Hatters out to make it three in row
STOCKPORT County host National League North’s Curzon Ashton in a behind closed doors friendly in a 1pm kick-off on Saturday. Stockport have two wins out of the last two games against Salford City and Colne, alongside zero goals conceded.
It looks as if Jim Gannon’s men are starting to turn it up a notch, as they look to go one better than last season’s tremendous achievement of finishing outside of the play-offs in their first year back at this level.
Altrincham finally look to start their first friendly of the new season, after this week’s match against Ashton United had been cancelled. Altrincham, following promotion via the playoffs to the National League, will travel away to Nantwich Town.
Meanwhile, Macclesfield Town are yet to play a game under new manager Tim Flowers. Following the EFL appeal last season, the Silkmen will see themselves in the National League alongside Stockport County and Altrincham.
The League One season kicks off this Saturday following a weekend of Carabao Cup action last weekend. It seems rather strange to start a season with a cup match, however, this year has been very much like that and the strange is something we will all have to get used to this year.
Rochdale will be hoping to continue their good form into the opening match, as they travel to newlypromoted Swindon Town. Having seen both sides in action during pre-season, Rochdale stand a good chance of getting the three points and a good start to the season. It has been well covered that Dale is on a tight budget. However, Brian Barry-Murphy does have some talented youngsters within his squad to call on.
Moving on to League Two. Bolton Wanderers start life in the bottom basement of league football with a home tie against Forest Green Rovers. Ian Evatt has overseen a big squad rotation this summer and it may take time for the team to gel; As the preseason results have shown of late. Oldham Athletic look like they may have finally turned a corner under new boss Harry Kewell with a string of fine results in pre-season and a comfortable 3- 0 win over Carlisle United in the Carabao Cup only adds to the confidence. Kewell’s men host Leyton Orient with them searching for the three points to catapult their start to the season.
Salford City earned themselves an away tie at Everton in the Carabao Cup last week and will be hoping the buzz off the pitch will translate onto it for Graham Alexander’s men. A home game against last season’s beaten play-off finalists Exeter City is not the easiest way to kick off your league campaign, but a stern test straight in at the deep end should prove beneficial.
Into Non-League where there is plenty of FA Cup action in the qualifying prelims. Ashton United host Squires Gate, Mossley welcome St Helens Town and Ramsbottom United entertain Irlam, all at home. The Latter will be hoping that their pre-season form takes a turn for the better, especially with the Northern Premier League North West division starting their campaign the following week. The Football Manc Cave are hoping to get down to the match, with postmatch interviews on our Monday podcast.
Also in FA Cup action are Trafford who travels to Wythenshawe Amateurs and Stalybridge Celtic go to Stocksbridge Park Steels. Two young sides that are very exciting to watch, and certainly ones to look out for this season.