Wednesday 26 July 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Blackburn – Friday 28 July, 7.30pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Sheffield Wednesday – Tuesday 8 August, 7.45pm
Well, whether it was Neil Warnock insisting his 74-year-old bladder wouldn’t hold out for 120 minutes on Saturday, or Huddersfield’s coach driver kicking off about having to stay in Stockport for an extra half hour, it’s probably a good job we didn’t proceed with the original plan to play for two hours at the weekend as the Terriers might have ended up with five or six.
Hannah Brown and Richard Kosmala reflect on Saturday’s friendly for us today – County’s first defeat of the summer.
Finally, a big thank you to Suzanne, Steve and all the team at Delta Telecom Sound & Security for sponsoring today’s edition.
Enjoy today’s issue.
Des Junior
Saturday’s match in one word:
Hannah – Grounding.
Richard – Deceiving.
Pre-match thoughts:
Hannah – More looking forward to getting back to EP and seeing people to be honest, and nostalgic as my first ever game was against Huddersfield. On seeing the teamsheet it looked pretty close to a potential starting XI which I was quite excited by.
Richard – Excited to go back to Edgeley Park after too long and see the team for the first time this season. I had won a County shirt through a charity auction at work so I decided to wear that to the game which confused some of my friends!
Post-match thoughts:
Hannah – After being delighted by Wrexham’s 5-0 loss to Chelsea I felt a bit guilty, but ultimately we were playing a team two divisions ahead of us and you definitely learn more coming up against tougher opposition than teams in lower leagues. However, I would say the scoreline flattered them but we are definitely lacking pace up front. Interesting to see Nicky Featherstone pop up, and the winger on trial did well to challenge their defence in the second half.
Richard – Thought the result flattered us. County were no way four goals worse than us in my eyes. The mood in the stands was interesting, with many getting agitated with our robust approach and a certain Mr N Warnock. Thought we were ruthless on the counter, however, and felt we could score each time we broke.
Verdict on County:
Hannah – We kept possession well but just didn’t threaten with the ball and individual mistakes led to a couple of their goals. Fairly sure at least one of Paddy’s goals should have stood. Powell struggled to get into the game and Touray and Knoyle looked lightweight with Horsfall as a back three.
Richard – Thought you started the game well and if Madden’s goal was allowed to stand it might have made for a different ending. It’s always tough after a play-off defeat in such a brutal manner and I hope you don't follow our template from last season.
Verdict on Huddersfield:
Hannah – They were just quite good weren’t they? More clinical than us, and capitalised on opportunities when they arose. Bit of pace up front helped a lot.
Richard – We’ve not signed any players yet so you could see the continuity from last season. Thought we were more physical than you as you'd expect from a Warnock team, and Josh Koroma and Sorba Thomas were hot on the day.
Top Hatter:
Hannah – Let’s go with Madden given he technically got the ball in the net twice.
Richard – Thought Paddy Madden was your best player. Always liked this guy. Smart operator and got round the back a few times and had a goal unluckily ruled out.
Top Terrier:
Hannah – Jack Rudoni. Scored their third goal, and controlled the midfield well.
Richard – Our best player was Josh Koroma I thought. Looked a menace all afternoon and took his goal well.
Atmosphere:
Hannah – I was in the Cheadle End given the Pop Side was closed but as part of a big group. Atmosphere felt a bit flat but I think that’s to be expected given the occasion and the scoreline.
Richard – I was sat with your fans in the Main Stand. They were very complimentary towards us. I think as the game wore on they got more concerned with the defending of their side but good football fans respecting the difference in divisions and praising the Huddersfield travelling numbers.
Hopes for the season ahead:
Hannah – It’s got to be League One football in 2024-25. Last season it all felt a bit “dare to dream” but this year we have to go for it, and start playing to win the league in August. I can’t wait to see Woots back, but we have to find a formula that works to get us through to the autumn. Oh, and I’d really like to beat Wrexham. Cheers, thank you.
Richard – I would like a stress free season! We’re always battling for promotion or heading towards relegation. A chilled 12th place would be perfect.
The British Library receives a copy of every single book published in the UK. In the same fashion, Des Junior believes a detailed record of every County game should be preserved for the history books. So here’s the full story of our 4-0 defeat at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday 22 July 2023, as told from his County-related WhatsApp groups…
3.02pm: 1-0 Hudds.
3.05pm: Madden scores. Offside.
3.31pm: 2-0. Mistake from Knoyle.
4.14pm: Madden scores again, but offside.
4.17pm: 3-0.
4.33pm: 4-0. Kevin Francis lookalike buries it.
4.46pm: Full match report please.
5.09pm: We looked disinterested. They looked like they wanted to win. We both got what we deserved.
8.05pm: Was it as much of a good hiding as the scoreline suggests?
8.06pm: Yes it was.
8.33pm: We’ve gone for one in P3!
8.34pm: Jesus, that’s a new low.
8.35pm: Or a new high…
8.36pm: What the hell are you doing in P3?
8.37pm: Broadening our horizons.
1.12am: I am a man of the world but in P3 tonight I have seen things I didn't think we’re possible.
Photo of the day
Edgeley Park, Stockport
Big Brett battles against the Baggies during our first season back in the second tier in 1997-98.
Today in SK
🍷 Food and drink
Fancy a few midweek drinks tonight? The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have a great range of offers throughout the week, including a Doubles Bar for just £4.50, a comprehensive range of shots for £2, and 3 for £6 on Jägerbombs.
For those on a gluten-free diet, finding a nice portion of fish and chips to tuck into can be quite difficult. But on a Wednesday at Fishers of Cheshire (SK2), gluten-free meals are available. Open till 9.30pm.
Lite bite meal deal at The Friary (SK3). Cod or haddock, served with chips, and a side of peas, curry or gravy. Plus tea or coffee. £9.95. 11.30am - 7.30pm.
Wine Wednesday at TRUNK (SK7) from 5pm. 50% off all bottles of wine from 7pm. 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.
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.
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Congratulations, Delta!
Congratulations to one of our sponsors Delta Telecom Sound & Security who have recently been chosen to be the UK distributor for Torus Key Cabinets.
The family-run business has been trading for over 50 years. They supply, install and maintain low voltage electrical equipment such as CCTV, Nurse Call, Staff Protection Systems, Door Entry and Access Control.
Steve and Suzanne actually both work at County in their spare time, in the security department, and have been loyal fans since 1996, through the good and the bad. If you’re in need of any of the services mentioned above, please give them a call.
Visit deltatelecom.co.uk for further details.
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