County v Brackley

It’s League One against National League North for a place in the third round of the FA Cup

Nov 30, 2024

Saturday 30 November 2024

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Dear County fans, Stopfordians, Brackley 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.

Today’s fixture was a league game as recently as 2018-19. Now, we’re three divisions above Brackley, and even with Dave Challinor likely to make a number of changes this afternoon, County should have more than enough to make sure they’re in the draw for round three. Jonathan Baker and Ian Brown are with us today ahead of the forthcoming FA Cup tie.

A big thank you to MAN v FAT for sponsoring today’s edition. You can register for just £1 using the code TSMFW. Scroll down for a list of their local venues.

Today’s edition is also sponsored by The Agency UK and Pate & Lever Roofing. Thanks to Andrew and Barry.

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

Jonathan Baker, The County Away Day Show

County 2 Brackley 1

I’m sure a few readers will accuse me of tempting fate, but let’s say we get past our sixth tier opponents this afternoon, who would be your dream tie in round three? Is Newcastle the obvious answer?

Now there’s a question, Des! Newcastle (at home) will completely do me, if for no other reason than if this fateful tie is going to be drawn out of the hat (as I am increasingly sure it will sooner or later in my lifetime…), bringing all the conflicting rollercoaster of emotions it is sure to carry in its wake, then I’d rather get it over with early in the competition proceedings. I’m not sure if I could cope with it in a semi-final, let’s put it that way!

I think today will be close, but that the sizzling cup tie atmosphere generated by several parts of the ground being actually open to paying spectators will be enough to carry us through. 2-1, and please, please without extra-time; I’ve been consigned to quarters with a lurgy all week, and really shouldn’t be out all afternoon in the cold. Thank you.

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.

Ian Brown, All Things Stockport County

County 3 Brackley 0

An important few days coming up, with a place in the third round of the FA Cup on offer this afternoon before a tasty trip to Birmingham on Wednesday. How do you think Dave Challinor is weighing up these next two.

I’m sure Challinor will view the Birmingham game on Wednesday as being of vital importance and will be striving to win this high-octane encounter, keeping County on track for promotion at an away ground that holds shedloads of bad memories for County fans. So, expect a 100% full strength side to be sent out on Wednesday, subject to suspensions and injuries.

The assignment today is important too, and whilst the FA Cup has lost some of its charm and allure, particularly to supporters who actually do support teams and care about the game, the competition is a lifeline to the clubs in the lower echelons of the UK football pyramid and a chance for County to test themselves against the big boys and maybe earn the club a crust or two along the way.

Thus, I see us giving Brackley Town due respect – a respect earned on the park where they have given us many a tough battle in the past.

I expect no less of them today, so a strong team please Mr Challinor. A run-out maybe for Tanto and Camps, and definitely for Sam Hughes who will likely be Fraser Horsfall’s replacement on Wednesday night.

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.

Today’s other predictions

County Supporters Co-operative: County 4 Brackley 0

Hatters Matters: County 3 Brackley 1

SK3 TV: County 3 Brackley 1

The Scarf Bergara Wore: County 3 Brackley 0

Surviving the office Christmas party

It’s December tomorrow, which means loads of our readers will be gearing up for their Christmas parties at work shortly. If you’re wanting to enjoy yourself whilst also keeping an eye on your waistline, here’s a few tips from MAN v FAT this festive season.

👀 SCOPE OUT THE VENUE

Check the menu online in advance to plan your choices. Adjust your meals for the day accordingly to stay on track.

💧 PACE YOURSELF

Avoid excessive drinking; maintain your professionalism. Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft beverages or water. Opt for lower calorie options, like spirits with sugar-free mixers.

🍟 BE MINDFUL OF GRAZING

Buffets and shared platters can be tempting calorie traps. Decide on your portion size before you start eating. Watch out for calorie-rich dips and oils.

MAN v FAT, who will be sponsoring The Scarf My Father Wore in the 2024-25 season, have a host of clubs in the area and are welcoming new starters – you can join at any stage of the year and you just need to be 18+ and have a BMI of 27.5 or higher!

Here's where they’re based locally – you can register for just £1 using the code TSMFW.

Bolton
Wednesdays at St Catherine’s Academy Sports Centre
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/bolton

Bury
Tuesdays at Radcliffe FC
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/bury

Macclesfield
Thursdays at Lifestyle Fitness
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/macclesfield

Manchester
Mondays at MEA Central
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/manchester

Rochdale
Mondays at Cardinal Langley RC High School
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/rochdale

Salford
Thursdays at Ordsall Leisure Centre
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/salford

Stockport
Tuesdays at Lambeth Grove
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/stockport

Wigan
Wednesdays at Standish Leisure Centre
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/wigan

Independent estate agent Andrew Smirthwaite, based in The Heatons, explains the motivations behind running his own business

Six months ago I took a leap of faith and started my estate agency business, having decided to leave the confines of a traditional, public-facing estate agent’s office behind. Stepping away from the typical high-street ‘shop’ location has given me the freedom to focus more on what matters – building genuine relationships within the community. Working from local spots like cafés Feed, Rocksalt and Stomping Ground (to name just a few), means I’m totally embedded in the places where my clients live and work – and that helps foster trust and ‘the personal touch’ that I believe is hard to achieve in a more corporate setting.

Breaking into the property market in The Heatons was always going to be a challenge, given the area’s well-established agencies. But thanks to my community-first approach, I’m starting to feel a growing connection and recognition within the local market. Whether it’s reconnecting with people I’ve known for years or developing new relationships, I’ve seen the positive impact of being accessible and present in the community. New business is steadily coming in, and I’m proud to say that a combination of recommendations by word of mouth and local advertising is beginning to work its magic.

A key part of my ethos is working with a carefully managed number of clients at any given time: I firmly believe that having fewer clients benefits all involved, allowing me to dedicate more time, energy, and attention to each property sale.

This focused approach means I can provide a tailored service that ensures every home is shown in its best light, and I’m confident my current clients would agree that this strategy works.

As we approach the festive period, it’s a natural time for reflection and planning. For many, the New Year brings the prospect of new beginnings – and if moving house is on your list of goals for 2025, now could be the perfect time to start those early conversations. Taking the time to understand your property’s current market value, as well as getting advice on any improvements that could boost its appeal and value, can make all the difference when it’s time to sell.

A visit from me is not just about getting your property on the market, it’s about giving you a clear picture of where you stand in the local Heatons market, and what steps you can take to maximise your home’s value. I’ll guide you through the process and ensure that, whether you’re selling in a few months or a year from now, you feel confident and informed at every step of the way.

If you’re considering making a move in 2025, get in touch. I’d love to help you understand how your property could be positioned for success in the coming year.

➡️ Give Andrew a call on 07835 976554 or email andrew.smirthwaite@theagencyuk.com.

Photo of the day

County Ladies have three teams playing at under-10 level. One of those teams – Heaton Norris Rovers – are the flag bearers at Edgeley Park for this afternoon’s game. Make sure you give them a cheer!

STOP PRESS: The girls won 4-0 this morning, making it 10 wins from 10 this season!

Do you need a new roof?

Pate & Lever Roofing is a distinguished company specialising in complete re-roofs, serving residential clients with exceptional roofing solutions. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, Pate & Lever Roofing has built a robust reputation in the roofing industry. Their team of skilled professionals is adept at handling a variety of roofing materials, ensuring that each project is tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of their clients.

One of the hallmarks of Pate & Lever Roofing is their meticulous attention to detail in every project they undertake. From the initial inspection to the final installation, the company emphasises thoroughness and precision, ensuring that each re-roof is performed to the highest standards. This dedication to excellence not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the properties they work on but also ensures the longevity and durability of the new roofs. By using top quality materials and state-of-the-art techniques, Pate & Lever Roofing delivers results that stand the test of time, providing clients with peace of mind and protection from the elements.

➡️ For a free no-obligation quote give Barry a call on 07977 559136 or email info@pateandleverroofing.co.uk.

Today in SK

🎬 Cinema

Four films at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. The Wild Robot (U) at 12.30pm, Paddington In Peru (PG) at 3pm, Gladiator II (15) at 5.30pm, and Heretic (15) at 8.30pm.

➡️ 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 Dog & Partridge (SK2), The Alexandra (SK3), The Steelworks (SK6) or The Three Tunnes (SK7).

🎵 Karaoke

The Nelson Tavern (SK1) with Lee. From 8pm.

The Crown Inn (SK6) with DJ Dan. 8pm.

Random photos of County players at other clubs

#59 – Tim Flowers, Blackburn

Tim Flowers spent six seasons at Blackburn – winning the Premier League in 1994-95 – before moving to Leicester in the summer of 1999. Whilst with the Foxes, Andy Kilner signed him on loan in October 2001. Flowers only made four appearances for County, but conceded eleven goals, including six in that horrendous defeat at Preston.