It’s that time again! The first match preview of 46 to come this season, as County travel to Huddersfield for tomorrows curtain raiser on County’s new season in a new league.
In the last competitive game County played, there were 35 thousand people singing their hearts out at the home of the national team as the Hatters were spurred on to a brilliant 3-2 win over neighbours Rochdale, for a place in League One.
Tomorrow, around 2000+ County fans are expected to make the relatively short trip down the motorway o see thier Wembley heroes (what’s left of them!) in action against opponents Huddersfield.
County today completed the signing of favourite Stevie Gleeson for the third time in two years. Gleeson is expected to miss out tomorrow though.
It’s very much rolls reversed for the Hatters tomorrow. In the 04-0 dreadful season, County began their season at home to newly promoted….Huddersfield. New County strike force Luke Beckett (now a Huddersfield player) and Warren Feeney put County 2-1 ahead, but in the last minute two Pawel Abbott goals sunk the men in blue.
County were then sunk by Town at the McAlpine as even a hattrick by Warren Feeney couldn’t preven the Hatters from defeat. In a topsy turvy game, Feeney gave County the lead after 1 minute and 58 seconds, until ‘Field equalised sooon after. Pawel Abbott then lobbed the ball over County’s keeper to make it 2-1 to Town.
Feeney then struck twice more in the second half to put County 3-2 up, until Huddersfield eased 3 more goals past County and sent County away with a 5-3 defeat.
Vital Quotes:
Huddersfield manager Stan Ternent: ‘We have tough games coming up; Stockport could be classed as half a derby and Bradford certainly is one, whereas Colchester will have an eye on promotion. No games are easy and we will prepare properly for each one, but when the ball moves its war and you have to do your best.
‘Stockport have come up, are coming to a big Stadium with a big crowd and a lovely playing surface and I’d expect them to be up for it. It will be difficult, but it’s a challenge to look forward to. We will be organised, fit and have a desire to win.
‘I’ve had them covered and I have a decent idea of how Stockport will setup, but it’s more about what we do. I imagine they will look at it the same way, but we have to contend with that.’
County PR man Des Hinks: ‘The whole place is buzzing and we’re approaching a record season tickets sale. We’re expecting an average gate of around 6,500.
‘I suppose the side will be looking to consolidate in League One, but there is a feeling that they could do well.
‘I think Peter Thompson could be a key player this season because he is stepping into Liam Dickinson’s shoes.
‘We’ve also got the likes of Rowe, Gary Dicker, Pilkington and Raynes – these young players are worth a lot of money.’
Huddersfield Team News:
Experienced former Premier League defender David Unsworth will be making his debut tomorrow as he signed today after a successful trial with Town.
The only other injury to the squad is youngster Danny Broadbent.
Luke Beckett may have to settle for a place on the bench, while former County man Jim Goodwin will make his competitive debut.
Player to watch: Jim Goodwin
It’s got to be. The former County player signed for ‘Field earlier this summer and has looked in good form against opponents like Arsenal in pre season.
The grey haried midfielder will have a tough battle on his hands up against Gary Dicker and Dominic Blizzard.
County Team News:
New loan signing Stevie Gleeson was due to have an injection on his foot on Thursday due to an injury in his left toe which prevents him from striking the ball cleanly.
Peter Thompson, Owain Fon Williams, Johnny Mullins and Carl Baker will feature, and there could be a place on the bench for youngster Darren Green, who has scored in every one of County’s Development Squad games this pre-season.
Goalkeeper Lewis Rigby has been signed on an emergency loan, and will complete a permanent 12 month contract on Monday morning. He will take his place on the bench tomorrow.
Player to watch: Peter Thompson
Pistol scored his first goal for the Hatters last week with a neat finish against local rivals Man City in a 2-2 draw. Now that he’s got the first strike out of the way, expect Thompson to be a lot more confident. eWe have already seen him harrying and jostling with defenders, but tomorrow will be the first real competitive test for ‘Pistol.’
Match Odds
Huddersfield – 8/11
raw – 9/4
ounty – 16/5
Match Prediction:
2-1 Huddersfield. Reverse psychology an’ all that?
Next Fixtures:
Leicester v COUNTY – The Walkers Stadium (Carling Cup 1st Round) Tuesday 12th August, 7:45pm.
COUNTY v Leicester – Edgeley Park. (L1.) Saturday 16th August 3pm.
