Newport v County
The Hatters are off to Rodney Parade on Saturday, so here’s the thoughts of a few County plonkers
Roll up! Roll up! Walk this way for your Friday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore. A warm welcome to County fans (not just Stockport, but Newport as well, after saying Wrexham fans have six fingers yesterday) and anybody else joining us as we head into the weekend.
‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’ is a famous festive song from 1951. Well in 2022, it’s beginning to look a lot like a play-off push. Perhaps a bit unexpectedly after our start to the season, but County head to Newport just six points off the top seven. A win tomorrow, and next week’s clash with Leyton Orient starts to look juicier than a Mustaph’s kebab at midnight. We’ve got all your Newport build-up today, and we’ll have reaction from our trip to south Wales on Sunday and Monday.
If you’re at a loose end this weekend, head down to Bask - sponsoring today’s edition - for a great atmosphere and music till 2am tonight and tomorrow. (Just don’t wear your Greggs hoodie!)
A safe journey to any County fans crossing the border tomorrow. Enjoy your weekend everybody.
Des Junior
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.
But he’s in luck. He has a load of plonkers his fellow County content providers to share the burden (as well as a Newport fan), providing you with all the necessary insight and opinion, as well as their score predictions, ahead of our first trip to Rodney Parade since September 2012.
Sam Byrne, Stockport Express
Newport 1 County 2
After our biggest win of the season against Swindon last week, does Dave Challinor stick with some of the seven players who came in, or do we revert back to the 11 who started our last league game at Tranmere?
Stick with the 11 for me. A couple would of course think they’ve got good shouts to be involved from the start, mainly Antoni Sarcevic, but the reason changes were made in the first place were to rest those big hitters for our league form. We’ve stumbled upon a shape and starting eleven which is responsible for our best form in a few months. One, admittedly very good, performance with a handful of those key players rested isn’t just cause to move away from that, at this point, for me.
Ian Brown, hedgegrower
Newport 0 County 1
After a bad start, it was looking like we might be happy settling for a mid-table season. But all of a sudden there’s play-off talk. Are we allowed to start getting excited?
From the mess that was our early season, in Croasdale and Collar we once again have the essence of a top class midfield unit in place - adding one of either Sarcevic or Hippolyte to taste!
Behind them we have suddenly discovered a back three of imperious quality in Akil Wright, Horsfall and Hussey, in front of shutout king Ben Hinchliffe who is now thankfully back in favour.
Up front both Madden and Wootton have been first class of late having taken more than their share of flak earlier in the campaign.
So, the right ingredients are arguably in place and with the likes of Rydel and Southam- Hales re-emerging to give MacDonald and Brown the right kind of competition in the width department, there’s loads to look forward to as the season unfolds.
Me… I’m not getting excited just yet, but I am working on it, starting with our games against Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic, both of whom I expect us to beat!
Jon Keighren, Stockport County
Newport 1 County 3
You obviously cover a lot of miles reporting on County, even travelling to another country tomorrow. (Don’t forget your passport.) What’s a typical away day like for yourself? Best and worst aspects?
For this one, I’m going by train, which is a bit of a gamble right now! But I like the journey, and do a lot of prep on the train.
The best thing this season has been meeting opposition journalists and commentators who I’ve not seen in over a decade. It’s been great to catch up with some old acquaintances and they’re all delighted to have County back. I also like to get to away grounds early to catch up with Sam, Liam, Petchy, Lando and Dan, as well as chatting to some of the County fans - their dedication is remarkable and it feels as if now, under Mark Stott, we’re all being rewarded for our loyalty.
The worst bit is when the return travel goes wrong. I’ve always made it back home but I once ended up in a black cab that cost £160!
Jonathan Baker aka Geordie Hatter, The County Away Day Show
Newport 1 County 1
As this is our only trip to Wales this season, let’s talk famous singers and bands from over the border. Who’s your top five you’d happily have on The County Away Day Show?
Catatonia/Cerys. She could happily co-host the show with me as she’s one of my very most admired broadcasters.
Darling Buds. 80s jangle pop, lovingly remembered by the few who remember them.
Goldie Lookin Chain. But no swearing lads, it's a breakfast show.
The Poohsticks. Swansea-based bubblegum pop from back in the day.
Tom Jones. I would imagine his inclusion is non-negotiable. Also, he was on first name terms with Elvis so I could maybe get him on next week. I understand he's alive and well and working in a chip shop in Merthyr Tydfil.
Two of the above hail from Newport by the way, and will feature on The County Away Day Show from 9.30am. You may know which two they are already!
Nick Lee, The Scarf Bergara Wore
Newport 0 County 2
I reckon we’ve got enough Newport build-up. How about you tell us about the Northwest Football Awards you attended on Monday night.
It was a belting night. Sat with our fellow nominees City Xtra (who actually get paid to do their show) and our mates at the Boundary Park Alert System who ended up scooping the prize.
We're delighted for the Oldham lads, mainly because it goes to show that the judges actually do their research rather than just pick the biggest one.
Also amazing to be in a room with the great and the good of NW football (aside from the City lot, obviously). Got to schmooze with Rowetta and Dion Dublin as well. Dion is coming round to value my house tomorrow.
The Wigan table - including their manager - was a raucous one, so I'm assuming he had no inkling he'd be getting sacked this week.
Oh, and Ben Brereton Diaz may well be the most handsome footballer I've ever seen in my life. Fine figure of a man.
Ed Bridges, 1912 Exiles
Newport 1 County 0
What’s your prediction for the County derby?
I think that County (N) will beat County (S), but only by a single goal. 1-0, with podcast favourite Will Evans to get the goal.
Book a table at Bask for England’s World Cup games
Whether it’s tucking into a tasty treat from Ate Days A Week alongside a Stockport Gin before the game, or dancing to the tunes of DJ Gareth Brooks after it, many County fans have already enjoyed the splendid matchday experience created by the team at Bask. And now you can do the same for England’s World Cup games as well (plus all the other belters like Tunisia v Australia if you fancy it). Table reservations are now being made, which is certainly well worth doing, to follow all the action from Qatar on Bask’s brand new 75” screens. Email hello@thisisbask.co.uk to book.
Stockport photo of the day
Hardcastle Road, Edgeley
Spotted this thing chilling outside the Cheadle End turnstiles. “It’s for the stitching of the pitch, incorporating artificial grass,” says Liam Cash, head groundsman at Edgeley Park.
Today in SK
👑 With the greatest of respect, I don’t think “a trailblazing life affirming drag extravaganza taking the UK by storm” will appeal to some of the old blokes who sit in the Main Stand at County. But the show, starring Jaymi Hensley from The X Factor, certainly looks like a fun way to spend a Friday night. There’s a few tickets left for tonight at Stockport Plaza. Tickets are £26.40.
😂 With Phil Ellis, Alex Stringer, Lee Peart and Alun Cochrane, there’s a superb line-up for tonight’s Manford’s Comedy Club at Poynton Workmen’s Club. Tickets are £12.50.
⚽️ Former England manager Kevin Keegan is at Edgeley Park tonight, for an evening hosted by Stockport’s very own Andy Powell, along with comedy impressions from the hilarious Al Foran. With over 350 tickets sold already, it promises to be a superb night. Tickets are £45.