MillersMad Match Thread...Millers v Stockport County

[Heliosphan78]

Putting aside the trauma of yet another away defeat, it's time to welcome one of Matt Hamshaw's former clubs, Stockport County, to the New York Stadium. So let's get to know a bit about our visitors.

The Boss
Dave Challinor, appointed 2/11/21. Under his tenure, County won the National League title in 21/22 and also the L2 title, two seasons later, in 23/24. They finished a respectable 3rd in L1 last season, losing out to Leyton Orient in the play-offs.

Player(s) To Watch
On loan from Aston Villa, Louie Barry was Stockport's top scorer last season, finding the net 15 times. He's now on loan with the Blades so it'll be interesting to see how they've replaced him. One such player could be 18 year old Nathan Lowe (on loan from Stoke) who scored 17 goals for Walsall last season in just 26 appearances. Another new boy at Edgeley Park is Jamaican international, Malik Mothersille. County signed the pacy forward this summer from Peterborough for a fee reported to be circa 1million, a club record. Kyle Wootton is their current top scorer with 3 goals so far.

Away Form
P4 W1 D2 L1

Last 5 away (starting with most recent):
(L1) Plymouth 4 v 2 Stockport
(L1) Wigan 1 v 1 Stockport
(EFL Cup) Wigan 1 v 0 Stockport
(L1) Leyton Orient 2 v 2 Stockport
(L1) Wycombe 1 v 2 Stockport

What about last time?
L1 Stockport 3 v 1 Millers (12/04/2025)
L1 Millers 1 v 1 Stockport (29/12/2024)

Wanna bet?
Millers to win 12/5
Stockport to win 21/20
Draw 11/5
Both teams to score 4/5
Hugill first goalscorer 9/1
(SkyBet)

Summary
Another away defeat puts added pressure on us to get something out of this game. However, it won't be an easy task against a team with promotion ambitions and who would have beaten Cardiff City last week had it not been for a 97th minute equaliser. Worryingly, we're flirting with the bottom 4 and some of the teams below us have some very winnable games this weekend.

The good news (and I say it quietly) is that the injury situation is starting to ease. McWilliams and Hall are both in contention for the Stockport game. Agbaire, Etete and Sherif are all due back in the next week or two. So assuming we get them fit and keep them fit, we should start to see things improve. Hopefully it starts on Saturday.

I've got a good feeling about the game. I'm predicting a 2-1 win to the Millers. Play-off charge starts here...or maybe not. We'll soon see.

Enjoy the game folks and as always, UTM.