County 3 Walsall 1
Following a blank weekend to rest and recuperate, we’re back to winning ways after a fantastic second half performance
Tuesday 16 January 2024
NEXT HOME GAME: Harrogate – Saturday 3 February, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Notts County – Saturday 20 January, 3pm
NOTTS COUNTY COACHES:
Bredbury Con Club: FULL
Crofter: FULL
Fingerpost: FULL
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Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and any Walsall supporters joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Tuesday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
We’re taking a look back at Saturday’s game today with Jack Bruckshaw and Daz from One Pod Beyond, as County stay top of League Two with a much-needed win.
A huge thank you to John K Bilsbury, who’s just signed up as our latest paid subscriber. If you also think this daily email is worth 17p a day (or just 13p a day if you sign up for the year) give that button a click. The more subscribers, the bigger and better The Scarf My Father Wore will become!
Today’s edition is sponsored by GTG Gary The Gasman. You might be in need of heating or plumbing services, especially at this time of year. Gary’s a former British Gas engineer with 38 years experience, providing quality work at an affordable price. You can reach him on 07931 416165 or email garythegasman@yahoo.com.
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: £1,037
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
✍️ Saturday’s match in one word
Jack: Ace.
Daz: Competitiveforanhour.
🤔 Pre-match thoughts
Jack: Worried. Walsall were on a good run and we’re still missing a few of our most creative players.
Daz: It was a free hit for us. Wasn’t expecting to win but we had a bit of form and you never know. It’s a tough place to go when the stand behind the goal is full. Oh, and how many minutes would it take Paddy Madden to get his obligatory goal against us.
🧐 Post-match thoughts
Jack: Buzzing. A really good win to keep us top of the league, and even better with Mansfield and Barrow dropping points.
Daz: Thought we did OK. Didn’t think that 3-1 did us many favours in terms of what we put into the game.
🔵 Verdict on County
Jack: Thought we played really well. Controlled large parts of the game and were worthy winners.
Daz: Strong. Effective without being flash. I thought you broke us down over the first hour or so and took advantage as we tired. Once there was daylight, it was damage limitation. As League Two teams go, there aren’t that many weaknesses.
⚪️ Verdict on Walsall
Jack: They look like a good League Two side but I thought we looked better even with a weakened team.
Daz: There was plenty to build upon. We weren’t blown away, but it was evident that we are in a much earlier phase of the development process than County are. That said, if we keep building towards August I think we can be competitive next season.
🎩 Top Hatter
Jack: Connor Evans for me. Covered the whole pitch and looked like he had never been away. Glad to have him back.
Daz: Evans. Was an outlet all afternoon and closed us down on our left.
🐎 Top Saddler
Jack: Honestly couldn't name a single player so I'll go with their keeper because I remember a good fingertip save he made.
Daz: Priestley Farquharson. I thought he had a solid afternoon against a strong attacking side.
👂 Atmosphere
Jack: I started in LT1. Good atmosphere from the back of the Cheadle End as always but not so much near me. Very quickly moved to the bar underneath for more beer and watched the majority on the TV. Didn't hear the cheer for the first goal so it came as a surprise as the TV is about eight seconds behind (not my first time staying down and I've counted) but could hear the other cheers nice and clear.
Daz: Not as loud or intimidating as I’ve seen it before. But the Cheadle End is such a help when the team needs it.
🙏 Hopes for the rest of the season
Jack: I hope we finish top but I would snap your hand off for third. As long as we’re in League One next year – and it's not via the dump that is Wembley – then I'll be delighted.
Daz: For me, it’s all about building for next season. If you can take Disneyland Cymru, Mansfield and Milton Keynes with you, it’d simplify next season somewhat.
😀 Best part of the day
Jack: It was only my third game this season as I work shifts, just had a baby, and was then ill, so the whole day was brilliant. But getting two free chicken balti pies after they shut the kiosks was the icing on the cake.
Daz: Stockport is always a good away day, with the train station so close meaning no parking or M6 worries. Inter-City beers, a couple in the Robert Peel (the hottest pub in the world) and a decent turnout is always good. But I’d go for seeing Walsall in white shirts & red shorts – our proper colours.
😡 Worst part of the day
Jack: There wasn't a worst part really, I even got a lift home in time for The Masked Singer. (Can't stay out with a 4-month-old unfortunately). Suppose Citeh winning was disappointing but as long as County win there isn't much that can dampen my spirits.
Daz: The sniffer dog handler on the path by the away turnstile. “It’s for your own safety” was pre-prepared nonsense and “if you don’t like it go home” was exactly what you get when you give a little man a fluorescent jacket and an ounce of power. He can foxtrot oscar.
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 3-1 victory at home to Walsall on Saturday 13 January 2024, as told from his County-related WhatsApp groups…
3.51pm: Bosh! Akil Wright from outside the box.
3.53pm: FFS. 1-1.
4.22pm: 2-1! Tanto forces the ball home on the line.
4.42pm: Paddy penalty. Game over.
7.02pm: Solid stuff today. We were generally on top, rarely under pressure. Wright at RB isn't ideal but it worked well enough. Thought Evans looked an asset in the final third: finding space, picking out a pass. Bristow has some serious pace and stamina. Three well-deserved points with a reduced squad, as opposed to rivals losing points.
8.11pm: Twisted my bloody knee on Thursday. Finally got some dry weather and was sawing back some overhanging tree branches, fucking slipped. Stoned out of my mind on Voltarol. Missed a good win by the sound of it.
Is it time for a new boiler?
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Photo of the day
Challinor Street, Chester
How’s the weather where you are this morning? Chester’s covered in snow! ☃️
Today in SK
🎬 Cinema
Two films at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. Ferrari (15) at 5.30pm, followed by Typist Artist Pirate King (12A) at 8.15pm. Click here for tickets.
🍺 Food and drink
Whether you like it hot or cold, head down to Coffee Block (SK1) to get your matcha fix. 8am - 5.30pm.
The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have a great range of offers throughout the week, including £4.50 for drinks off the Doubles Bar, a comprehensive range of shots for £2, and 3 for £6 on Jägerbombs.
Ignore the “beer police” and support your local pub in January. If you’re in Stockport today, pop into The Petersgate Tap (SK1) for a drink or two.
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. Open till 7.30pm.
🎱 Free pool
The George & Dragon (SK7). 6pm - 9pm.
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
Random County fan of the day #16 – Me!
One final thing before you go… if you’re looking to learn to drive in January, or lose a few pounds after Christmas, or even get some work done at home, please contact our fantastic advertisers!
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