In association with LV BET, Aldershot Town welcome eighth placed Stockport County to the EBB Stadium for the first time since 2011 on Saturday.
The Hatters are in excellent form and unbeaten in their last five away games, whilst The Shots have taken seven points from the last nine at The EBB.
Shots Squad:
Shots boss Danny Searle will be without George Fowler who has a long-term knee injury. Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong is unlikely to be involved. Craig Tanner is in line for a home debut following his first appearance at Plainmoor last weekend.
Opposition:
Name: Stockport County
Founded: 1883
Nickname: The Hatters / County
Manager: Jim Gannon
Stadium: Edgeley Park
Final position last season: 1st (National League North)
Current National League Position: 8th
Potted History:
Stockport County Football Club were formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, switching to their current name seven years later. Known to their fans as The Hatters (after the town’s hat making industry) County have played at Edgeley Park since 1902.
They became a Football League club in 1900 and competed in it continuously from 1905 to 2011. The team spent most of their history in the lower reaches of the Football League, but the 1990s were more successful, with the club competing in the top flight for five seasons, reaching the League Cup semi-finals in 1996–97.
Following relegation from the football league after the 2010-11 season, County started 2011-12 in the National Conference and at the end of their second season, were relegated to the Conference North. Last season, they were promoted as Champions and they currently sit one place outside the play-off positions on goal difference.
The Gaffer:
51-year-old Jim Gannon started and finished his playing career in Ireland, but spent the majority of his professional appearances in the English Football League for Stockport County. He is in his third spell as Hatters manager, having also spent time as the club’s Director of Football.
Playing Squad:
Gannon showed great faith in last season’s title winning squad, keeping 18 of them at the club. He lost the services of left back Scott Duxbury to AFC Fylde and top scorer Matty Warburton to EFL side Northampton Town. Gannon kicked off the season with just two new signings, but has used the loan market effectively. Harrogate Town Winger Joe Leesley and Salford City’s Tom Walker and Devante Rodney have all been brought in to strengthen the Hatters attacking options.
Referee:
Saturday’s referee is Richard Hulme. He has refereed 7 National League matches this season, showing 25 yellow cards and 2 red cards to date. He took charge of Aldershot Town’s 1-0 home defeat to Bromley.
Commentary:
There will be live BBC Surrey Sport commentary of Saturday’s game, with Rob Worrall and a special guest, from 2:50pm. To interact with the commentary team, tweet @RobShot66.
