Stockport County visit the biggest club in the league tomorrow with the biggest ground, the best support, the biggest players and the biggest prices.
Yeh right. Bradford in fact are 18th in League Two despite thinking they are a bigger club than most, with only 18 points from 16 games.
Despite County’s poor form they are still above Bradford in the league, though a win for Bradford will see them overtake County in the league table.
County however had a game last night and lost to Staines on penalties, the game lasting 120 minutes. Tired legs are likely to carry through to tomorrow’s game surely?
Vital Quotes:
Jim Gannon: ‘We’ve lost the game on penalties but I thought we played a huge part in a fantastic game.
‘It wasn’t a humbling experience because I’ve got a great respect for non-league football.
‘I think four of five of our best players from my time at the club have come out of non-league like Ash Williams, Anthony Pilkington Liam Dickinson and Matty McNeil.
‘So I’ve got a great respect for non-league football at every level.’
Stuart McCall (Big Clubs Manager): ‘People can think We’re on a roll and this is it, we’re gonna win – but football doesn’t work like that.
‘We’re going to have to make sure we work really hard to get any reward.’
Bradford Big Club City Team News:
Thierry Henry won’t be available for Bradford but Petr Cech should just get back from international duty in time to start.
City are still waiting for international clearance on Willy Topp but they welcome back Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu after a one-match ban.
Eddie Johnson is still ruled out with a bad back, while Alex Rhodes has strained his hamstring in training and will not feature.
Player to watch: Peter Thorne
Thierry Henry he isn’t, but he’s found the net on the last two occasions apparently and he could be dangerous tomorrow.
Stockport County Team News:
Conrad Logan will return for County after having to sit out last night because parent club Leicester didn’t want him cup tied.
Apart from that its much the same, Ashley Williams, Dominic Blizzard and Rob Clare are all out long term.
Liam Dickinson should be OK again after being ill last night.
David Poole was set to start on Monday night but after training the decision was reversed for last nights game, he could start.
Anthony Pilkington looked threatening when he came on, he could grab a starting spot.
Paul Tierney should be back in contention after missing the last two games.
Player to watch: Anthony Pilkington
Been on hot form in the cups this season, putting in good performances at Charlton and Staines when it mattered.
He hasn’t transferred that to the league though yet, and if he gets his chance tomorrow he could shine.
Match Odds
Big Team – 10/11
Draw – 11/5
Stockport County – 5/2
Vital Tip: Bradford half time, Draw full time. 14/1.
Ref Watch:
Ray Lee from Brentwood is the referee tomorrow. His last game in charge of County was the 5-2 win over Darlington last season at Edgeley Park, Lee did award Darlington a penalty that day, though it was a cast iron one.
Next Fixtures:
STOCKPORT COUNTY V Lincoln City – Tuesday 4th December (Tuesday week)
