We’re back in action..

Stockport County play their first game in over two weeks tonight, as Chesterfield visit Edgeley Park in what is sure to be a muddy muddy night.

County’s derby with Bury was postponed due to the bad weather, and the visit of Mansfield was postponed as Mansfield were still competing in the cup against Middlesbrough on BBC.

However tonight’s game shouldn’t be in too much doubt, though Sale Sharks did play on Friday night and it is just starting to rain around Edgeley Park.

County drew 1-1 with Chesterfield at Saltergate in the second game of the season, Liam Dickinson gave County the lead but Chesterfield equalised to share the points.

Vital Quotes:

Jim Gannon speaking to StockportCounty.com: Tonight’s team selection has been the most difficult of all this current season.

‘The performance against Accrington Stanley over two weeks ago is a distant memory and any individual performance in that game has long since been forgot. I am not a ‘stickler’ for running with a winning team. Players who earned their place in the team then, and perhaps felt worthy of staying in the team because of the result, may have been worked out of the team for a number of different reasons.

‘During the last two weeks we have seen the return to fitness and form of Ashley Williams and Gareth Owen. Their return cannot be underestimated as they are the captains and natural leaders of the team.

‘Furthermore, the training performance of a number of players has steadily built my confidence in them. Players out of the team determined to push hard to get back in, and young hungry players sensing the opportunity to develop and grab any opening that might materialise for them. Those openings in the first team will emerge if first team players drop their standards and don’t maintain their drive, energy and enthusiasm to perform.

‘If the players continue to remain fit and injury free we will have a very strong squad for the remainder of the season. This sense of strength in depth should be an encouraging factor and it is important that our players accept that this depth and quality is for the good of the team, the squad and the club.’

Stockport County Team News:

James Smith looks certain to miss out tonight after picking up an ankle injury.

Dominic Blizzard is also likely to miss out after he felt unwell last week and missed training.

Longer term absence Rob Clare and Matt McNeil are both definitely out.

However Ashley Williams and Gareth Owen are back fit and ready for selection should Jim Gannon wish to select them.

Player to watch: Anthony Elding

Well we are hoping we are going to watch him, if we do then it should rule out any rumours about a possible move to Hartlepool – but if Elding is a no show then it could confirm the rumours about his move to the Monkey Hangers.

Chesterfield Team News:

Lesterfield get to pick from an unchanged squad after picking up no injuries in the defeat at Wycombe.

Peter Leven and Jamie Lowry are available despite picking up their fifth yellow cards.

Player to watch: Jamie Ward

Last time he returned to Edgeley Park he was booed, he choose Torquay over County and it looks like a bad choice now. However he is now at Chesterfield (and they got relegated when they signed him), but he will be looking to silence the boos tonight.

Match Odds

Stockport County – 11/8
Draw – 21/10
Chesterfield – 13/8

Ref Watch:

Mr Ray Lee is tonight’s referee. He was the referee in County’s 1-1 draw at Bradford City in November, when David Poole got a late equaliser in front of the County fans. He sent a Bradford player off in the game for two yellow cards, and County were generally the better side.

Previous to that he refereed in the 5-2 win against Darlington last season at Edgeley Park.

Next Fixtures:

Dagenham & Redbridge V STOCKPORT COUNTY – Saturday

Bury V STOCKPORT COUNTY – Tuesday