You’ll be sorry
STOCKPORT County boss Jim Gannon took another swipe at FC United after his side avenged last month’s FA Cup defeat with a 4-1 victory at Edgeley Park on Saturday.
County out-classed the Rebels and was less than impressed by their reliance on overly physical challenges, one of which forced Gary Stopforth off the field.
Gannon again took aim at the struggling Rebels, who have parted ways with previous manager Karl Marginson since the action-packed FA Cup affair – with the Hatters chief again suggesting that the Moston side’s downfall will be of their own making this campaign.
“We’re not sure in terms of a timescale for Gary. He’s just lucky his foot is in the air at the time of the tackle, because if it’s planted on the floor he could have been in even more trouble,” said Gannon. “Players like (Michael Connor) and aspects of the game like that disgust me, and if FC United want some motivation from this interview, I can confidently say that they are going to lament their poor discipline at the end of the season.
“They’ve got good players sat in the stands because of suspensions, they’ve got players coming off having injured themselves making poor challenges and they’re giving away penalties which lead to losing games.
“It was a very good start to the game – the lads were very professional. There were some solid performances in a difficult atmosphere once FC United lost control of their side and lost their discipline.
“We were forced into a change through a terrible challenge. If the referee had done his homework, he’d have seen that Michael Connor was sent off against us last month for similar challenges on Gary. The first was a yellow, and then the awful challenge on Jimmy Ball compounds that – and Connor actually injured himself and had to come off in that challenge, so maybe there’s karma there.”
Gannon soon turned focus towards a trip to lowly Boston United this weekend.
County’s home wins this season have often been followed up by inconsistent runs of form, and Gannon admitted that his side couldn’t afford to dwell on last Saturday’s crushing win as The Hatters seek to move into the play-off spots heading into the festive period.
“It was definitely important, whether it’s due to the nature of our loss against them last month or even because of the past couple of home losses, to get a win and remind the fans that we do still have quality in the side.
“We got what we deserved and showed that quality and reminded fans that they can trust in this side – but we’re not going to celebrate this one win too much, we’re going to Boston next weekend and I want back-to-back wins.”
Meanwhile, County and Gannon have been dealt a blow by the news of wingback Sam Minihan being ruled out, after surgery on a groin injury, until February.
The former Worcester man is already eyeing up the return fixture with the Red Rebels for his return.
“I have already targeted the away trip to FC United for my return. I know I’ve got lots of work to do but I’m a very determined individual and I’m up for the challenge. It’s the day after my birthday, so hopefully it’ll be a double celebration!”