From Stoke to Stockport Town, a number of County fans still managed to get their football fix on Saturday afternoon
Plus! An extract from a new book on Leeds United
Sunday 21 January 2024
NEXT HOME GAME: Harrogate – Saturday 3 February, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Doncaster – Saturday 27 January, 3pm
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If you’ve been reading The Scarf My Father Wore from the start, you might be experiencing a touch of deja vu this morning. County’s away game on the third weekend of January was postponed yesterday, which is exactly what happened this time last year. 52 weeks ago, County’s game at Crewe was called off, and I had a chat with a number of Hatters who went in search of their Saturday football fix elsewhere.
Well, I’ve done exactly the same today. Harry Milner, Ian Halford, Ollie Bielecki, Jamie Bramley, Matt Stambach, Dave Sedge, ekvedrek and Danny Kay share their Saturday stories, after County’s game at Meadow Lane was postponed.
After you’ve read those, we’ve also got an extract from a new book on Leeds United, which goes back to the 1973-74 season, when Don Revie led the club to the First Division title before taking the England job. Leeds finished 91 places above County that season, with re-election saving the rock-bottom Hatters from non-league football.
The book’s from Victor Publishing, one of our sponsors. They’ve previously published a number of books on County, from authors such as Phil Brennan and Stewart Taylor. This particular book on Leeds is approximately 100 pages and can cover any season for any club in any format. If you support County, or Leeds, or any other club for that matter, Merv’s asked us to mention that he’s always on the lookout for new authors. If you’d like to write about a memorable season for your club and see it published, give him a call on 07747 062923 or email enquiries@victorpublishing.co.uk.
Today’s edition is sponsored by Kate O’Brien Art and Bridge Computer Services. As always, thanks to both Kate and Mark.
Also, a big thank you to Blackcloud Tattoo Leeds, who sponsor our Leeds United content on the website. I’m sure we’ve got a number of Leeds fans joining us today. If you’re reading this and you’re considering getting a tattoo at the moment, call 07714 332178 or email blackcloudtattooleeds@gmail.com for further details.
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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Stoke 1 Birmingham 2
Harry Milner @ The bet365 Stadium
Where were you when you heard County had been called off?
I was in Stockport with a couple of friends ready to get on the rail replacement bus if the game got the green light. We then went and sat in McDonald’s to decide what to do next!
What made you decide to go to Stoke?
We had a look on LiveScore to see which games we could make within an hour or two and narrowed it down to Sheffield Wednesday, Blackburn or Stoke. I’ve been to Hillsborough earlier this season with County, and we all unanimously agreed that Blackburn didn’t sound remotely appealing, so we settled on Stoke.
How was your journey?
Not too bad. An hour and a half on the rail replacement with a quick 20-minute stop in Macclesfield. Upon arriving in Stoke we weren’t too pleased to find out we had a 45-minute walk to the ground but we managed to brave the cold and made it with an hour to spare.
Thoughts on the game?
The game was (thankfully) a very entertaining one, with lots of quality on display from both sides, and Birmingham maybe slightly undeservingly coming out on top with a 2-1 win. I thought Stoke played some really good stuff, especially Wouter Burger in midfield (yes that’s his name), and will likely find themselves higher up the table come the end of the season.
Thoughts on the ground?
The bet365 is one of the better grounds I’ve been to. Despite the size it managed to feel enclosed (in a good way) which generated a good atmosphere from both sets of fans. The fan zone was decent and the food and drink fairly reasonably priced.
Was it worth it?
For about £30 on ticket and travel I’d say it was well worth it. The three of us all had a thoroughly enjoyable day out. I did however get a little jealous seeing the full-time scenes in that away end as all I could think about was how that could have been us at Meadow Lane.
Stockport Town 4 Eccleshall 0
Ian Halford @ Stockport Sports Village
Where were you when you heard County had been called off?
Still at home delaying setting off for my son’s Under-7 match so we could work out the logistics for the rest of the day.
What made you decide to go to Stockport Town?
We’re in Hazel Grove, so Town are pretty local. I still wanted a football fix for me and the kids, and entry was discounted for County season ticket holders.
How was your journey?
Easy drive, easy parking. Thought the car park would be busier actually.
Thoughts on the game?
Fairly one-sided. Town are a very well drilled team who look equipped to step up a level or two. All players comfortable on the ball and they carved out some decent opportunities with good finishing.
Thoughts on the ground?
Great little ground. I’ve been to a few County Ladies games before and it’s a decent setup. My 6-year-old loves standing between the dugouts and listening to the managers bark instructions (and swear a lot).
Was it worth it?
£5 for three of us? Great value. I’d definitely go again.
Blackburn 1 Huddersfield 1
Ollie Bielecki @ Ewood Park
Where were you when you heard County had been called off?
At home.
What made you decide to go to Blackburn?
It’s an easy journey on the train, and a new ground to tick off where County might not play for a while.
How was your journey?
Fine, apart from the work on the Metrolink.
Thoughts on the game?
The opening 30 minutes were good but it wasn’t the greatest game after that. Decent atmosphere, though.
Thoughts on the ground?
Looked great. Really nice ground to go to for a proper Championship game.
Was it worth it?
Definitely. I’d do something similar if County got called off again.
Chester 2 Bishop’s Stortford 0
Jamie Bramley @ The Deva Stadium
Where were you when you heard County had been called off?
The four of us always travel to away games early and have a look around the area of our opponents. With that in mind the alarm was set for 8.30am, and a constant optimistic refresh of Twitter was all that we could do. It did feel as though the game would be off with the 8.30 inspection an ominous sign. Having missed Notts County away last time in the Rusk era it will have to wait for the rescheduled date.
What made you decide to go to Chester?
We had planned to go to Curzon Ashton but that also fell foul of the weather. The next idea was Hyde but we decided to try somewhere we hadn’t been to before. Having missed County’s famous 6-0 win at Chester it looked like the perfect place to go. Once it passed its 12pm pitch inspection, The Deva Stadium was our chosen destination.
How was your journey?
Absolutely no issues. Took about 50 minutes in the car. Left Stockport at 12.30pm and had time for a look round Chester’s club shop and bar on arrival.
Thoughts on the game?
As it happened this was Jid Okeke’s debut on loan from County. I didn’t even know who he was until he ended up on our bench at home to Walsall last week. He was an instant hit with the locals deservedly winning man of the match. Chester played nice pretty football for the level against some rather industrious and rigorous opponents who liked to dive into the challenge. Chester lacked some cutting edge up front and could do with a striker. Bishop’s Stortford are bottom and look doomed, not happy travelling from near London to play up north every away game. Aside from Okeke Chester’s left-back Morris looked good. The half-time score of Newport 1 Wrexham 0 over the tannoy brought some delight for the hosts too…
Thoughts on the ground?
It’s a bit soulless and very generic but it does the trick. It’s better than the likes of Harrogate, Salford and Barrow in our division and the layout and parking facilities are a bonus. The attendance was just under 2,000 with about 30 from the visitors. The home fans on the terrace made some noise at times and were all very friendly.
Was it worth it?
It cost the four of us £25 to get in which is peanuts in this day and age for 90 minutes of football. I put £20 in the petrol tank and with a programme and a snack probably spent about £50. It was an enjoyable trip and I had forgotten how funny some of the comments down in non-league are. It was all good news in terms of results elsewhere which made the journey home even better as well. On to Doncaster now – can’t wait!
Stoke 1 Birmingham 2
Matt Stambach @ The bet365 Stadium
Where were you when you heard County had been called off?
I was literally reaching for the door handle to set off. Had planned to get to Notts early to get some grub before the game.
What made you decide to go to Stoke?
I was looking for a game that hadn't been postponed (and wasn't likely to be) and was reasonably ‘local’. I considered going to Blackburn, but I went there just before Christmas, so picked Stoke as I hadn't been to the bet365 before which meant it was another one of the 92 to tick off.
How was your journey?
Uneventful. Took just over an hour from mine. The journey home was tedious. Took me 45 minutes just to get to the M6.
Thoughts on the game?
It was a decent game. Two bits of real quality from Stansfield and Bacuna to give Birmingham a two-goal lead. Stoke were probably the better team overall and were much better when they switched to a 3-5-2. Just didn't have enough to level the game. Standout player for them was the excellent Wouter Burger.
Thoughts on the ground?
Decent. I'm glad they have a separate ‘Main Stand’ as it gives the stadium a bit of character. Could easily have been built as a soulless bowl like Southampton or Leicester. Location is rubbish though, with no real access or exit routes and nothing around the ground to do.
Was it worth it?
Yeah, it was a good afternoon's entertainment. Bit cold, but live football can't be beaten for me, doesn't really matter who's playing.
Stockport Town 4 Eccleshall 0
Dave Sedge @ Stockport Sports Village
Where were you when you heard County had been called off?
In the kitchen trying to make a brew.
What made you decide to go to Stockport Town?
Getting to a game on a Saturday is part of my routine. I’ve been to SSV a few times when County aren’t playing. It’s cheap, it’s local and it’s a nice relaxed atmosphere.
How was your journey?
Easy, 15 minutes over to Woodley in the car.
Thoughts on the game?
A solid performance from Town who were in control from the start. Getting two in front before half-time meant that the second half was a formality. It was good to see Bully get in on the action too with a quality goal.
Thoughts on the ground?
SSV will be familiar to many County fans. It’s a decent ground with a good view from the small main stand. It was good to see a few other County fans there too; there seemed to be a bumper crowd for the game.
Was it worth it?
Definitely.
Winsford 2 Alsager 4
ekvedrek @ The Barton Stadium
Where were you when you heard County had been called off?
Asleep.
What made you decide to go to Winsford?
I was going to go to Stalybridge but that was called off, so I just fancied ticking off a new ground.
How was your journey?
Journey was alright. LNR are a crap rail company, though.
Thoughts on the game?
Decent game. Winsford were 2-0 up just before half-time but Alsager went on to win 4-2.
Thoughts on the ground?
It's a shithole, but the good sort of shithole.
Was it worth it?
Yes.
Stockport Town 4 Eccleshall 0
Danny Kay @ Stockport Sports Village
Where were you when you heard County had been called off?
At home getting my clothes ready for the game.
What made you decide to go to Stockport Town?
It’s only a 10-minute walk from my house so I always try and get down when I can. And I didn’t fancy going Ikea with the wife.
How was your journey?
Brisk walk, nice and steady.
Thoughts on the game?
Good game. Stockport Town are a really good footballing side. Paul Turnbull has got them playing some good stuff. He also managed to score a great header off a corner. Bully’s still such a good player.
Thoughts on the ground?
It’s a nice ground. I’ve played there hundreds of time. Even broke my leg when it was grass playing for Queens Bredbury. Good to see quite a few County fans there as well.
Was it worth it?
Definitely. It’s always good to get down and support my local team as it brings back lots of memories for me from the old Woodley Sports days.
Upgrade your coffee setup
I’d hazard a guess that a sizeable chunk of our readers will be enjoying today’s edition of The Scarf My Father Wore with a cup of coffee. Take a look at your mug. Now take a look at your coaster. They need upgrading, don’t they? Stop drinking your brew from a Sports Direct mug, then placing it down on an “I Love Blackpool” coaster. For just £20, pick up this stunning County mug and coaster set from Stockport artist Kate O’Brien. (Kate’s got loads of other great County/Stockport stuff as well, so check out her website or pop along to her stall in the market.)
Visit kate-obrien.co.uk for further details.
Give Mark a call with any computer problems
If you’re experiencing any computer issues at the moment give Mark a call at Bridge Computer Services.
Based in Romiley, the business provides computer workshop and callout services to residential and business customers across Stockport. Their callout and workshop engineers are trained to fix computers, laptops and servers on site (where possible) as well as setting up new computers and wireless networks, plus maintaining existing networks and removing viruses.
Visit bridgecomputerservices.co.uk for further details.
An extract from a new book on Leeds United’s 1973-74 campaign
A Season To Remember – Leeds 1973-74 is a chance to revisit the famous Revie era at Elland Road. Since winning promotion to the top flight in 63-64, Leeds had finished every season in the top four. They were runners-up on five occasions, but only had one title in 68-69 to show for their incredible consistency. The 72-73 season had ended in heartbreak with defeats in both the FA Cup and Cup Winners Cup finals, but this campaign would be different. Creating a Football League record of 29 games unbeaten from the start of the season and eventually winning the title five points clear of nearest rivals Liverpool in what would be Revie’s final season at the club. Follow Leeds’ march to the title with week-by-week match reports and news from around the club and their First Division rivals. There’s also a glimpse into the big news stories at the time – even what was number one in the charts in a true Season to Remember.
WHITES NEWS…
Ayr United goalkeeper David Stewart is signed for £30,000 while Gary Sprake, who had been interesting Man Citeh, moves to Birmingham as Britain’s most expensive ‘keeper days after talks with Don Revie. Birmingham have also been watching Terry Yorath. Meanwhile, Revie has asked Celtic boss Jock Stein about Scotland international David Hay.
FIRST DIVISION HEADLINES…
Brian Anderson and Les Cartwright are on target as Coventry win 2-0 at Leicester… Paul Fletcher’s brace helps Burnley beat Man Citeh 3-2… Ralph Coates scores for Spurs, who beat Derby 1-0… John Tudor’s late brace can’t help Newcastle, who lose 3-2 to QPR… Man Utd draw 0-0 with Liverpool.
FOOTBALL NEWS…
ITV have offered £50,000 to show England’s key World Cup clash with Poland live. They have already won the toss to show highlights… Man Utd boss Tommy Docherty warns rival clubs off making a bid for George Best: “We are not getting him fit for somebody else,” he said.
NEWS HEADLINES…
Home Secretary Robert Carr has launched a crackdown on soft porn to make Britain look more decent, more appealing and less offensive… Shadow Chancellor Denis Healey unveils plans for a wealth tax and a new tax on luxury goods… Soaring food prices could see bacon rise by 4p a pound and eggs cost 9p each.
*****
MATCH 10 – 6 October 1973
LEEDS 1 STOKE CITY 1
Attendance: 36,553
MICK JONES scored his sixth goal of the season, but a late equaliser denied Leeds both points. Stoke had Geoff Hurst and John Mahoney booked in the opening two minutes before Johnny Giles had a goal disallowed for infringement on John Farmer. Leeds took the lead four minutes before half-time when John Farmer missed Allan Clarke’s header, and Jones nodded into the empty goal. Leeds should have put the game out of reach, but Mick Bates struck the bar, and Farmer twice denied Peter Lorimer. Stoke made them pay in the last minute when their biggest threat, Terry Conroy, ghosted past Trevor Cherry and Bates before centring for Denis Smith to equalise.
Visit victorpublishing.co.uk for further details.
If you’re purchasing this Leeds book (or any others from Victor Publishing) use the code SCARF at checkout to receive 15% off!
Photo of the day
Deva Stadium, Chester
Jid Okeke (who’s on loan from County) played the full 90 minutes on his debut for Chester yesterday, in their 2-0 victory at home to Bishop’s Stortford.
Not only that, he picked up the man of the match award! Chester fans are raving about him already.
Today in SK
🎬 Cinema
Three films at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (PG) at 11.15am, Priscilla (15) at 1.30pm and 6.30pm, and One Life (12A) at 4pm. Click here for tickets.
🍽 Food and drink
10% off all drinks at Enigma (SK1). 3pm - 10pm.
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 pint or two. 12pm - 9pm.
Are you giving Dry January a go? The Crown Inn (SK6) have a great selection of non-alcoholic beers and ciders, plus nozeco!
Located next to the lovely canal walk in Romiley, The Spread Eagle (SK6) is the perfect spot to rest those weary legs over a refreshing drink and a delicious carvery. 12pm - 8pm.
🎶 Free jukebox
The Nelson Tavern (SK1). 3pm - 6pm.
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 #21 – Chris Spicer!
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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