Sunday, 3 November 2013

MATCH REPORT: COUNTY 4 - 2 AFC Telford

Tunnicliffe scored a fine headed goal


By Chris Larkin


Why do we watch County? Is it for the lukewarm Steak and Gristle pies? Is it for the feeling of dread after every opposing foray into our half or is it to hope that maybe we can finally turn things around?

While we're still a long way from the Football League, you couldn't be blamed for cracking a smile as County comfortably beat a strongly fancied Telford United team 4-2.

Clearly unfazed by the visitor's superior league position, the Hatters started well - winning a corner in the first 2 minutes. But the chance went begging as the ball hit a sea of Telford players.

The opening goal wasn't long in coming though with Rhys Turner latching onto a defence-splitting through ball from Kyle Jacobs, running through and placing it beyond the Bucks goalkeeper to give County the early, crucial, 1-0 lead.

Just five minutes later though County were astounded and furious as the man in black awarded a very  penalty to the visitors,  one so dubious that home fans could have been forgiven for checking which Telford postcode covered the referee's home address.

Ryan Jones, making his County debut for the ill Ian Ormson, saved the penalty with a stunning one-handed save pushing it to safety from just an inc or two under the bar.

But just a few minutes later and County fans were once again questioning the referee's parents marital status as he gifted the visitors an equally dubious free-kick on the edge of the box.  This time Telford made no mistake and the ball was curled into the top corner out of reach of Jones' despairing dive.


On the 30th minute mark the hosts won a corner that was only headed back as far as Nicky Platt who's cross found Kieran Charnock, the defender squeezing the ball home to give County a 2-1 lead. Minutes later the referee, clearly resigned to the fact that his beloved Telford were not going to level matters before half time, blew his whistle for the break.

County started the second half clearly determined to put the game to bed early.

The third goal came on the hour mark, from an unlikely source. County won a free-kick in a good attacking position. Left back Scott Duxbury whipped in a peach of a dead ball cross directly onto the head of James Tunnicliffe, whose header guided it like an exocet past the Telford stopper to give the Hatters a two goal cushion going into the final third of the game.

County's dominance began to show with Telford simply unable to deal with the Hatters attacking threats. The best chance fell to Kyle Jacobs who worked the keeper from distance. Then, with just under 15 minutes remaining County made the game safe with a 4th goal, courtesy of Kristian Dennis, who was on hand to rifle a deflected Kyle Jacobs cross into the net on the half-volley.

County's elation only last 2 minutes as the travelling Bucks pulled a goal back in bizarre circumstances with the ball looking for all the world like it was fired into the side netting but taking a deflection off the unfortunate Tunji Moses into his own goal.

Then, with just five minutes remaining Adriano Moke made a welcome return to the fray, coming on as a substitute and almost immediately winning County a good chance from a throw-in. And, despite the four minutes added time, neither side could add to their scores and County held on for a wonderful if unexpected three points against one of the better teams in the division.

Attendance: 2,710

County: Jones, Jacobs, Charnock, Tunnicliffe, Duxbury, Moses (Gossett), Platt, Howard, Turner (Moke), Jevons, Dennis.

Unused Subs: Lofthouse, O'Halloran, Fagbola

Monday, 14 October 2013

JEVONS OUT FOR UP TO THREE WEEKS

Phil Jevons - 3 weeks out of action?


Phil Jevons is likely to be out of action for Stockport County for between two and three weeks following his injury on the weekend.

Jevons limped off with a suspected hamstring injury after just 15 minutes of the shock FA Cup defeat to Evo-Stick league minnows Rushall Olympic at Edgeley Park on Saturday.

If the injury heals quickly, the striker, who has been banging them in for fun since Alan Lord was put in charge of the team following Ian Bogie's resignation, could be back as soon as the away game against high-flying Histon on October 26.

But club sources today said it was more likely he would return to first-team action in time for the home match against Telford on Saturday November 2nd.




Sunday, 13 October 2013

FA CUP MATCH REPORT: COUNTY 0 - 1 Rushall Olympic


Phil Jevons: injured and his experience will be missed

By Chris Larkin

Caernarfon Town, Stevenage Borough, Staines Town and now Rushall Olympic - they have all knocked Stockport County out of the FA Cup against the odds and despite being from a lower league.

County lined up with more or less the same team that beat Barrow so convincingly in the week, and within five minutes, they had the first real chance;  Iain Howard trying to find in-form Rhys Turner with a pass across the back. Unfortunately for the Wiganer, his cross was cut out by the Rushall defence.

Again County pressured down the left hand side through Howard but once again his cross couldn't find anybody - a scenario that ended up being a bit of a theme for the day.

With about 15 minutes played Rushall had their first real chance of the game but, mercifully for the Hatters, the ball went sailing over Ormson's crossbar.

County and Rushall both continued to carve out half-chances but neither side could find the first goal though, the closest anyone came was a well struck free-kick from Phil Jevons that was well saved by the visiting goalkeeper.

With 25 minutes of the half played there was a worrying sign as in-form veteran striker, Phil Jevons, had to be replaced due to picking up a knock. The bright side was that he was replaced by Kristian Dennis, himself coming back from injury, with the former Curzon star looking to add to his goals so far this season.

As the half progressed and the crowd became more and more frustrated at County's lack of creativity,  Rushall had two free-kicks in decent positions but the County defence dealt with them comfortably and the game remained scoreless.

The next real chance didn't arrive until just before half-time when Dennis cut in from the right of the box and had a shot that sailed an inch over the crossbar. The final action of the first half really should have seen County at least force a save as some great work from Jacobs saw the ball land at the feet of Howard who blazed over by a couple of inches.

Half Time: County 0 - 0 Rushall Olympic

County made a substitution at half-time with Irish international, Stephen O'Halloran replacing youngster, Scott Duxbury, who just didn't seem to be at the races for the first 45 minutes.

Two great chances for either side in the opening five minutes saw County win a free-kick just outside the area. Dennis did manage to beat the wall but his effort was easily saved by the goalkeeper, before Rushall went up the other end and shot just wide of Ormson's post.

On the hour mark County gave away a free-kick 30 yards out and Rushall's Jimmy Turner stunned the 2,000+ crowd as he fired his strike beyond everyone dropping over a stranded Ian Ormson into the top right corner to give Rushall a 1-0 lead. More worrying for County, it wasn't particularly against the run of play.

For the next 20 minutes, the game was almost all Rushall, thankfully for County though the underdogs couldn't get a second goal to put the game to bed.

County didn't really have a sniff at goal until the last 10 minutes when they got their first corner of the game. Sadly though no-one could get on the end of it. Just two minutes later County had another corner, the ball falling to Ian Craney who couldn't get his shot away, much to the frustration of the crowd.

County had their final chance of the game with a minute to go from a corner but, yet again it went begging.

The minnows from the Evo-Stik league - who wouldn't have even been playing had Gainsborough not fielded an ineligible player in the the previous round - scored a thoroughly deserved victory in a game that County simply couldn't get hold of.

Line-up: Ormson, Jacobs, Charnock, Tunnicliffe, Duxbury (O'Halloran), Moses, Bateman (Craney), Lofthouse, Jevons (Dennis), Turner.

Unused subs: Jones, Fagbola, Windsor, Hand.

Attendance: 2,135 (55 Away fans)

Wednesday, 9 October 2013

HAVE COUNTY TURNERED THE CORNER?

Jevons is mobbed after notching County's fourth goal

By Adam Moss

BARROW 2 - 4 STOCKPORT COUNTY



We Won.

Again.

Rhys Turner scored two, as did co-striker Phil Jevons.

And we're up to 11th place in the league table.

Alan Lord is the new God.

Praise be the Lord.

(Our match reporters were too drunk to post a second-by-second account of the match minutiae and....for once...I can't really say I blame them).

PICTURE: Mike Petch

Tuesday, 8 October 2013

COUNTY C.H.A.O.S AT CHRISTMAS



Stuck for a gift for a fellow County fan this Christmas, or perhaps even an sneaky present to yourself?

Then look no further.

Our good friends over at County Heaven have put together a book compiling sporting stories (the majority of which relate to County) collected by their members over a period of several months in 2012.

C.H.A.O.S – County Heaven’s Anecdotes of Sport - is an A-Z anthology ranging from memories of players past and present, amusing tales from attending matches home and away, and even their own recollections of playing in (and sometimes refereeing) amateur matches around the North West.

The book is over 130 pages in length and includes photographs and amusing illustrations.

It is priced at £6.99 (plus £2.20 p&p if you can’t make it to EP and would like it delivering) and all profits will be going to the British Heart Foundation.

Copies are limited, so if you would like to purchase one, or for more information, contact sandbachhatter@hotmail.co.uk.

Sunday, 6 October 2013

MATCH REPORT: COUNTY 4 - 0 Worcester City


County's new permanent gaffer - Alan Lord

By Chris Larkin

Every now and again a game will come along where everything goes right and proves to be a turning point in the season.

Today's 4 - 0 demolition of woeful Worcester City could well turn out to be just that.

In 1996 it was the 3-1 win over Plymouth; in 2007 it was the 6-0 win over Wycombe. And then today - the 4-0 win over Worcester City in a game that County comfortably controlled for every one of its 90 minutes.

From the off County were on the attack with Iain Howard forcing former Macclesfield stopper Veiga into a smart save after a mistake at the back from the City defence let Howard have a decent chance at goal.

Just a couple of minutes later and, after some great build up play, County had another wonderful chance - this time the ball landing to Oldham prospect Danny Gossett who unfortunately couldn't quite get a decent enough shot away after some great work from the impressive Howard to get the ball into the youngster.

County didn't have to wait long for the breakthrough though as one of the stand out players of the season so far, Kyle Jacobs, scored another lovely goal to make it two in two games.

Jacobs received the ball just outside the area on the right hand side and volleyed it beautifully beyond the goalkeeper into the top corner to give County a thoroughly deserved 1-0 lead.

It was almost two just a few seconds later as Rhys Turner couldn't quite latch onto a beautiful through ball from the impressive Bobby Lofthouse.

After  20 minutes, it was obvious the momentum was all with the home team and Scott Duxbury was looking very impressive and composed for a youngster at left-back - regularly supplying great balls down the line to the forwards.

County's domination paid off once again on 25 minutes as young Bobby Lofthouse won the ball in the midfield and played an exquisite ball through to the pacy Rhys Turner who delightfully dinked it over the on-rushing Veiga -his first league goal in County colours.




Rhys Turner notched his debut league goal for County

And the team didn't take its foot off the gas -  immediately pressing for a third, the confidence clearly flowing through the side. That pressure was rightfully rewarded on 45 minutes as a long range shot from Iain Howard was flicked into the net by in-form Phil Jevons to give County a 3-0 half-time lead.

The second half started and it wasn't long before County were back on the front foot with Gossett warming Veiga's gloves with a smart turn and shot from just outside the area.

Worcester's first shot on target came just before the hour mark when the visiting Midlanders won a free-kick in midfield. The set-piece delivery was flicked on by former Jim Gannon target, Exodus Geohagen, but the effort was comfortably caught by Ian Ormson looking for his 3rd consecutive clean sheet. Just a minute later, Worcester had another chance but it was very well saved by the quick reactions of Ormson.

Somewhat unfortunately for the visitors, Worcester's best spell of pressure resulted in the 4th goal for the home side on the hour mark. Phil Jevons' shot deflected back off a visiting defender and he made no mistake the second time as he swivelled on the edge of the box and curled an absolute beauty into the top corner giving the keeper no chance.

With 25 minutes to play, new signing Nicky Platt, formerly of FC United, made his County debut as he replaced the impressive Bobby Lofthouse.

The Hatters continued to pile on the pressure and created a hatful of chances despite being four up.

Two more substitutions saw Brandon Windsor replace Danny Gossett and Stephen O'Halloran come on for Scott Duxbury.

With a minute left to play they did their best to put their clean sheet at risk however, and gifted Worcester a soft penalty. Fortuntaley the resulting spot kick was blasted so wide of the left hand post that the front row of the main stand practically ducked in unison.

But County held on for a huge win and Ian Ormson's third consecutive clean sheet means the team is now undefeated in the last four at Edgeley Park in all competitions with 3 wins and one draw.

And with the victory came the news that stand-in boss Alan Lord has been given the manager's role permanently. Great news.

Attendance: 2,332.

County Line-up: Ormson, Jacobs, Tunnicliffe, Charnock, Duxbury (O'Halloran), Gossett (Windsor), Moses, Lofthouse (Platt), Howard, Turner, Jevons.

Unused Subs: Jones, Craney

Saturday, 5 October 2013

JUST 10 MEN



By Phil Brennan


It's been a strange week since my departure from Edgeley Park.
I still get up at 6.00 am. Still put my laptop on before I put the kettle on. Still put SSN on before settling down with a brew and checking through emails, message boards, social networks and any articles I have been working on.
I still have my morning shower at 7.30 am before dressing for work.
I have carried out this routine almost every morning in the last three and a half years.
The difference this week has been that after getting dressed I have had no work to go to.
On Monday, (my 29th wedding anniversary as it happens), my three and a half years working for my hometown football club came to an end by 'mutual consent'.
I will be honest and admit that as much as I have enjoyed my time at Edgeley Park, I would have preferred to remember my time at the club with some success on the field but sadly that wasn't to be. I think it's every football fan's dream to be involved with their club, and as a County supporter of many years standing I have been very fortunate in that, as well as being part of Steve Bellis' programme team back in the day, along with my late friend Richard Harnwell, I have written extensively about Stockport County in book and DVD format in the past.
When I was approached by the 2015 Group in the summer of 2010 I didn't think twice about the opportunity to finally have the opportunity of a full time position at Edgeley Park. Although with two relegations during my time in service, including the club dropping out of the Football League for the first time in over 100 years, I have thought about whether or not it was my fault that things haven't gone as well as any of us wanted.
In my time in the Media Manager's role I have served under 10 managers in just three and a half years. I can honestly say that I have really enjoyed working with all apart from one, who for one reason or another, never really understood or cared about our great club.
Back in that summer of 2010, after several off-site meetings, we finally arrived at Edgeley Park. 'We' were new Chairman Alwyn Thompson, Chief Exec Sean Connolly, Directors Mary & Tony Gibbons, Club Secretary Peter Wilson and myself. (There were other Directors and shareholders who weren't available on the day).
A press conference had been arranged to unveil the new Board and staff, unbeknown to many of the people there the deal to take over the club had yet to be agreed with The Football League. Several hasty calls later the deal was finalised, with approximately 20 minutes to spare before the new board met the press.
The following weekend there was a huge County following at the 'open day' in the Cheadle End car park. The new board, including Lord Peter Snape, were on show again along with old County favourites Mike Flynn and Andy Thorpe as well as the town's top dart player, and big Hatters supporter, Tony O'Shea.
With no first team manager in place it came as no surprise that the name of Jim Gannon was chanted throughout the morning. 

It did indeed look as though the Irishman, who had lost his job when the club entered into 'administration', was the clear favourite to take on the vacant role. Especially as the club had already re-employed his trusty sidekicks Peter Ward and Alan Lord to take over pre-season training.
Wardy and Lordy not only took on training the few players we already had, but also created a list of prospective players at the club's training ground. The comprehensive list included the names of players already contracted, players who were available both to sign and bring in 'on loan' and also players who were going to become available in the January 'window'.
Having seen the list I was very much looking forward to the coming season. 
However there were rumblings of discontent at the club almost from the first minute. For reasons I cannot divulge, Connolly and Wilson left within a matter of weeks. The widely accepted appearance of Gannon also didn't materialise.
The club eventually appointed Paul Simpson as the new manager, he swiftly brought in his own man Stuart Delaney as 'head of youth' to replace the recently departed Craig Madden who had joined big spending Fleetwood Town as assistant manager.

Simpson soon made it clear that he was not going to be seen as second choice to Gannon, one of his first actions was to rub off all the players names off the 'list' on the whiteboard at Manor Farm as, in his words, he didn't want to be seen to be bringing in any of the players Jim Gannon wanted.
He also instructed that the big poster of the club's Wembley triumph of just two summers previous, which had pride of place on the central wall, was taken down. (Incidentally this was eventually replaced with a photo of a team 'huddle' with his son Jake a focal point). 

The standard of player on the rubbed out list can be summed up in one name - Jamie Vardy
Alan Lord had been watching Vardy and others on the list for some time. Some of them were on the point of joining the club before administration, Vardy and Skelmersdale United's George Donnelly and Sean McConville amongst them. (Donnelly actually joined Plymouth Argyle and played several games on loan at County under Gary Ablett the following season).
Simpson, under pressure from Lord, sent Delaney to watch Vardy, who was available for a small fee. Simpson decided against signing Vardy after Delaney's debrief as apparently he wasn't the type of striker we needed.
A couple of days later Simpson signed Barry Conlon.
Vardy went on to score dozens of goals for Halifax Town before joining Fleetwood Town where he also scored dozens of goals prior to joining Leicester City in The Championship, where he is still plying his trade.
Simpson did relent and bring in Donnelly in on loan but Conlon left Stockport County by 'mutual consent' after a much publicised drink driving ban before Christmas 2010.
Much was made of the decision to release Simpson from his duties at Edgeley Park just over a month later, perhaps if he had gone when was originally discussed, Stockport County may have stayed in The Football League, at least for another season. The indecision regarding his replacement is, in my opinion, the reason the club were relegated. Chairman Thompson also left his position and with no candidate coming forward, Mary Gibbons took on the role of 'acting' Chairman.
Peter Ward and Alan Lord were put in 'temporary' control of first team affairs before Ray Mathias was brought in to assist them as 'technical advisor' in February.

I have known Wardy since he was a player and we have always got on famously. However during the early days of Simpson's reign he had instigated an 'issue' regarding Wardy which subsequently caused problems between myself and Wardy. (I am happy to state that we made our peace after Simpson's departure)
Mathias became my third gaffer that season when he took over from Ward the following month. Unfortunately it was all too late and the club were relegated from The Football League after a disastrous campaign both on and off the field.

During the summer several candidates were interviewed for the manager's job, before the board decided to stick with Mathias. The biggest problem with this was, having been released from his temporary role at the end of the previous campaign, Ray had booked a family holiday to Mexico and so wasn't available to start immediately.
That holiday proved to be the catalyst in the appointment of my next gaffer - Dietmar Hamann.
Liverpool businessman Tony Evans had held talks with the board regarding investment and once he had agreed to join the club he wanted to appoint Hamann.
In scenes reminiscent of our original arrival at the club, Hamann was still on the phone to his employer, Sven Goran Eriksson at Leicester City, trying to negotiate his release, just minutes before sitting on the top table at the press conference to announce his arrival.

Then we really started to see the influence of Evans, there was a camera crew constantly following all of the backroom staff, management staff, players and supporters, apparently for an, as yet unseen, documentary about how to run a football club (sic).
The biggest change came at the training ground where literally coach loads of Liverpudlian footballers turned up for trials, many of them not returning their County training kit when told they were not to be signed up. (eBay was very busy over the next few days). Old stagers like Andy Parkinson and John Miles were there, alongside several youngsters, the likes of Ryan Fraughan and Jon Nolan that had been released by clubs.
There was a new 'fitness' coach, who as well as introducing a fitness regime that seemed more suited to the likes of Geoff Capes and his 'world's strongest man' colleagues, also had the players eating pre match meals that included nuts and salad.  - He and his diet didn't last too far into the season.
Didi is a living 'legend' on Merseyside and as a footballer of world renown his arrival at Edgeley Park made my job all the more exciting. Everyone wanted to talk to him, every day we had some radio or TV station wanting his time. Even to this day I get requests for his contact details.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Didi, he was probably the most laid back boss I have ever had in my working life - it was such a shame that it didn't work out for him at County.
One little story I must tell about his time at Edgeley Park featured Soccer-am. I have had previous dealings with the SKY TV Saturday morning show and it came as no surprise when they asked if they could feature County. I agreed immediately and duly put the information in with my daily requests/reports on the gaffer's desk.  
On the day of the 'shoot' I got a call from Didi asking why I had agreed to allow Soccer-am to film at the training ground. He sounded fairly angry and stated that a football club and especially the training ground was a professional place and not the place for a 'comedy football show', and told me to call them and turn them back.
It appeared that he had only just seen my note from the week previous and as the team were in a run of bad form I assumed that he didn't want to appear as though he wasn't running a tight ship.
I called my contact, who was literally half an hour away from Manor Farm with his film crew. Not to put too fine a point on it they weren't too happy. Luckily for them a quick call to Boundary Park saw Oldham Athletic take our place on the show.
A week or so after he had left the club by 'mutual consent' I turned on the TV and there sat on the Soccer-am couch was none other than Didi Hamann!!!
I knew he would have his phone turned off but I called him all the same and left him a message asking him to call me back. The next day he called me back. "Hey buggerlugs, after what you told me about Soccer-am, what were you doing on there yesterday?" I asked
 "they paid me enough to appear" was his reply
Even though his time as manager wasn't a success, Didi Hamann was great to work with, nothing was ever too much trouble, we used to get photos sent from all over the world for him to sign, which he always did, he always made sure players were available to attend events if he couldn't make it himself, but best of all he brought his mate John the 'scouse chef' with him. The food at Manor Farm has never been as good before or since!!
Willie McStay was gaffer number 5, even if it was only for a week. McStay had been brought in by Didi after Ray Mathias had refused the option of staying on as number two when Tony Evans had named Didi as manager. Unfortunately for McStay his one game ended in defeat at Ebbsfleet.

Gaffer number 6 was Jim Gannon. I had had the pleasure of working with Jim before, putting his testimonial programme together alongside my late friend Richard Harnwell, We had remained in touch throughout the years, so I was looking forward to working with him again.
That night at Fleetwood for his first game back in charge was unforgettable. The atmosphere was electric, the TV cameras were there as the home side closed in on promotion, and as many County fans could fit in were there to cheer on their returning hero. Sean McConville looked as though he had earned the Hatters the draw their supporters deserved but Jamie Vardy (yes THAT Jamie Vardy) sealed a late win for the Cod Army.
The changes required were obvious to all, Gannon's second spell as manager saw his side lose six of his first eight games, including an FA Trophy replay defeat at local neighbours Stalybridge Celtic, before he finally won against Barrow at Edgeley Park on New Year's Day, perhaps a sign of things to come?
By the time County had claimed 'back to back' victories against Wrexham and Darlington, the first time in over 3 years that the team had managed this feat, Gannon had made wholesale changes to the squad he had inherited. Only two of the side that started at Darlington had been regulars under Hamann, with seven of the fifteen man squad on the day brought in by Gannon.
Edgeley Park was again becoming a fortress under Gannon, with four wins and just one defeat in seven home games since the turn of the year to the end of March. But the team were still paying for those away defeats and the earlier inability to remain undefeated at Edgeley Park, and were still in the relegation dogfight.
The home win against relegation rivals Lincoln City, a third win on the trot for the Hatters and a draw at home against Braintree was enough to secure safety with two games to spare. Winning the last two against Tamworth and Hayes & Yeading put the icing on the cake as far as the end of season run went.
Unfortunately, even though his side were top of the table following two wins out of two at the start of the following season, Gannon was also soon shown the Edgeley Park door. Defeat against eventual champions Mansfield Town in January being his seventh in nine games, he was ousted in a hastily arranged board meeting after the game.
Alan Lord was gaffer number 7 as he took control of the team for the visit of Forest Green Rovers. The visitors were looking to claim a place in the play offs and the game was in doubt until the day before but Lordy rallied his troops and was rewarded with the best performance of the season as Sean Newton and Jon Nolan scored the goals that claimed the points.
Gaffer number 8 was a name so far from left field that I would have sat all night coming up with names of potential manager's and still not come up with - Darije Kalezic
Regardless of how he arrived, or indeed who was responsible for his arrival, Kalezic was a really decent man, a good coach undoubtedly, but manager of a struggling Conference team - Never.
The facts are Kalezic lost 7 of his 12 games in charge. Players were allowed to leave the club. Players were brought in. The team won at Barrow. Then inexplicably four new signings, none of which played in the excellent win at Barrow four nights previously, were thrown into the side for the visit of Braintree. The game was won by Braintree. County then lost at Luton. Kalezic lost his job to be replaced by Ian Bogie the next day.
Geordie Ian Bogie, (gaffer number 9 by the way), took charge of the sinking Edgeley Park ship with seven games to play. He won two, lost two and drew two in the first six, meaning that his team had to win at Kidderminster Harriers on the last day and then hope that at least two other results went his way for County to survive.

In the end a hammering at the hands of the Harriers meant that results elsewhere were immaterial. County were to play at the lowest level in their history next season.
I felt for Bogie, as he had turned down the offer of being number two to Kalezic because he didn't think it would work. Bogie was a good hard working gaffer who made it easy to like him and we will never know what would have happened had he been given the manager's job instead of Kalezic.
Despite the pre-season 'buzz' as results improved with each game, County have started their season in poor form and once again find themselves near the foot of the table and once again we have lost yet another manager.
Ian Bogie resigned after the defeat at Harrogate Town, his fourth in the opening five games, and has been replaced by 'caretaker' Alan Lord, making Lordy gaffer number 10.

Anyone who has ever worked with Al will know how enjoyable his company is. I believe he should be given the job until the end of the season at least. His record of finding players is second to none, and he has a good record so far with three wins and just one defeat in his six games in charge.
History has shown us that appointing three managers in a season will more or less lead to relegation. We need a period of stability and more importantly we don't need another relegation.
On a personal note, over the last few months since our relegation to The Conference North the offices have become a very different place to be. We have lost some very good backroom people from the club as County moved from a full time to part time outfit. Every day has brought a new challenge as those of us left have had to continue with the everyday business.
Having agreed to leave the club I now intend to take some time out to complete my biography of Danny Bergara, who is still the second longest serving manager in the history of Stockport County, and that at just six years, goes some way to explaining the lack of long term success at the club.
'The Man From Uruguay' Will hopefully be out in time for Christmas and, in the mean time, I will also be keeping my hand in at Edgeley Park as I will be covering most home games for The Non League Paper.
Animo et Fide.

PHOTOS: SUE CORDON & MIKE PETCH

Monday, 30 September 2013

MATCH REPORT: COUNTY 1 - 0 Brighouse Town




By Hatter-in-Macc


Given that my two previous reports for Cheadle End Punk - back in those lazy, hazy, crazy pre-season days of Summer - had carried news of County victories, I kept my fingers crossed for the continuation of a 100% personal record today. And it is probably just as well that I did!

The end-results were pleasing enough: a place in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round achieved; and an unprecedented September exit from the competition averted. But, make no mistake, this match lived up to its billing as a tricky tie against a bold (as brass-band) Brighouse outfit that is currently showing impressive form in the Premier Division of the Northern Counties East League.

It was rather difficult to bring to mind higher-level Cup deeds by our favourites of bygone years, against the likes of Liverpool, QPR and Everton, as County took to the field in front of a sparse crowd, and a closed Pop Side. But we are where we are for good reason, and, for now, our chances of any kind of run in the competition lay with the Class of 2013/14:

Starting line-up: Ormson, Jacobs, Duxbury, Fagbola, Tunnicliffe, Charnock (Captain), Moses, Lofthouse, Turner, Jevons, Howard.

Subs: Jones, O'Halloran, Bateman, Verma (for Fagbola), Windsor (for Lofthouse).

Cheered on by a couple of coach-loads of their supporters, Brighouse made it clear from the off that they were going to give this a right good go. County, it has to be said, didn't help themselves with two worrying, 'after you, Claude' moments of hesitation involving Ormson and his defenders. Twice more, Tunnicliffe, following his successful return to central defence a week earlier in Stalybridge, saved his side's blushes with last-ditch tackles, but it has to be said that, had their strikers been just a tad sharper in front of goal, the visitors could very easily have been ahead by half-time. For the home team, there was possession a-plenty, and Turner's pace clearly unsettled Brighouse, but, with Dennis absent and Jevons playing deeper than usual, the young Myerscough graduate's forays all too often came to nothing. Fagbola, meanwhile, who had seemingly enjoyed his role as an attacking right back at Bower Fold, looked all at sea in the same position this time around, and was not to reappear after the break.

Half-time: County 0, Brighouse 0.

Verma's return, following his lay-off through injury, and to a midfield that today sorely missed the ineligible Gossett, was most welcome - helping as it did to give more balance to the side in the second half. Matters proceeded, just after the hour, to turn even further in County's favour, when the lively Windsor replaced Lofthouse, on his full debut, in an attempt to boost the effort up front. Within three minutes, a Windsor rocket-shot hit a Brighouse defender full in the face, and was cleared in something of a panic - but only as far as Jacobs, who unleashed an unstoppable long-range piledriver into the top corner. A wonderful strike, and worthy of winning a game at any level. But would it turn out thus...?

Four minutes of added time were announced - for the first time at EP this season, as it happens - and, at that point, Brighouse decided to go for broke, throwing the kitchen sink - and their 'keeper - at the home goal, and, in the process, putting County through the most agonising of closing stages, akin to those, earlier during September, at Vauxhall Motors. And none of us will wish reminding of how things ended there! Corner followed corner for the visiting side - the decision to award one of them, in particular, is up there with the most bizarre that I have ever seen given - and, in the dying seconds of the four-minutes-that-somehow-turned-into-six, Ormson almost gave the home faithful collective heart failure, when he looked to have had a David Seaman moment  and come out too far for a looping lob that, by back-tracking, he just managed to gather safely.

Full-time: County 1, Brighouse 0.

Into the hat for today, then - and with a few extra quid to boost the Club coffers, too. But, my goodness, it was a tense and close-run thing...

Saturday, 14 September 2013

MATCH REPORT: COUNTY 1 - 1 Leamington

Kieran Charnock - gifted Leamington a goal after two minutes


By Chris Larkin


Saturday afternoon saw Leamington and County share the spoils, in a 1-1 draw with a glut of chances and even more time wasting.

The result could have been so different had County not shot themselves in the foot within two minutes but the draw does show that County are showing some of the old, to use a Jim Gannon phrase, 'bouncebackability' that made them so tough to beat in the old days.

It also, of course, kept Alan Lord's unbeaten record intact.

There was no room in the starting line-up for new boy Tunji Moses, who was confined to the bench. Phil Jevons kept his place after his two-goal display last week. And County lined up with Ormson, Jacobs, Fagbola, Charnock, O'Halloran, Turner, Verma, Gosset, Howard, Jevons and Dennis starting the game.

Another decent turnout and a great atmosphere was soon silenced when the usually reliable Kieran Charnock passed the ball straight to the on-coming Leamington striker who was left 1-on-1 with Ian Ormson and made no mistake in placing the ball beyond the young 'keeper after only two minutes - County were already looking at a long afternoon of potentially frustrating football.

The Hatters responded positively to the setback, going in search of an immediate equaliser. The first corner of the match went County's way after some good work from Howard forced the Leamington defence to put the ball behind for a corner; unfortunately the corner kick came to nothing.

Despite a few minutes of dominance for County, the next real chance fell to Leamington as an inviting cross was well met by the head of a Leamington player, who's effort flashed just beyond the post.

The Brakes then started to apply the pressure and were forcing sloppy County into giving the ball away cheaply.

Ian Ormson was called into action after around 20 minutes and did really well to get out to the attacker and make the save to prevent the Warwickshiremen from extending their lead.

Just a couple of minutes later it looked as though County had equalised when Turner had his shot somehow saved and Howard was left with the task of tucking the ball in but unfortunately the winger could only find the side netting and left the Hatters cursing their luck.

For the remaining minutes of the half, County and Leamington exchanged chances with the best of them being a free-kick for the visitors. Neither could find the back of the net though, and when the half time whistle mercifully went, both teams trudged off the pitch with the visitors holding a narrow but crucial lead.

Alan Lord looking made two changes at half time to try and turn the game around - new midfielder Tunji Moses came on for his debut, replacing Aman Verma and fan favourite Adriano Moke replaced Iain Howard.

County's intentions were clear from the off as just two minutes into the half, Dennis set up Moke for a strike that just went over the bar, before Gosset had a brilliant effort rifle just wide of the far post after the young Oldham prospect almost made the visitors pay dearly for failing to clear their lines.

Despite County's early dominance it was only the woodwork that kept out a superb strike from the visitors hit from 30 yards out, a wonderful strike that had the whole ground stunned.

This sparked a small spell of dominance that saw Leamington enjoy a couple of half chances and a corner.

But, after weathering the storm, County were back on the attack, the next chance falling to Kyle Jacobs who couldn't connect with the ball cleanly as his shot blazed over the bar.

Leamington were soon hearing boos ringing around from the stands at their attempts at timewasting, and, at this stage, there was only one team who wanted to push for the positive.

Finally County got the goal they deserved to draw the game level. New boy Tunji Moses picked up the ball in midfield and passed it to Jacobs who played a perfectly-timed and perfectly-weighted through-ball to Phil Jevons. The veteran striker's touch didn't let him down and he placed it neatly underneath the keeper to give County the reward their attacking play warranted.

As the Hatters went in search of a winner it appeared that Leamington had other ideas and firmly parked the bus to constantly frustrate both the County players and fans.

Despite constantly pushing forward the hosts couldn't get that elusive second goal to win the game and a magnificent 2,925 saw both teams leave Edgeley Park with a point each.

Whilst it was disappointing to have conceded so softly, it was positive to see both the crowd and the players react well to going a goal down, never giving up. No doubt spurred on by Alan Lord, the team showed determination to fight their way back into the game - a refreshing change from recent seasons, when conceding first often meant the team rolled over and called it a day.

County Line-Up: Ormson, Jacobs, Fagbola, Charnock, O'Halloran, Turner, Verma (Moses), Gosset, Howard (Moke), Jevons and Dennis

Unused subs: Jones, Tunnicliffe, Lofthouse

Attendance: 2,952 (152 Away Fans)

Sunday, 8 September 2013

MATCH REPORT: COUNTY 3 - 1 Gainsborough Trinity

Thank the Lord: County get their first win of the season


By Chris Larkin


There are games that change seasons.

County have had many such days - Plymouth in 1996, Cheltenham in 2006, Fleetwood in 2011 and Saturday, Gainsborough in 2013.

Today was one of those days that give you renewed belief and confidence. Not before time.

Stockport County ran out comfortable 3-1 winners at home. Those words have been waiting too long to be written this season.

With the County line up featuring the newly acquired Danny Gosset, on loan from Oldham Athletic, the game started with the home team on the back-foot. The visitors, despite their lowly league position, came at County from the off, obviously not wanting to allow the home team any forward momentum.

They forced Ormson into a bit of quick thinking a couple of times early on and thr young keeper did well to keep the scores level before they won their first corner of the game which was confidently dealt with by an otherwise shaky looking defence.

It wasn't long before the Hatters found their confidence though and were soon peppering the Holy Blues box.

County had some very good chances as both Howard and Dennis came close to giving the Hatters a lead but they found it impossible to break down the Lincolnshire team's robust backline.

County were almost made to pay for their wastefulness as the visitors caught them on the break, a chance that required Ormson to come storming out of his area to clear the danger following a great ball to the on-coming Trinity striker.

That counter attack seemed to spark the visiting team into life as they forced Ormson into a couple of good saves in quick succession and it was only some last ditch defending by the home defence that kept them out.

But it wasn't long before County were in the ascendancy once more - Kristian Dennis forcing a smart save out of the visiting Goalkeeper to give County a corner and really pile on the pressure.

The Hatters had another half chance that was cleared and their chances of getting that elusive goal before half time looked to have gone. But Rhys Turner had other ideas and kept the chance alive with a ball to Kyle Jacobs who played in Dennis.

The striker, only just back from injury, unleashed a beautiful strike beyond the helpless reach of the Gainsborough 'keeper to send the County fans into raptures and send the Hatters in at half time with a deserved advantage.

Clearly hurting from conceding just before the break, the Trinity players came out with renewed vigour. They won a corner almost immediately but wasted the opportunity and then gave County the space to rediscover the attacking flair that served them so well in the first half.

Left back O'Halloran had a shot cleared off the line and, a minute later, Aman Verma was once again cursing his luck as he had an effort cleared off the line for a corner.

The disappointment didn't last too long though as, though the corner was cleared, some more good work from Rhys Turner gave him the room to cross the ball for Phil Jevons to score his first County goal - a low header into the bottom corner.

With the momentum firmly behind the Hatters, they looked to extend their lead as Howard and Dennis were unlucky not to add to County's advantage.

In typical County fashion though, despite all the home side's pressure, Gainsborough managed to pull a scrappy goal back against the run of play following a goalmouth scramble.

Some Keystone Cops style defending, with almost every player trying to get a foot on the ball in the County box, saw the ball fall at the feet of Gainsborough's Lacey who poked the ball home amid the chaos.

Following the goal, substitutions were swift, with Adriano Moke replacing the impressive Rhys Turner and, shortly afterwards, Myerscough Alumni Bobby Lofthouse and Scott Duxbury came on for Kristian Dennis and Iain Howard.

County continued to push forward and looked to put the game to bed as they made progress towards the visitors goal with Adriano Moke finding Phil Jevons who found himself in the visitors box with just a single defender between him and the goal.

Jevons skipped forwards and was tripped by the Gainsborough defender to give County a penalty and the chance to put some gloss on the scoreline.

Jevons doubled his tally for the day, placing his kick confidently in the bottom corner of the net beyond the reach of the keeper.

As soon as the visitors kicked off the referee blew for full time and County had finally, at the Sixth time of asking, got their first win as a Conference North side.

Thank the Lord.

Attendance: 2,802

County Line-up: Ormson, Jacobs, Fagbola, Charnock, O'Halloran, Turner (Moke), Verma, Gosset, Howard (Duxbury), Dennis (Lofthouse), Jevons

Unused Subs: Jones, Tunnicliffe