Plan B
As the Gresty Road grass fails to thaw out, a number of our readers seek their Saturday football fix elsewhere
Monday 23 January 2023
I couldn’t be arsed going to another game on Saturday. I was tempted, but my January afternoon laziness won out in the end, denying me a few goals in the process. Shortly after our game at Crewe was (finally) postponed, I toyed with the idea of heading to the Weaver Stadium, where Stalybridge beat Nantwich 4-0, but a Deliveroo and a few episodes of Happy Valley was my preferred option. Later, I contemplated jumping on the train from Chester for just one stop to see the 5.15pm kick-off between Flint Town and Pontypridd in the Welsh League, where the home side ran out 4-1 winners. But another Deliveroo and a few more episodes of Happy Valley was my preferred option. (I so wish I was joking. Although in my defence, we all need a duvet day on a cold afternoon from time to time, and Happy Valley on BBC is fantastic, if you’ve not yet seen it.)
Fortunately, a number of our readers did manage to make it out of their front door on Saturday, and before we bring you all the build-up for tomorrow’s huge clash with Bradford, here’s a few groundhopping tales from County fans who still wanted to see some live football at the weekend.
There’s not long to go until ‘A Curry with Colin Woodthorpe’ - our first live event of 2023. It’s taking place at Last Monsoon in Stockport on Monday 30 January at 7.30pm. Come and join us for an entertaining evening with one of Gary Megson’s first County signings ahead of our first season in Division One in 1997-98. Colin’s an absolutely lovely bloke, and having made 171 appearances for County, he’s got some fantastic stories from his five years at Edgeley Park.
You’ll also get poppadoms, mixed starters, curry, rice and naan breads. As well as a full colour souvenir programme. All for just £20. Fancy it? Send me a text or give me a call on 07816 111150, or you can email desmondhinks@hotmail.co.uk
Finally, today’s edition is sponsored by STUDIO26 Haircare. A big thank you to Aaron and the rest of the team in Hazel Grove. County season ticket holders can get a 20% discount at STUDIO26 Haircare throughout January. See below for further details.
Des Junior
Wigan 0 Luton 2
John Edgerton @ DW Stadium
Where were you when you heard County was called off?
About to board the train to Crewe, which then got delayed, and then cancelled, so it was like it wasn't meant to be anyway.
What made you decide to go to Wigan?
We looked at all the fixtures available and the next train was for Wigan so we jumped on that. £7 return.
What was your journey like?
A strange one. Some girl from Westhoughton chatting away to us about how she met her Scouser boyfriend on Facebook, who she blocked first to see if he would look for her elsewhere. I still don't understand what she was on about to be honest.
Thoughts on the game?
OK. Luton played some good football, especially in the build-up for the second goal. Wigan were rubbish and I was thinking if this is Championship football we have nothing to worry about when County get back there.
Thoughts on the ground?
Been before. Still the same, not a bad ground to be honest.
Was it worth it?
100%. It’s days that aren’t planned you’ll always remember.
Buxton 0 Hereford 1
Connor Gilbert @ Silverlands
Where were you when you heard County was called off?
Bask.
What made you decide to go to Buxton?
We were going to go to Barnsley or Sheffield Wednesday but there were no trains in time. Buxton was the only place close enough to make kick-off.
Thoughts on the game?
The standard of football is so average. It’s scary to think we were in that division just four years ago.
Was it worth it?
Yeah, it was a funny day out. A few of us went so we had a laugh.
Hyde 1 Stafford 0
Joanne Dickinson @ Ewen Fields
Where were you when you heard County was called off?
My husband and nephew were just about to get on a train at Romiley headed for Piccadilly when they heard. First I knew was when they arrived back home shortly afterwards. I have a season ticket for home games but I don’t tend to travel away as I don’t have anyone to check on my dogs. (I have got a ticket for the Rochdale game though). I listen or watch on the streaming service instead.
What made you decide to go to Hyde?
We often go and watch local non-league games midweek or at weekends if County aren’t playing. Once we knew County was off we looked at who else was on. Hyde’s ground isn’t too far from where we live so it’s easy to get to and with the scarcity of games yesterday there weren’t many to pick from. It was between Hyde or Buxton for us but we all preferred Hyde as it was closer.
What was your journey like?
Quick - we decided to drive and found a space to park near the ground so we just had a five-minute walk once we’d parked up. Handy for me as I use a walking cane or crutches to walk so being able to park near the ground is ideal.
Thoughts on the game?
The game itself was enjoyable. You certainly notice the difference in standard between league and non-league football but the passion doesn’t diminish. Hyde edged things and took the win which for now at least moves them to the top of the table so there was a great atmosphere within the ground. There’s often a former County player involved in the game when we watch non-league and Saturday was no exception as Jordan Fagbola was playing for Hyde.
Thoughts on the ground?
A small, standard non-league venue. Plenty of areas to stand if you prefer and the option (at an extra £1) to sit in the stand if required. There are two catering outlets: The Tea Bar, which we visited, or Big Al’s on the other side of the ground. Nephew enjoyed cheesy chips and a hot dog, husband had a pie and I had cheesy chips. Proper cheese on the chips and a decent amount too. Husband paid for the food and said it was reasonable quality for the cost. My only negative comment on the catering was that they’d run out of Vimto and I do usually enjoy a hot Vimto when I’m at Hyde. The coffee I had instead was reasonable. We bought a half-time draw ticket but didn’t win. (Same thing happens at County.)
Was it worth it?
£14 admission for adults at Hyde. Cheaper than County home tickets which you’d expect given the club play in the Northern Premier League. We paid the extra £1 each to sit down and all had refreshments. Still think it was a reasonable expense for an enjoyable afternoon out. Whilst we’d have preferred to have been at Crewe (or at home listening in my case) all three of us visiting Hyde was a more than passable alternative. There are so many clubs within the local area playing at non-league level and I’d encourage others to get out and support them if County aren’t playing. The extra revenue from gate receipts and refreshments helps to keep these small clubs going. There were just shy of 1,000 at Hyde on Saturday (far more than were there midweek against Warrington Town when we last watched them). I would imagine from the increase in crowd numbers that we were far from the only County fans who had made their way there. I wish Hyde luck in their bid for promotion this season. I dare say we’ll be back for more games before the season is out.
Tamworth 9 Hednesford 1
Tim Watson @ The Lamb Ground
Where were you when you heard County was called off?
I was on a London North Western train from Euston to Crewe, somewhere between Milton Keynes and Rugby.
What made you decide to go to Tamworth?
I knew I had to get my original train back from Crewe or pay for another ticket, so it was a case of kill time in Crewe or somewhere else en route. I knew some people were going to Nantwich but I would never have made it back for the 5.13 from Crewe (which was already pushing it!). I checked Flashscore and the Tamworth game was the only one that fitted the bill (I could still use my original train ticket). Plus it was against Hednesford so there was a local rivalry element. I have a mate who kind of supports Hednesford, or at least has a soft spot for them as he has family there. I always used to do a weekend away for my birthday in early January, and fit it around a County match - even though I was sometimes the only County fan involved. One year we stayed in Leeds as County had Guiseley away, but it fell foul of the elements (while I was on the train up) so we ended up going to Bradford Park Avenue v Hednesford (in our division at the time of course). Towards the end my (sort of Hednesford supporting) mate went for a piss, and managed to miss not only BPA's equaliser but also Elliott Durrell dancing past the static Avenue defence and scoring the winner straight from kick-off. So when faced with the prospect of watching Hednesford as a consolation due to no County match, I immediately thought shades of Guiseley, BPA and the legendary two-goal piss.
What was your journey like?
Painless enough to be honest. Ground is around 10 minutes from the station. I stopped in a pub on the way and got chatting to a couple of old boys in Tamworth scarves, comparing non-league war stories. Was reminded that they really hate Nuneaton, so played down our recent love-in with the Borough!
Thoughts on the ground?
I'd been to the ground a couple of times with County and I don't think anything about it has changed since then. It's a very nice ground for the level it's hosting (7th tier) but let's face it, they should be at least a division higher, maybe two.
Thoughts on the game?
The standard was really poor. To be fair I often think that when I find myself watching old footage of County from the Conference North days, and this was a division lower. It was a fairly even game until Tamworth scored the second, and from then on you could see the confidence rapidly drain out of the away side. I was actually pretty impressed with Hednesford's goalie; unfortunately the defence in front of him was shambolic. Two late goals in the first half made it 2-1 Tamworth at half-time. One of the old boys in the pre-match pub had given me a flyer with a map of Tamworth ale pubs. I took it out at half-time and was extremely tempted to ditch the freezing cold terrace for a warm boozer. It's not as if the result was in any doubt by then. To be honest if it was still 4-1 with 20 minutes left I may have done, but by then it was 6-1 - the result now even less in doubt but somehow the match was more compelling as I wondered how many the Lambs could notch up. When that 6th went in with over 20 minutes left, I recall hearing an optimistic gentleman behind me on the terrace remark to his companion, "You know what, I think there might be another goal in this" without a hint of sarcasm. In the end 9-1 flattered Hednesford to be honest. I don't recall any injury time being announced, in fact I'm sure the ref blew before the 90 was up out of sympathy.
Was it worth it?
I'm not sure I'd say it was worth it. If I'd known before my train left Euston that our match was off I wouldn't have left London that day. I have a nine-month-old son so I have to choose my battles carefully. A day out of action watching County is fair enough, but watching a 7th tier game as a neutral, possibly not! Still, I don't think I've ever seen 10 goals scored in a competitive fixture before - at least I saw a memorable match! Friendly locals and good beer help too. But I'd rather have been watching us march towards the top seven whilst sending that horrible lot one step closer to non-league.
Stockport Town 5 Stockport County Scholars 4
@AshPalmersBrick @ Stockport Sports Village
Where were you when you heard County was called off?
At home.
What made you decide to go to Stockport Town?
I’d seen on Twitter that Town were playing County’s academy, and I do go and watch Town when I can. It’s only 10 minutes from my house.
Thoughts on the game?
It was fantastic and I got to see some emerging talent for County.
Thoughts on the ground?
Ground is OK and you can feel close to the action.
Was it worth it?
Nine goals, free admission and met some friends - definitely worth it.
Receive 20% off your haircut at STUDIO26 Haircare
A new year, a new you! OK, your resolution to get fit in 2023 has probably already gone out of the window, with a Domino’s on the way to soak up the Christmas and New Year’s Eve booze. But one thing you can do to turn a few more heads is get a smart new haircut. There’s only one place to go - STUDIO26 Haircare in Hazel Grove. Aaron and the team provide high-class barbering services in a hygienic, positive and client-friendly environment. You’ll be well looked after, and if you’re a County season ticket holder, take it with you to receive a 20% discount in January.
Click here for contact details.
Today in SK
🎶 Acoustica. Bask’s live music showcase. Tonight features Chaddy from The Backhanders and Jacob Coley, along with other special guests. 7pm. Free entry.