County are waiting on striker Oli Johnson to prove his fitness ahead of the league Once clash with Hartlepool United at Edgeley Park tomorrow night.
Johnson has been caused a bit of pain from a floating bone in his ankle, similar to the injury that plagued Adam Proudlock during his time at EP, and he sat out the 0-0 draw at Huddersfield on Saturday.
The Hatters are now unbeaten in three and have only lost one in seven on current form, and boss Gary Ablett is delighted with his young squad.
Vital Quotes:
Gary Ablett: ‘I was really impressed with Huddersfield but equally, I was impressed with our attitude and desire to deny them.’
‘We’re delighted with the point but now we have to focus on Hartlepool. There’s no point coming to Huddersfield and doing well if we can’t repeat the performance.’
County Team News:
Matty Mainwaring remains the only long term abesntee with his nasty leg-break in pre-season, though the youngster has pleased medical staff with his reaction, and he’s now ahead of schedule and looking to return midway through January.
Oli Johnson will face a late fitness test over his ankle injury, and Johnny Mullins will be given the OK for the game after taking a knock at Huddersfield on Saturday.
Player to watch: Liam Bridcutt
A quality talent, and it’s clear to see why he’s at Chelsea, but he’s been a bit relaxed in possession over the last few games and may need to step it up a gear and get stuck in whilst playing his football down at a lower level.
Hartlepool Team News:
‘Director of Sport’ Chris Turner has no new injury worries ahead of the visit to Edgeley Park tomorrow to face, of course, his old club.
Turner could be set to name an unchanged side after watching the Monkey Hangers stroll to a 3-0 victory and their first home win over Walsall on Saturday.
Player to watch: Leon McSweeney
County fans know all abotu McSweeney, who impressed at Edgeley Park as a versatile player, playing in virtually every position except goal during his stint with County.
McSweeney was one of the players let go by the faceless administrators as part of that exodus last summer, and looks to have landed on his feet at Hartlepool. Should make an impact coming off the bench.
Match Odds
County – 5/4
Draw – 11/5
Hartlepool – 7/4
Match Prediction:
1-1. 4 points from these next two home games will suit me fine!
Next Fixtures:
COUNTY vs Southend
League One
Edgeley Park
Saturday 3rd October ’09/3pm
Right.. sticking my neck out here and saying that I actually EXPECT us to win. One nil will do lads! Also expecting a sub 4,000 gate though.
Ah well, lower crowds on a Tuesday night always produce the better atmosphere! 3-0 County and a second half rendition of GA’s Blue n White army lasting all half!
Missed the game but looks as though we needed that third to kill it before half time. No worries though, GA knows! Stuff the Shimpers on Saturday and we are solid in mid-table. Just need the new owners to step forward now and give Ablett a little bit of cash!