2018-19 National League North

[Railway Blue]

Have to feel sorry for Ashton getting that midweek

Should get a 4-figure crowd shouldn't they?

 

[Josh Butler]

Josh Butler - Is Craig Elliott under real pressure at Boston yet?

How many players you used now this season?

Not under pressure. It has been a bit underwhelming
Used 40 players or so.
Big signings in the summer didn't work out so he's chopping and changing
Looks like we may finally have some consistency in the team
Be nice to get some wins over Xmas and beyond

 

[DarkSithLord]

Not under pressure. It has been a bit underwhelming
Used 40 players or so.
Big signings in the summer didn't work out so he's chopping and changing
Looks like we may finally have some consistency in the team
Be nice to get some wins over Xmas and beyond

That wont be difficult against us. You just need to turn up.

Well on track to beat the 46 different players we used last season.
31 different players for us so far this season. The players dont care so they will probably go on the piss over Xmas so I look forward with dread to conceding another bucket load on Boxing Day,

 

[ForzaCounty]

6-0, didn't see that coming!

County an absolute class above Ashton tonight - or rather, they were a class below us. It was like watching a Cheshire Cup game against a side much lower; they were beyond poor. We played some good stuff in spite of the heavy pitch, keeping up a high tempo attack that Ashton just couldn't deal with for the first hour or so. What impressed me most is that we could dictate play well enough to keep our attacks down the higher side of the sloped pitch, Thomas first half and Duxbury second, in order to get crosses in.

And a special word for Duxbury - he absolutely tore that right-back apart. MotM has to be Jake Kirby, though, orchestrated the show from the middle of the park.

That puts County up into the playoffs, and a lovely boost to the goal difference. Obviously everyone's talking about a promotion push now, for me that all relies on one matter - Jamie Stott, and whether we can renew his loan in January for the rest of the season. If we can, him and Palmer should be able to keep up their imperious partnership. If not, we'll have to resort to calamity Chris Smalley.

The crowd was a bit less than I'd have expected, then again the weather's been horrible all day and it's one of four away games in 11 days. Roll on Saturday's trip to Alfreton.

 

[Darlo On Tour]

Tuesday 18 December 2018 National League North Result

Att. 830 - Ashton United 0 Stockport County 6

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

6-0, didn't see that coming!

County an absolute class above Ashton tonight - or rather, they were a class below us. It was like watching a Cheshire Cup game against a side much lower; they were beyond poor. We played some good stuff in spite of the heavy pitch, keeping up a high tempo attack that Ashton just couldn't deal with for the first hour or so. What impressed me most is that we could dictate play well enough to keep our attacks down the higher side of the sloped pitch, Thomas first half and Duxbury second, in order to get crosses in.

And a special word for Duxbury - he absolutely tore that right-back apart. MotM has to be Jake Kirby, though, orchestrated the show from the middle of the park.

That puts County up into the playoffs, and a lovely boost to the goal difference. Obviously everyone's talking about a promotion push now, for me that all relies on one matter - Jamie Stott, and whether we can renew his loan in January for the rest of the season. If we can, him and Palmer should be able to keep up their imperious partnership. If not, we'll have to resort to calamity Chris Smalley.

The crowd was a bit less than I'd have expected, then again the weather's been horrible all day and it's one of four away games in 11 days. Roll on Saturday's trip to Alfreton.

That’s a bit harsh on Smalley, who has done a decent job for us over the past few years. I don’t see any reason why Stott wouldn’t stay but if he didn’t I think Keane would drop back in there.

What formation and where did Kirby play tonight then - it’s hard to keep up with our formation changes when you can’t get to many matches.

 

[Darlo On Tour]

Local derby tonight for us away at Ashton United. Been there for a pre-season game but never a league match.

3 points a must which would see us move into the play offs spots on goal difference!

Everyone's a winner, fantastic result for both our club's.

 

[MWS]

That’s a bit harsh on Smalley, who has done a decent job for us over the past few years. I don’t see any reason why Stott wouldn’t stay but if he didn’t I think Keane would drop back in there.

What formation and where did Kirby play tonight then - it’s hard to keep up with our formation changes when you can’t get to many matches.

I also think that's a bit harsh on Smalley. He is mistake prone but has been a solid servant to the club since he was brought in (on an emergency basis!).

I wouldn't expect Keane to drop in though. He's been steadily impressive in the number 4 in recent weeks. Keeps the team ticking over nicely.

All that being said, I think Stott will stay past January and beyond.

Kirby was wearing 11 but seemed to swap a good number of times with Warby in the 10. His movement and close control took them apart. Looks a class above. Would love to see him and Dimaio link up as they are the kind of higher level player we need to get out of this division.

Best thing about this squad is the strength in depth (apart from left back!). Osbourne has been excellent since he re-joined us, but is having to settle for a place on the bench after getting injured.

Sam Walkers suspension has come at the wrong time for him because Turnbull is back now. For me though Walker has been the most consistent player this season and should be a starter.

Building up a head of steam with a strong squad is exactly where we need to be. We have a tough set of fixtures coming up with Altrincham twice, Kidderminster and Bradford PA.

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

I also think that's a bit harsh on Smalley. He is mistake prone but has been a solid servant to the club since he was brought in (on an emergency basis!).

I wouldn't expect Keane to drop in though. He's been steadily impressive in the number 4 in recent weeks. Keeps the team ticking over nicely.

All that being said, I think Stott will stay past January and beyond.

Kirby was wearing 11 but seemed to swap a good number of times with Warby in the 10. His movement and close control took them apart. Looks a class above. Would love to see him and Dimaio link up as they are the kind of higher level player we need to get out of this division.

Best thing about this squad is the strength in depth (apart from left back!). Osbourne has been excellent since he re-joined us, but is having to settle for a place on the bench after getting injured.

Sam Walkers suspension has come at the wrong time for him because Turnbull is back now. For me though Walker has been the most consistent player this season and should be a starter.

Building up a head of steam with a strong squad is exactly where we need to be. We have a tough set of fixtures coming up with Altrincham twice, Kidderminster and Bradford PA.

When we went to a back three against Spennymoor last week Gannon moved Keane into the defence despite having Cowan available and as you say we have a ridiculous amount of central midfielders to try and keep happy.

Anyway let’s hope it doesn’t come to that as Stott and Palmer are our best pairing since we’ve been at this level.

 

[Boz]

It’s great to hear that Jake Kirby is up and firing at Stockport. Divided opinion at Tranmere and sustained another injury after coming back from a broken leg last season, or might have got another deal with us.

 

[ForzaCounty]

I also think that's a bit harsh on Smalley. He is mistake prone but has been a solid servant to the club since he was brought in (on an emergency basis!).

Not just mistake prone but with awful distribution. He & Clarke struck a successful partnership a couple of years ago, but that was with Montrose in front of them; once he went and wasn't adequately replaced, those two were shown up & the goals started leaking in.

As far as Keane is concerned, he played at the back a couple of times at the start of the season and I thought he looked solid enough there (better than he initially did in midfield, but he's grown immensely since then)

While we're on the subject of squad changes, since January's coming up, I think there's a big question mark over Cowan right now who's looking shakier at right back with every game. Useful for cover & on the right side of a back three if we play it, but I'd happily start Minihan instead of him. Wouldn't be surprised if Stephenson goes. And we should be on the phone to Jim Bentley every day checking for any chance of Oswell on loan, since he's not doing it at that level.

 

[ForzaCounty]

It’s great to hear that Jake Kirby is up and firing at Stockport. Divided opinion at Tranmere and sustained another injury after coming back from a broken leg last season, or might have got another deal with us.

He's only been back the last couple of games, and even my nan could have looked imperious against that Ashton side last night (and she'd need to be dug up first), but it's a promising start. Many of us remember being impressed with him during his loan spell a few seasons ago, hope to see that again

 

[DarkSithLord]

Bloody hell. Curzon have loaned Niall Cummins to Marine AFC for a month. Is this for match fitness? Who is gonna score the goals now?

 

[appletablepenny]

Bloody hell. Curzon have loaned Niall Cummins to Marine AFC for a month. Is this for match fitness? Who is gonna score the goals now?

Joining Neil Young, assuming he hasn't retired for the 7th time.

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

Not just mistake prone but with awful distribution. He & Clarke struck a successful partnership a couple of years ago, but that was with Montrose in front of them; once he went and wasn't adequately replaced, those two were shown up & the goals started leaking in.

As far as Keane is concerned, he played at the back a couple of times at the start of the season and I thought he looked solid enough there (better than he initially did in midfield, but he's grown immensely since then)

While we're on the subject of squad changes, since January's coming up, I think there's a big question mark over Cowan right now who's looking shakier at right back with every game. Useful for cover & on the right side of a back three if we play it, but I'd happily start Minihan instead of him. Wouldn't be surprised if Stephenson goes. And we should be on the phone to Jim Bentley every day checking for any chance of Oswell on loan, since he's not doing it at that level.

Clarke was awful last season but I think Smalley was decent enough, particularly when paired with Stott towards the end of the campaign.

I hope you’re right about Stephenson, I have run out of patience with him. Would be nice to get in a replacement with pace and an end product.

Oswell started and scored for Morecambe last time I checked up on him and even if he does go out on loan I’m sure it will be to a National League club unfortunately.

 

[CFC4LIFE]

Clarke was awful last season but I think Smalley was decent enough, particularly when paired with Stott towards the end of the campaign.

I hope you’re right about Stephenson, I have run out of patience with him. Would be nice to get in a replacement with pace and an end product.

Oswell started and scored for Morecambe last time I checked up on him and even if he does go out on loan I’m sure it will be to a National League club unfortunately.

I did warn you about Stephenson! Was never a fan of him

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

I did warn you about Stephenson! Was never a fan of him

He scored goals at a pretty regular rate for you guys though.

 

[AnimoEtFide]

Last night was pretty much what I expected the Conference North to be like when we first dropped into part-time regional football six years ago, until it quickly became apparent that Stockport County's ability to serve up failure transcends time, space and division.

Ashton may have been awful, but we've come across plenty of awful sides in recent years and have still managed to make hard work of it, so it was pleasing to see us put in a properly clinical, effective and professional performance. However, smashing teams like Ashton makes it even more frustrating when we draw against the likes of Nuneaton and Hereford at home.

Hopefully we can use this result to build some momentum. It feels like our impressive results are now beginning to outnumber our disappointing ones. Hopefully the accepted wisdom that Gannon teams improve in the second half of the season is beginning to transpire (and we haven't left it too late).

 

[CFC4LIFE]

He scored goals at a pretty regular rate for you guys though.

He did, but his overall game was poor, goals papered over the cracks

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

Bloody hell. Curzon have loaned Niall Cummins to Marine AFC for a month. Is this for match fitness? Who is gonna score the goals now?

Fitness I think and should have happened a while ago. He got a very bad injury in our last/second last home game last season which kept him out for months, came back about September but well at part-time level it is really gonna take whole season for him to get fit.

Think they tried easing him in games and has failed so maybe writing him off for this year and get him fit for next.

A huge blow as he’s a 15 goal very striker at this level.

Morgan seems out a lot also which leaves Ryan Brooke who I seen last year and isn’t conf north level.

 

[MWS]

Tomorrow we travel to Alfrehoof Town for our 4th consecutive away game (in all competitons)! Heading into the game on the crest of a wave having beaten Spennymoor (1-3), Altrincham (0-1) and Ashton United (0-6) in our past three games and moving into the play offs on the back of it.

Alfreton managed to beat us 1-0 at EP earlier in the season courtesy of a Tom Denton goal after 6 minutes. Thankfully (from a County perspective) the beanpole striker has moved onto pastures new.

Much has been said of Alfreton's recent form. The 7-1 defeat to Spennymoor should have been the nail in the coffin for Billy Heath but he lives to fight another day.

Hopefully we'll provide the catalyst for his dismissal which will no doubt be met with jubilation from DSL!

With all that being said, it would be very 'County-like' to lose this one......

 

[Chief Rocka]

Stockport fans, we're being linked with Frank Mulhern, thoughts? chances of departing? loada bollocks?

 

[DarkSithLord]

Tomorrow we travel to Alfrehoof Town for our 4th consecutive away game (in all competitons)! Heading into the game on the crest of a wave having beaten Spennymoor (1-3), Altrincham (0-1) and Ashton United (0-6) in our past three games and moving into the play offs on the back of it.

Alfreton managed to beat us 1-0 at EP earlier in the season courtesy of a Tom Denton goal after 6 minutes. Thankfully (from a County perspective) the beanpole striker has moved onto pastures new.

Much has been said of Alfreton's recent form. The 7-1 defeat to Spennymoor should have been the nail in the coffin for Billy Heath but he lives to fight another day.

Hopefully we'll provide the catalyst for his dismissal which will no doubt be met with jubilation from DSL!

With all that being said, it would be very 'County-like' to lose this one......

Hopefully! I have a family occasion tomorrow so (thankfully) wont be able to make it. Another hatful on the road is very much within the realms of possibility for County.
As you say our form is well documented. How Billy survived to fight another day after the Spennymoor debacle I am not so sure.

One thing is for sure I am very confident we will be outnumbered by Hatters tomorrow.

Stockport fans, we're being linked with Frank Mulhern, thoughts? chances of departing? loada bollocks?

Alfreton had him on loan from Guiseley for a spell last season and although he did ind the net 3 times in his 6 appearances this did include a brace against a Step 7 pub team. He appeared to have something about him but was raw. Seems to have started to come of age at County, however I do not believe he is up to National League level.

 

[AnimoEtFide]

Stockport fans, we're being linked with Frank Mulhern, thoughts? chances of departing? loada bollocks?

Really?! He's a decent player, but he's hardly set the world alight since joining.

 

[Chief Rocka]

Cheers for the thoughts.

Could be a load of crap, but Richard Money is clearly after another striker since our current mob of forwards have about 7 goals between them this season, I think Pools are trying to be one of those clubs who buy young players who have potential with a view to selling them on in the not too distant future, I guess we'll see.

 

[MWS]

Cheers for the thoughts.

Could be a load of crap, but Richard Money is clearly after another striker since our current mob of forwards have about 7 goals between them this season, I think Pools are trying to be one of those clubs who buy young players who have potential with a view to selling them on in the not too distant future, I guess we'll see.

As AnimoEtFide said above, he's been very average since joining. He's a clever player but went through a very flat period where Nyal Bell was preferred ahead of him up front, and Nyal Bell is VERY raw.

That being said, he does seem to have turned a corner in recent weeks and is working much harder and linking up with our attacking midfielders better.

Is he National league standard, no. Does he have potential to be, i'd say yes.

 

[ForzaCounty]

As others have said, Mulhern's getting in the goals recently & he has got something about him, but he's still very raw and definitely not ready for a step up yet. A couple of months ago I was thinking his anticipation just isn't there but he's gotten better, gets good headers despite his size & quick off a defender's shoulder when the ball's played through.

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

Worth noting that Mulhern was signed on a two-year deal and we paid a small fee as well so if you want him you’re gonna have to give us some wonga.

He’s a strange player for me as i’m not actually sure what his strengths are but he hasn’t got any great weaknesses either.

 

[Bluandwite]

Bradley Jackson to Chester confirmed, comes in from Ashton Utd.

Most impressive opposition player I've seen this season.

 

[DarkSithLord]

Big incentive for Chester FC players. Stuart Murphy, aside from £1m donation, is offering £2,500 bonus for Chester wins to squad. Chairman’s ‘Star player’ gets £500, managers MoM gets £500 and £1,500 gets split between match day squad after a win. No bonus payments for defeat.

Not sure about this