JIM Gannon is hoping to continue Countys good form in 2008 as Accrington Stanley visit the Park tomorrow.
County haven’t lost to Accrington, who were one of Countys scalps in the history making run. Adam Griffin scored as The Hatters ran out 1-0 winners at The Fraser Eagle Stadium, and at Edgeley Park, Michael Welch scored a 40 yard piledriver to earn Stanley a 1-1 draw.
Accrington have won 5 of their last 8 on their travels, so Jim Gannon will need to have his tactical head on to outsmart and out play The Stans.
Vital Quotes:
Jim Gannon: ‘A lot of teams are going away from home and looking to consolidate.’
‘Accrington have their own principles and the way they want to play.’
‘They’re a strong unit who play some good football and they’re effective.’
‘It’s going to be a tough game for us so we have to look to build on what we’ve done in the league since the turn of the year.’
County Team News:
James Tunnicliffe and Michael Raynes look set to pair again at the back as Gaz Owen is still out with a hamstring strain.
Matt McNeil is still experiencing pains in his knee although scans show nothing, and Ash Williams is not yet fit but will play in the reserve game on Monday against Bradford Park Avenue.
New signing Jim McNulty could figure after missing the 2-1 JPT defeat to Grimsby through knee injuries.
Player to watch: Leon McSweeney
McSweeney has made two appearances off the bench against Notts County and Grimsby, but hasn’t really had time to make an impact. Can the Irishman get a start and impress tomorrow?
Accrigton Stanley Team News:
Ex-Blackburn defender Mark King could play after signing this morning from the Stans neighbours.
Goalkeeper Kenny Arthur is suffering from a broken leg so Ian Dunbavin will continue his stint in the team.
Player to watch: Ian Craney
Craney played 121 games for Stanley in his first stint at the club, scoring 36 times. He re-signed for Accy from Swansea City for a club record fee. Has previously won Conference Player Of the Year twice.
Match Odds
County – 5/6
Draw – 23/10
Stanley – 13/5
Ref Watch:
Mr Probert is a Championship referee that has been officiating since 2001 and has made his way from the FA Vase to the Championship playoffs. His only other County game was this time last year in the 4-1 defeat to Watford in the FA Cup third round.
Match Prediction:
2-1 Accrington.
Next Fixtures:
COUNTY vs Man City 3pm Senior Cup
