County will be looking to get off the mark in League Two at the second attempt this weekend, as we travel to the Poundland Bescot Stadium to take on Walsall.
A late goal from substitute Robbie McKenzie saw Gillingham inflict a fifth consecutive opening day defeat on County last weekend, with the Hatters unable to make the most of a largely dominant second half at Edgeley Park.
We then came within a matter of seconds of causing a major upset in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, leading at Championship side Sheffield Wednesday until a 97th minute equaliser sent the game to penalties – the Owls ultimately progressing on spot kicks. Again, there was a sense of County not getting what they deserved out of the game, and there will be a determination to put that right heading back into the league campaign.
It’s been a similar start to the season for our hosts, Walsall, who opened their campaign with a late defeat of their own away at Morecambe. Danny Johnson looked to have earned his side a point on his return to the club after cancelling out Adam Mayor’s opener, only for Farrend Rawson to win it for the Shrimps in stoppage time.
They too gave Championship opposition a real scare in midweek, twice taking the lead away at Blackburn Rovers only for the home side to hit back, and eventually win 4-3.
Things you need to know:
- Tickets for this game can now only be purchased via Walsall’s website. Click here to buy yours today – be sure to select your seats in the away end, sponsored by B.A.T.
- Please note that the Poundland Bescot Stadium is a cashless stadium.
- Saturday’s game will be available for our overseas supporters to stream over on Stockport County Live, featuring live commentary with Sam Byrne and Liam Richardson. Audio commentary will also be available for our supporters located in the UK. Click here to buy a pass today.
Our Opponents:
After a disappointing second half of last season that saw boss Michael Flynn depart the club in April, Walsall will be hoping for better this time round under the management of Mat Sadler.
The Saddlers were well placed for a promotion push heading into the new year, actually sat above County in 9th place after beating Mansfield Town on New Year’s Day – just two points shy of the top seven at the halfway stage.
The Midlands side, however, would go on to win just two of their final 23 league games – including a 12 and nine-game winless run, that saw them plummet into the bottom half of the table.
They picked up just 19 points in the second half of the campaign, eventually finishing in 16th place; closer to the bottom of the table than to the play-off places.
Sadler, a former Walsall player and member of the coaching staff, took interim charge for their final three games following Flynn’s departure, managing to guide them to a final day win at home to Doncaster Rovers.
Following what the club described as an ‘extensive recruitment process’, the 38-year-old was given the job permanently over the summer – his first managerial role, having retired from playing in 2022.
Sadler has moved quickly to strengthen his squad over the close-season, with then new additions bringing a fresh feel to the Poundland Bescot Stadium heading into the new campaign.
Birmingham midfielder Ryan Stirk has been brought in on a permanent deal following loan spells at Mansfield Town and Bromley, whilst at the back they’ve moved to bring in Priestley Farquharson from Newport County and 20-year-old Harry Williams from non-league Alvechurch.
The Saddlers have also brought in former County man Chris Hussey, with the experienced defender signing a one-year deal after been released from Edgeley Park in June.
The biggest signing from a Walsall perspective, however, was the return of striker Danny Johnson. The forward enjoyed a purple patch whilst on loan with the club last season, scoring 15 times in 30 appearances before returning to parent club Mansfield in January.
Now back on a permanent deal, the 30-year-old marked his return by scoring on his second debut at Morecambe last week. His departure coincided with the club’s downturn in form – his second coming will spark hope of better things to come for the season ahead.
Match Stats:
- The two clubs have gone head-to-head 53 times in all competitions, with Walsall holding a narrow historical advantage with 23 wins to County’s 20.
- Our 2-0 win against Walsall last December was just our second victory in the last 14 meetings between the two, and our first at the Bescot Stadium since October 1999.
- Saturday will be Dave Challinor’s 100th game in charge of Stockport County. He has won 56 of his 99 games in charge so far, since taking charge in October 2021.
