NEXT UP: Stockport County

Stockport are in a sorry state. They’ve lost their last 11 league games and suffered a 4-0 F.A. Cup defeat to lowly League Two outfit Torquay United. They haven’t played since late December and now welcome Swindon Town to Edgeley Park.

Town will be overwhelming favourites but Swindon boss Danny Wilson will not be taking this fixture for granted as he attempts to leave Greater Manchester without a loss.

Vital Quotes:

I feel for the Stockport County fans and that’s the honest truth.

It’s been a nightmare season for them and I imagine that watching their beloved Hatters in action will be a welcome destraction from the chaos that appears to be happening behind-the-scenes at their club.

As Swindon Town fans we know only to well what it’s like to have the threat of losing your club due to off the field issues.

Vital Swindon hope Stockport County survive this dire situation they find themselves in.

Stockport Couty Team News:

The Hatters hope to end a depressing run of 11 straight defeats.

Ablett’s hopes to include MK Dons loan trio Danny Swailes, Richie Partridge and Jemal Johnson to his squad alongwith Colchester player David Perkins and another MK Dons reserve player Jabo Ibehre could also sign in time for tomorrows clash.

However, Gary Ablett’s Stockport have recently lost two of their better performers in Oli Johnson who has joined Norwich City and Carl Baker who signed for Coventry City recently.

This is Stockport County’s first fixture of the decade with the weather ruining their schedule.

The Hatters last game was the 4-2 loss at home to Leeds United. County led 2-1 and performed more than adequately but Leeds proved too strong.

Stockport side that lost 4-2 to Leeds in late December

Owain Fôn Williams
Johnny Mullins
Michael Raynes
Christin Ribiero
Adam Griffin
Paul Turnbull
David Poole (sent off 90′)
Carl Baker
James Vincent
Peter Thompson (Oli Johnson 76′)
Matty McNeil

Subs not used:

Paul Gerrard, Greg Tansey, Danny Pilkington, Andy Halls, Daniel Rowe, Sam Barnes

Christian Ribeiro has returned to Bristol City.

Peter Thompson has since joined Linfield on loan.

As mentioned Oli Johnson and Carl Baker have also left.

Other County Players

Michael Rose, Matty Mainwaring, Declan Edwards, Gianluca Havern, Craig Roberts, Lloyd Rigby, Tom Fisher, John Disney, Sam Hare, Sean Williams, Reiss Lee.

Player to watch: OWAIN FÔN WILLIAMS

Stockport County are losing their prized players but have yet to lose Williams who has been subject of much interest from other clubs in the past.

The Welsh international is a great goalkeeper who can earn valuable points when he’s on form.

Swindon Town Team News:

Alan Sheehan is definately out with a hamstring injury. Physio Dick Mackey has stated that he has returned to Leeds United to recover. Lescinel Jean-François or Callum Kennedy are ready to act as cover for the Irishman.

Mackey has also commented on the fitness of Charlie Austin who suffered mild whiplash against Gillingham. Mackey believes that Austin will be fit for the trip to Greater Manchester.

Alan O’Brien is out while Craig Easton is also doubtful.

Side that beat Gillingham 3-1 last Saturday

David Lucas
Kevin Amankwaah
Alan Sheehan (Lescinel Jean-François 59′)
Scott Cuthbert
Gordon Greer
Jon-Paul McGovern
Danny Ward
Jonathan Douglas
Simon Ferry
Charlie Austin (Vincent Péricard 68′)
Billy Paynter (Ben Hutchinson 80′)

Subs not used

Michael Timlin, Sean Morrison, Lloyd Macklin, Phil Smith.

Other Town Players

Hasney Aljofree, Callum Kennedy, Lee Peacock, Nathan Thompson, Jakub Jesionkowski, Mark Scott, Kurt Hammonds, Alex Henshall, Matty Barnes.

Player to watch: VINCENT PÉRICARD

Charlie Austin should be fit for this one. However, Danny Wilson may choose to not risk the prolific goalscorer and go for his new signing instead.

Péricard impressed during his cameo debut against Gillingham but this could be an ideal opportunity for him to take his chance.

Match Facts & Stats

Despite both clubs having long histories between them, the two clubs have only met eachother 32 times. Town have won 14, lost 11 and drawn 7

Last Time Around

13/01/09: STFC 1-1 Stockport County

STFC: Jack Smith 62′
SCFC: Anthony Pilkington 73′

STFC: Peter Brezovan, Michael Timlin (Kevin Amankwaah 78′), Jerel Ifil, Pat Kanyuka, Jack Smith, Anthony McNamee (Michael Pook 86′), Craig Easton, Lee Peacock, Jon-Paul McGovern, Barry Corr (Blair Sturrock 71′), Simon Cox.

SNU: Lilian Nalis, Phil Smith.

NOTE: Little over one year on and of the 16 man squad only Jon-Paul McGovern remains a regular while 10 have departed the club. Also, Timlin, Easton and Peacock are not considered first team regulars either.

SCFC: Owain Fôn Williams, Johnny Mullins, Jim McNulty, Tommy Rowe, Jamie Tunnicliffe, Dominic Blizzard, Anthony Pilkington, Carl Baker (Oli Johnson 74′), Michael Raynes, Matty Mainwaring, David Mooney (Matty McNeil 72′).

SNU: Gary Dicker, Paul Turnball, Robbie Threlfall.

Other recent meetings

20/09/09: Stockport County 1-1 STFC

SCFC: Stephen Gleeson 32′
STFC: Craig Easton 49′

SCFC: Owain Fôn Williams, Johnny Mullins, Gareth Owen, Jim McNulty, Michael Raynes, Dominic Blizzard (Peter Thompson 70′), Tommy Rowe (Paul Turnball 82′), Stephen Gleeson, Leon McSweeney, Anthony Pilkington, Carl Baker (Gary Dicker 46′).

SNU: Michael Rose, James Vincent.

STFC: Phil Smith, Jack Smith, Hasney Aljofree, Sean Morrison, Kevin Amankwaah, Michael Timlin (Anthony McNamee 90′), Lilian Nalis, Craig Easton, Jon-Paul McGovern, Billy Paynter (Barry Corr 63′), Simon Cox (Lee Peacock 86′).

SNU: Kasali Yinka Casal, Peter Brezovan.

03/03/07: Stockport County 3-0 STFC

26/08/06: STFC 2-0 Stockport County
29/01/05: STFC 3-0 Stockport County

Ref Watch:

Michael Oliver


The last game that Mr. Oliver officiated was the controversial 3-2 win for Ipswich Town over Coventry City.


It was controversial due to Ipswich managing to grab a winner in 97th minute!


This season Oliver has officiated 20 games – dishing out 59 yellow cards and 3 red cards

Chris McCready (Northampton Town)

Joe Ledley (Cardiff City)

Mark Hughes (Barnet)

Assistant Referees
K.W. Haycock & M Heywood

Fourth Official: D. Gratton.

Match Prediction:

Stockport are fighting for their lives and will not be a pushover.

Stockport County 1-2 Swindon Town.

Next Fixtures:

Swindon have next Saturday off. However, it will be ideal preparation as Town welcome high-flying Leeds United to the County Ground a week on Tuesday.