“Worksop will play our way and give it a go, no doubt about that”
Fighting talk from Tigers fan Rich Wilson ahead of his club’s first appearance in round one of the FA Cup since 2001
Friday 3 November 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Worksop – Saturday 4 November, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Swindon – Saturday 11 November, 3pm
Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and any Worksop Town supporters joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Friday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
County face Worksop for the first time in their history tomorrow afternoon. We couldn’t possibly let the occasion pass without inviting a Tigers fan into The Scarf My Father Wore HQ for a chat, so here’s Rich Nelson to give us a little bit more insight into the Nottinghamshire club, who currently sit 4th in the Northern Premier League.
Today’s edition is sponsored by Greenshoots Yoga. As always, a big thank you to Claire, who runs yoga and mindfulness sessions for children, young adults and families. Most County kids are brought up on a Saturday afternoon can of Coke and a packet of crisps on Castle Street, which there’s nothing wrong with at all, but yoga is probably a little more conducive to their development. If you’ve got your own little County nippers, it’s definitely worth giving Claire a call to see what it’s all about. You never know, get them into yoga from a young age and they could be banging in the goals for County when they’re older!
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: 38.66 miles
Total steps so far: 67,558
Total raised so far: £910
Total completed streets so far: 15 (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
You’ve already won four games in this season’s FA Cup to reach the first round proper. Talk us through your cup run.
It started in early September for us with a convincing 4-1 victory over local rivals Sheffield in the first qualifying round.
This resulted in an away tie at Lincoln United in the second qualifying round. It was 0-0 at half-time but the Tigers eventually ran out 3-0 winners with our giant centre-forward Liam Hughes scoring a superb overhead kick.
We then drew 1-1 with Blyth Spartans – one division above us in the National League North – at their place in the third qualifying round before bringing them back to Sandy Lane and smashing them 5-0. Many fans have said it’s one of the best performances they have ever seen from a Tigers team.
The fourth qualifying round saw Boston United visit Sandy lane in an end-to-end game. We ran out 3-2 winners despite playing with 10 men for the last 20 minutes and our big centre-forward going off in the first half. It was a great feeling at full-time to reach the first round for the first time in 22 years.
You lost 5-0 at home in the FA Trophy last Saturday. Do you think the players were holding back with one eye on their trip to Edgeley Park?
Maybe. But personally I don’t think this Worksop team would do that, and nor would Craig Parry allow it. We had quite a few missing through injury and suspension and just came up against a very good Mickleover team who took their chances.
You’ve already sold well over 1,000 tickets for tomorrow. What’s the atmosphere going to be like in the away end?
Very noisy! The majority of the ‘Barmy Army’ have got tickets together and will be full of beer and backing the lads win, lose, or draw. The team has done the town proud getting to the first round for the first time in 22 years and they will be vocally backed on Saturday afternoon for 90 minutes.
Quite a few non-league clubs seem to attract a load of hooligans from their local Football League club whenever they have a big day out in the FA Cup. Does anyone tag along with Worksop?
I have no idea. Worksop’s away support is generally pretty good and we have a decent reputation with away fans. Many of the Northern Premier League clubs have said we’re the best they’ve had this season. We drink with them before the game, make some noise during the 90 minutes, and then drink with them again afterwards in the clubhouse. It’s nice being able to walk round the ground in non-league with supporters mixing together. I certainly hope we don’t attract any troublemakers on Saturday as lots of families are making the journey over.
County have won 11 consecutive games. How do Worksop stop that run on Saturday?
Probably a mixture of the magic of the cup, County resting a few, and a bit of luck. Fingers crossed a few of our returning players are back from injury too. Worksop will play our way and give it a go, no doubt about that.
What are your thoughts on Stockport County?
A big club and absolutely flying. I remember the days of Brett Angell in the 90s when you reached the League Cup semi-finals. I remember you playing a star-studded Middlesborough on TV. I was in my teens routing for you that day. I’m looking forward to visiting Edgeley Park, it looks like a proper traditional stadium.
Tell us something about Worksop that we don’t know.
Worksop Town are the world’s fourth oldest football team dating back to 1861. Chris Waddle used to play for us too.
Was Robin Hood a Worksop fan?
He was – a good lad too apparently! He used to run the 50/50 half-time draw and had a Worksop scarf pinned up in The Major Oak.
Best and worst memories as a Worksop fan?
The worst is probably hearing the news that the old chairman was pulling out in 2014. We had to take a voluntary demotion to the North Counties East League, dropping two divisions, whilst also needing to raise a lot of money to save the club. We almost had the same issue again in early 2020 before the supporters raised £30,000 to save the club and a new chairman took over who has since transformed us from top to bottom.
Best memory is either winning the Northern Counties East League in 2018-19 – after winning 21 league games in a row – or last season, when we were promoted back to the Northern Premier League Premier Division. We won the league in March with seven league games to go, having gone 30 games unbeaten after losing on the opening day of the season, which was our only defeat.
Is it difficult to attract fans with Chesterfield, Mansfield and the two Sheffield and Nottingham clubs on your doorstep?
It can be. Crowds do go up during international weekends which probably proves your point, though during the last few seasons, crowds have grown and grown with many turning their backs on top level football and the farce that is VAR. We will always have a core of 300-400 whatever the weather and 150 or so who travel to every away game. However, good football, success and better facilities will always attract supporters which is probably why our attendances are going up – like any club I suppose.
And finally, can you cause an upset against a side 75 places above you?
It’s clearly going to be very difficult and everything points towards a County win, which is what my head says. However, if County make too many changes and take us lightly, my heart says we could be in for a surprise. A fully fit Worksop are a very good team, mark my words. However, it could be too much of an uphill challenge, especially with the run County are on.
Take the kids to yoga
Now, you might not have thought of doing this before. But Claire Ash from Greenshoots Yoga runs fantastic yoga and mindfulness sessions for children, young adults and families. During term time, yoga and mindfulness classes for children take place every Friday at St Paul’s Church Hall in Heaton Moor. It’s £8.50 for children aged 8-12 (4.30pm - 5.25pm) and £7 for those aged 5-7 (5.30pm - 6.15pm). Claire also runs parent and child sessions a couple of times each term.
In addition to the above, Claire also runs tween/teen sessions on Saturdays during term time, from 11.20am till 12.20pm, suitable for young people aged 10 or above. Classes take place at The Heatons Centre on Thornfield Road. An opportunity to pause, reflect and connect through yoga and breathwork, journalling and meditation. If it’s something you’re interested in, Claire’s currently offering a free trial.
Last but not least, Claire has also started to teach yoga to academy football players, which helps prevent injury, as well as helping balance, flexibility, and faster recovery time. She also talks to the footballers about keeping calm and bringing a joy and control to the game.
Visit greenshootsyoga.co.uk for further details.
Today in SK
🎶 DJ
The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have their resident DJ playing on a Friday night, with Dicko (Ian Dickinson) on from 8pm till 1am.
🍟 Food and drink
Lunch deal at The Dog & Partridge (SK2). One course for £7 or two courses for £11. 12pm till 2pm.
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. Open till 7.30pm.
🎙 Karaoke
The Andrew Arms (SK6). Hosted by Tony Grimes.
🎤 Live music
Sap Tap at The Petersgate Tap (SK1). Enjoy some great live acts along with top beers and ciders. 8.30pm.
Urban Myth at The Crown Inn (SK6). 9pm.
Friday Fiesta at TRUNK (SK7). Great company, tasty tapas and flowing drinks – what more could you want? Call 0161 222 9260 to book a table, and mention “The Scarf My Father Wore” to receive a 15% discount off the normal tapas menu.
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.
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Photo of the day
Edgeley Park, Stockport
Home to Bristol Rovers in 1996-97.
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My late dad was born in Worksop and would have loved tomorrow I saw them run a decent Barnsley team close in pre season so they are not to taken lightly I predict 4-1 for County but for family travelling I would love Tigers to take the lead a good pre match drink is all I can guarantee