Reds host unbeaten Stockport County tonight

With two draws in their first two games an undefeated FC United welcome an undefeated Stockport County to Broadhurst Park this evening in a mouth-watering contest in the Vanarama National League North.

With two draws in their first two games an undefeated FC United welcome an undefeated Stockport County to Broadhurst Park this evening in a mouth-watering contest in the Vanarama National League North.

Following up from a 3-3 draw at Chorley the Reds also drew their opening home fixture against AFC Telford United on Tuesday with two draws not possibly reflecting the performances on the field the Reds now welcome near neighbours and quite possibly the most recognisable name in our league in Stockport County.

County finished in the top half of the table last season, ending in 9th place with 59 points which was six points and four league places above our standing at the end of last season, but have started this term off in the best possible way.

After opening with a win at home to Alfreton Town last weekend they made the short journey to Bower Fold on Tuesday evening where they beat Stalybridge Celtic 3-1 to make it two wins from two games.

The Reds and County have just met twice in competitive fixtures with either team winning the away fixture 2-1 last season. County were the first league visitors to Broadhurst Park last season but despite the Reds taking an early lead through Rory Fallon the visitors spoilt the part thanks to two second half goals. In the reverse fixture at Edgeley Park the Reds came away with their own 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Rory Fallon and Tom Greaves.

Originally formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers the team adopted their name in 1890 and became members of the Football League in 1900 and amazingly competed in the Football League continually from 1905 to 2011.

Perhaps the most successful period in the club’s history was in the 1990’s when County went as high as the Championship level for five seasons as well as being League Cup semi-finalists in the 1996-97 season.

In 2008 County overcame local rivals Rochdale at Wembley Stadium in the League Two play-off final but instability on and off the pitch since then has seen the club fall from League One to the Vanarama National League North, but all current signs point to the club building back up once more.

Current manager Jim Gannon is back in charge at Edgeley Park for the third time in his career, already part of the club’s Hall of Fame Gannon returned to the help earlier this year and with a full pre-season in charge County must surely be looking to return to former glories and have certainly started the season well under the guidance of Gannon.

Tonight’s game is a 7.45pm kick off and the match is all ticket, so get yourself to that football ground for what promises to be an unforgettable night.

Enjoy the game.