m sure winning a local derby to get to Wembley, against a team with lots of United connections, has made it even sweeter for County fans!
What do you make of all the positivity surrounding the town at the moment?
The positivity can only be a good thing for the area. Stockport is a vibrant town very much on the up these days. It’s good to see smiles on faces and everyone excited about their trip to Wembley today.
If County win today and fans want to celebrate by building a shed in their back garden to store all their memorabilia, what materials would you recommend using and why should they come to Portwood Timber?
There’s many materials and different products we sell that can be used when constructing your own shed or garden room, it’s all about personal preference and what style and look you want. What I can say and offer to anyone who sees this and needs any materials from ourselves, if you use the code “The Scarf My Father Wore” at the till when paying, we’ll give you 30% off your purchase.
What’s your thoughts on County getting to Wembley?
I think it’s interesting that if you secure automatic promotion that’s it, but in the play-offs you get to go to Wembley! I think it’s fantastic for the town and the club. If we go up once again, it’s a big ask in League One, but I think with a good striker, we could hold our own.
What would be the perfect beer at your place to celebrate promotion with tonight?
A lot of our regulars like good hoppy beers so something from Mallinsons would hit the spot or one our regular lagers.
If County win today and fans want to celebrate in Stockport tonight, why should they head to Petersgate Tap?
Because we’re a County pub who’ve sponsored the team in the past and the fans don’t forget that.
What’s your thoughts on County getting to Wembley?
It’s just so exciting! I’m so happy for the team and the supporters because after lots of ups and downs over the last few years it’s thoroughly deserved. Sadly I can’t be there but I’ll be glued to the game and keeping everything crossed.
How did you become an artist?
I’ve always painted since being tiny so it’s something that has grown with me throughout my life. After an art degree and a 10-year stint as a secondary art teacher I finally took the plunge and went full-time around five years ago. I think making Stockport my muse was key to this happening!
If County win today we're hoping there will be some new memorabilia coming soon on your website! But for now, what's your favourite County piece you've designed?
It would have to be my County triptych. I love it because it shows three of my County paintings together and is the kind of piece that will fit in the most awkward of spaces.
What’s your thoughts on County getting to Wembley?
Over the moon for County. They’ve done really well and it’s very well deserved for all the players, staff and loyal fans.
How did you become a locksmith?
Served my time as a joiner when I left school, then got a job with a locksmith as it’s something that always interested me. Set up on my own at 21 and never looked back – I’m 45 this year!
What’s your thoughts on County getting to Wembley?
It’s fantastic but we should have gone up without needing the play-offs, so I hope we do it today.
How do you think County’s improvement has been good for the town?
It’s great to see County on the up after years in the doldrums, and it also gives the town a proper uplift.
If County win today and fans want to celebrate by getting their cars coated, how can you help them?
We offer a great ceramic coating spray which protects your vehicle’s bodywork.
What’s your thoughts on County getting to Wembley?
It's fantastic! The whole town is behind County and the atmosphere is one of anticipation. My grandad used to take me to watch them. I remember him going to every home game when I was a little girl. Football brings everyone together and it makes you feel proud of what the team has achieved so far and what I'm sure they will do in the future.
If County win today and fans want to celebrate in Stockport tonight, why should they head to The Dog & Partridge?
I would be super proud to welcome them tonight and I'm pretty sure all my customers would too. We are a community pub and I'm a Stockport girl so we would be giving them the warmest of welcomes and an award-winning Stockport pint.
Today in SK
☕️ Food and drink ☕️
Simply Sunday at TRUNK (SK7) including face painting and colouring competitions.
How do you fancy a nice iced cappuccino today? Head down to Coffee Block (SK1) for their CUBO espresso over ice, filled with shaken milk and topped with chocolate! Open till 5.30pm.
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
Never mind Google or Yell.com, we’ve got you covered
STOP! That got your attention, didn’t it? Just a quick one… I’d hazard a guess that at some point in May, all of our readers will use Google or Yell.com at some point looking for a particular product or service. But before you do, please have a quick look at our own directory to see if we have what you’re looking for. A number of great businesses support The Scarf My Father Wore, allowing us to publish fresh content every day, so let’s send a few enquiries their way in return.
Click here to have a look at all the businesses in our directory.
“We’re getting a bit back after all the shite years”
As part of WEMBLEY WEEK, we’ve emailed seven questions to our subscribers, and we’ll choose a different one each day this week, hearing the thoughts of a number of our readers.
Today’s question: What would it mean to you to see County promoted to League One this afternoon?
It would be quite a large amount of icing on the cake that was getting back into the league last year. With a beer on the side. I know the club have been talking about their aims and back-to-back promotions was their goal, but as a fan it was just a pure relief being out of non-league and everything else is a bonus. The levels of optimism and positivity around the club at the moment are brilliant. It feels like we're getting a bit back after all the shite years. Stott and everyone else involved deserve a huge amount of credit. And it would piss Wrexham fans clean off, which would be a great bonus.
Josh Cooper
EVERYTHING!
Tony Joannou
Photo of the day
The first photo on my news feed on Twitter today, posted at 5.44am by @KevlarBrock accompanied with the hashtag #shitsleep. I don’t think many County fans will have got their recommended eight hours last night, but I’m sure the adrenaline and excitement will keep everyone wide awake on the journey down to London. A safe trip to all of our readers and subscribers today, have a wonderful afternoon, and here’s to The Scarf My Father Wore publishing special features from the salubrious surroundings of Reading and Portsmouth come August.