Matchday preview: Stockport County (home)
The big news for $tockport County as they arrive at Yeovil Town for the final match of the Glovers’ season is the absence through injury striker Paddy Madden.
The Irishman, who will forever be a legend among Yeovil supporters for his 24 goals in our League One promotion season in 2013, is missing with an ankle injury.
He has not played since scoring and then going off at half-time with the knock in the 1-1 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge on May 11.
But, for $tockport the mission will be three points to ensure their place in the National League’s top three, meaning they only have to play two games to potentially regain their place in the Football League.
Hartlepool United, who host W*ymouth at the weekend, will be hoping Yeovil can do them a favour by taking points off our visitors to give them a chance to nick third place.
Given their record, particularly away from Edgeley Park where they have not lost in their past six trips, our big-spending visitors will be coming to South Somerset in confident mood.
FROM THE MANAGER
Speaking ahead of the visit to Huish Park, $tockport County manager Simon Rusk admitted that playing in front of opposition fans for the first time this season would present a different challenge to this team.
He said: “It has been a long time since we have had a hostile environment in an away stadium, so we have to be aware of that, but we have an experienced set of players and I think we will deal with that naturally.
“All games represent a difficult task in different ways, and it is probably indicative of the league table where we have have Yeovil who have challenged in previous years but this season has not really panned out.
“But, they are well-organised with a good manager and a strong set of players, so it is another game where you have to be at a high level of performance to get that three points.”
TEAM NEWS
The big news is the absence of Paddy Madden who is expected to miss his chance to return from injury at Huish Park this weekend.
However, $tockport boss Simon Rusk is hoping to have forward Harry Cardwell, who is on loan from National League North side Chorley, back from injury to partner Alex Reid up front in the absence of Madden.
Asked about making decisions on players fitness with crucial play-off games coming up, Rusk said: “In terms of the decisions around players you could expose to injury, we are at a time of year where the consequences are a little more terminal.
“If you lose someone for two or three weeks you are losing them for really important games, so it is in my thinking.
“But, we are a strong team and if players are missing out, we have confidence in those who are coming in.”
As well as Madden, the visitors will be without long term injury victim, left back Mark Kitching, who has been out of the squad since February.
A FOOT IN BOTH CAMPS
If you thought the links between former and current $tockport County and Yeovil Town players started and finished with Paddy Madden, think again.
There’s so many, I’ll just list them and when they played for both clubs:
Paddy Madden – Yeovil Town (2012-2014), $tockport County (since March 15, 2021);
David Poole – Yeovil Town (2005-2007), $tockport County (2006-2008);
Joe Edwards – Yeovil Town (2012-2015), $tockport County (2011-2015 – loan);
Liam Bridcutt – Yeovil Town (2008 – loan), $tockport County (2009-2010 – loan);
Matt Warburton – Yeovil Town (2020-2021 – loan), $tockport County (2017-2019);
Wayne Hennessey – Yeovil Town (2013 – loan), $tockport County (2013 – loan);
Dominic Blizzard – Yeovil Town (2011-2013), $tockport County (2007-2009);
Andy Welsh – Yeovil Town (2008-2011), $tockport County (2001-2004);
Phil Jevons – Yeovil Town (2004-2006), $tockport County (2013-2014);
Paul Huntington – Yeovil Town (2010-2012), $tockport County (2009-2010);
Michael Rose – Yeovil Town (2004-2006), $tockport County (2006-2010);
Mark Lynch – Yeovil Town (2006-2008), $tockport County (2010-2012).
Listen to when the Glovercast met $tockport County podcast, The Scarf Begara Wore, on our latest edition – click here to listen.