Jim wary of Alty threat

STOCKPORT host Altrincham in an eagerly-anticipated local derby at Edgeley Park this afternoon (3pm), with the winners earning a place in the FA Cup first round draw.

County beat Corby Town 3-0 to make it to the fourth qualifying round, and Jim Gannon’s side have lost just once in their last seven games in all competitions.

County have an impressive record against the Robins, winning five of their last seven matches against them – and losing just one.

But Gannon remains wary of the threat Altrincham pose, having won four of their last five games in all competitions – scoring a mammoth 17 goals in the process.

Speaking to Stockport’s official website, Gannon said: “It will be a test, you only have to look at their recent form. They’ve beaten Whitley Bay 5-0 and Bradford Park Avenue 4-0, so they’re a side showing courage in their convictions in the FA Cup.”

Altrincham have just three away losses this year, and Robins’ boss Phil Parkinson was full of praise for his opposite number, even suggesting Stockport should be playing in the Football League.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Parkinson said: “Stockport are a massive name at this level and should arguably be in the League themselves. Jim Gannon is an experienced manager who I have a lot of respect for, so we are all going to have to be at our very best.”