22nd v 23rd

Stockport had a reality check on Tuesday with the defeated away at local rivals Stalybridge. The 2-1 defeated knocked County out of the FA Trophy and meant that the league could now be their main focus.

Alfreton Town are the visitors to Edgerly Park this Saturday, Alfreton have been in inconsistent form this season as The Reds struggle in their first ever season in the Blue Square Premier.

The Reds currently sit just one place below The Hatters with County currently having a two point advantage on the BSP newcomers. Alfreton sit in 23rd position in the Blue Square Premier after only picking up 17 points from 24 games, currently Alfreton have the worst away form in the league after only picking up 4 points from a possible 36. Alfreton have conceded 55 goals this season and only scored 26 leaving The Reds with a goal difference of -29 this is the worst on the league.

Alfreton have won the last two games consecutively. With a 3-2 win over fellow strugglers Newport and also last Saturday beaingt Southport 4-0 in the FA Trophy. Could these results set up a good spirit for the Alfreton hopeful ahead of their visit to Edgeley Park?

Nathan Jarman is the main man for Alfreton Town scoring 8 goals for The Reds this tally makes the striker the highest scorer at the club.

Stockport have only two players who could miss tomorrows game, Andy Halls and Nabil Bounab. Young fall-back Halls picked up a injury in training on Thursday but hopes to make his return for tomorrows game. Nabil Bounab is defiantly out for tomorrow through a long term injury.

Stockport will be able to include new signing Joe Connor who will produce defensive cover for the team and also County will have the services of Euan Holden available to them after he missed Tuesday nights game through personal reasons.

My prediction is that Jim’s men can finally win under his managerial-ship tomorrow and beat Alfreton Town quite comfortably. Looking at the fixtures over Christmas Stockport really do have to start picking up points to climb the table under Jims leadership. My prediction s a 3-1 County win with McCnville scoring two and a goal for striker Tom Elliot to boost his confidence. I predict the attendance to be 2752 as the last of the Christmas shopping needs to be done for some people.

Can County do it?

Animo Et Fide – Jimmy Gannons n White Army.