Following Tuesday evening’s excellent performance and victory (1-0) at Notts County, Aldershot Town return to the EBB Stadium on Good Friday, to take on another team that currently sits in a play-off position, Stockport County.
In association with LV BET, Rob Worrall previews the game:
Shots Squad:
Lewis Kinsella made his long awaited return at Meadown Lane in midweek, after a 13 month spell out with an MCL (knee) injury. Craig Tanner is back in training and not too far off a return. Ross McCormack remains side-lined with an Achilles problem, as does Alex Finney, who recently had surgery to his hamstring. Ricky Miller missed the midweek trip, with a tight hamstring and is doubtful for Friday’s game.
Opposition:
Name: Stockport County
Founded: 1883 (as Heaton Rovers)
Nickname: The Hatters
Manager: Simon Rusk
Stadium: Edgeley Park 2019/20
National League Final Position: 7th (9th on PPG)
The Gaffer:
39-year-old Simon Rusk was appointed as Stockport County Manager just over 2 months ago, following the departure of Jim Gannon. A former professional footballer, Rusk played as a midfielder for the likes of Boston United, York City and Crawley Town. He was promoted from what is now the National League as a player, so knows this level of football well. As a Coach, he holds the highest possible licence, the UEFA Pro-Licence and until recently was the Brighton & Hove Albion u-23 Manager, helping develop the likes of Solly March, Aaron Connolly and Steven Alzate towards the first team at The Amex, for whom all three now play regularly.
Playing Squad:
Rusk brought attacking midfielder Tom Walker back to the club on loan from Harrogate Town and has more recently brought in Harry Cardwell and Elliott Newby from Chorley. He has also made a marquee signing in Fleetwood Town Striker Paddy Madden on a three year contract and given one month loan deals to Winger Nathan Shaw (Blackpool) and Striker Jack Stretton (Derby County). County’s squad already boasts many highly established players at National League level, such as last season’s National League Player of the Season, John Rooney, from Barrow, England C midfielder Ryan Croasdale and former Salford Skipper, Liam Hogan. Players contracted again this season include County favourites; Keeper Ben Hinchcliffe, Defenders Sam Minihan & Ash Palmer and former Tranmere Rovers and Salford midfielder Lois Maynard. Incoming this season are a plethora of National League talent, including; Left Back Mark Kitching (Hartlepool), the Jennings brothers, Connor and James (from Tranmere and Wrexham respectively and Jordan Williams (AFC Fylde). Striker Alex Reid, who has played for a number of National League clubs, is banging the goals in up front (13 in all competitions) but it’s Rooney that leads the way in the scoring charts with 17 to date (all comps).
Form:
County are unbeaten in their last 5 National League games, having Won 3 and Drawn 2 of them. They currently sit 4th in the National League table 13 points behind leaders Sutton United.
Referee:
Good Friday’s referee is Scott Jackson. This season, he has taken charge of 12 National League matches, showing 49 Yellow Cards and 2 Red Cards.
Match Coverage:
The match will be live streamed and available on Shots TV Live HERE, presented by Mark Butler along with Special Guests. There will also be live BBC Surrey Sport Commentary from Rob Worrall and a guest summariser.
