County v Walsall
The Saddlers are in town for the first time since last January, when there was late drama in the FA Cup
Saturday 13 January 2024
NEXT HOME GAME: Walsall – Today, 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 Saturday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
Ian Brown, Jonathan Baker and Paul Thompson are on match preview duty for us today, as County look to register a home win against Walsall for the first time since February 2007.
Today’s edition is sponsored by Westfield Minibuses, a family-run business based on Stanley Street in Portwood, close to the town centre. Call 0161 483 4088 or email quotes@westfield-minibuses.co.uk with any minibus enquiries you might have.
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
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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 fellow County content creators to call upon. Here’s their thoughts, general chit-chat and score predictions, as County go in search of a first victory in 2024.
Ian Brown, hedgegrower
County 1 Walsall 1
Best and worst memories from previous games against the Saddlers?
The best experience is the standout performance by Jim Gannon’s superb team of heroes in 2006-07 at Edgeley Park. County had won seven consecutive games without conceding a goal and were on track for another Football League record, this game being the eighth. Walsall were top of League Two (and would go on to be champions) so despite County’s impressive form, the visitors were considered favourites to win by most pundits outside SK3.
The game did not follow that script. County pounded the Walsall goal from kick-off, whilst Ash Williams and Gareth Owen organised their usual shutout, restricting the visitors to the occasional ineffective break.
Ridiculously, it was still 0-0 at half-time, but not for long as Tes Bramble, who was massively combative throughout, stormed clear to tee Anthony Elding up for the sweetest of tap-ins in front of the Cheadle End.
Despite continuing to dominate the game, County could not add to their lead, but it didn’t matter – the iron grip they had on Walsall ensured the win, and the record was still on!
My worst experience takes us to November 2009. By this stage, Gannon had gone – he’d saved County from relegation the previous season despite the club incurring a 10-point deduction – and we were already looking odds-on for relegation as we travelled to Walsall.
In many ways it was a heartening experience as County tried their utmost to get something from the game, but despite completely dominating possession and having the lion’s share of chances, a moment’s indiscipline cost us dearly allowing Matt Richards to lash the ball home from a free-kick eight minutes before half-time.
After the break Darren Byfield added a second to finally extinguish County’s fire.
Jonathan Baker aka Geordie Hatter, The County Away Day Show
County 3 Walsall 1
“An opportunity again to perform in front of our home supporters. Twenty games to go one better than we did last season. We know it’s not gonna be easy, but we know what it takes. Those twenty games start now.”
What’s your thoughts on Dave Challinor’s voiceover on County’s social media video this week, heading into the final twenty games of the season?
I’m liking the intent in those words – a very clear focus on the objective, and a recognition that we start from such a strong place, not just in terms of our current league position, but also in respect of the very slight improvement needed from last year’s finishing point to get us over the line and into the Promised Land of League One this time around.
Listening further to DC’s pre-match interview, I’m pleased by the generally encouraging outlook regarding our injury list, with important players projected to return steadily to the fold from the next few weeks onwards, providing the strength and depth we’ll need in order to reach our goal come May.
It’s perhaps with that improving treatment room prognosis in mind that the manager seems to have ‘dialled back’ a little on his pre-transfer-window aim to bring four brand new bodies ‘into the building’ during January. I for one welcome this shift, having maintained the view – even during this unprecedented spell of injury woes – that the group contains numbers and quality aplenty to sustain to successful conclusion a serious assault on the automatic promotion berths, and that ‘sticking plaster’ signings made in haste could prove ultimately unhelpful in respect of our mid-to-long-term plans for steady progression up the league rankings.
Putting that long-term lens to one side and returning to our immediate fortunes, I think the fortnight’s rest from competitive action has come at the precisely optimal moment for a team that was looking out on its feet by the end of the Mansfield game, and that an energetic display from a rejuvenated home outfit will prove more than sufficient to unseat the in-form Saddlers. 3-1 to the Hatters by teatime, and the promotion chase all set to kick on!
Paul Thompson, Stockport County Supporters Co-operative
County 2 Walsall 1
As today is County’s first Saturday home game of 2024, let’s have a little bit of a plug for the Co-op. Why should County fans sign up this year if they haven’t done so already?
The year of 2024 is the great membership drive of the County Supporters Co-operative! But why should YOU join?
That’s a great question. You’ll be supporting the only democratic County fan group (we have official legal structure in place) that can work with the club to give the fans a voice. As well as having a regular meeting with the club where we ask your questions, we also help to set up the fan forums.
It’s not just that, though. We want to see future generations of fans grow and sponsor our flag bearers who welcome both sets of teams onto the EP pitch. This allows a local football team to enjoy a memorable experience and (if they aren’t already) become future County fans.
We don’t just stop there. Charity connections are helping to support the wider community with your generous and continued support. We’re also kickstarting our own events, where members will receive a discount, such as our forthcoming evening with Oshor Williams and Tommy Sword. Click here for tickets.
Finally, let’s not forget about our gazebo position, located on what we fondly call the “Grassy Knoll” which is at the side of the Cheadle End. Here we will run any current campaigns or you can come along and just say hello, get to know us, or share your concerns or questions which we can help answer or present to the club on your behalf.
I hope that gives you some insight on what we do and we would love The Scarf My Father Wore readers to join us. Click here to sign up.
With all this I nearly forgot about today’s prediction! Even with Walsall’s pretty decent form it’s time to put the wheels back on. 2-1 to County.
Keep Westfield Minibuses in mind when you’re planning your next away day
There’s two away games coming up in January; two more away games this season where the trains are all over the place.
During the second half of this campaign, there’s some lengthy journeys to the likes of Colchester, Crawley, Forest Green and Sutton. Sod the stress of the railways – allow Westfield to glide you down the motorways instead.
Booking a minibus with Westfield ensures hassle-free transportation for your entire group, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the journey together. With ample space, comfort, and convenience, a Westfield minibus guarantees seamless logistics and fosters a sense of camaraderie, making your trip truly unforgettable.
Visit westfield-minibuses.co.uk to get a quick quote.
Photo of the day
Chocolate Street, High Lane
A couple of Coronation Street stars on Chocolate Street the other day, which leads to Simon Dunn Chocolatier in High Lane.
I walked down that very street myself back in October, on the second day of my ‘Streets of Stockport’ walk.
December was quiet on the walking front, due to a combination of work and the weather, but I’ve got a handful of days pencilled in for January. Loads of write-ups and photos to come. And if you’ve not yet made a donation please click here to add to the £1,037 I’ve raised for Mentell so far!
Today in SK
🎬 Cinema
Two films at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. Wonka (PG) at 12.30pm, followed by Ferrari (15) at 5.15pm and 8pm. Standard tickets £9.50.
💿 DJ
Bask (SK1) have recently been granted an extended license, which means you can now party until 3am on a Friday night! Last entry 1.30am.
🍺 Food and drink
Whether you like it hot or cold, head down to Coffee Block (SK1) to get your matcha fix. 8am - 5.30pm.
10% off all drinks at Enigma (SK1). 12pm - 12am.
Ignore the “beer police” and support your local pub in January. If you’re in Stockport before or after County today, pop into The Petersgate Tap (SK1) for a drink or two. 12pm - 11pm.
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 - 6.30pm.
Treat yourself to lunch at Mediterranean Cafe & Bar (SK23). A full range of mains, salads, jacket potatoes, paninis, baguettes and wraps.
🎤 Karaoke
Lee at The Nelson Tavern (SK1). 8pm - 1am.
🎵 Live music
Thieves Like Us at The Crown Inn (SK6). 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 #13 – Andy Burt!
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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💈 Barber: STUDIO26 Haircare
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🪚 Joinery: SAW Contracts Ltd
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