Preview: Grimsby v Stockport

The Opposition

The plight of the last few years of Stockport County can be compared to that of Grimsby’s, having fell from the old Division One to League Two in the space of 3 seasons. The Hatters spent five seasons in Division One after Dave Jones had led them to promotion from the Second Division and the semi final of the League Cup in 1997. But Jones was lured by the manager’s vacancy at Southampton and a succession of managers starting with former England midfielder Carlton Palmer failed to relive the success of the 1990’s. Palmer could not prevent the Hatters’ relegation in 2002, but vowed to build a squad capable of bouncing straight back the following season. The season did not live up to expectations and Palmer was replaced by Sammy McIlroy who was as unsuccessful as his predecessor. He was replaced a year later by Chris Turner who had previously managed Hartlepool and Sheffield Wednesday. By this time Stockport were in financial meltdown and bottom of the league, Turner failed to keep them up and they finished bottom with just 26 points. Having been relegated to League Two the club was bought by its fans, they again struggled and a 6-0 thrashing at rivals Macclesfield signalled the end for Turner who resigned the following day, leaving the club five points adrift at the foot of the table. Former player and local hero Jim Gannon took the reigns and lost just one of his first ten games, eventually keeping Stockport up on the final day. Last season was also a remarkable one, at one stage County won nine games on the bounce without conceding, but missed out on the play-offs on goal difference despite winning 5-0 at Darlington in the final game.

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Head to Head

There have been 67 meetings between the sides in all competitions, with Town shading the wins column. The Mariners have won 28 of the games, with Stockport winning 23, and there have been 16 draws.

P 67 W 28 16 L 23 102 A 85

Stockport Head-to-Head (36th on The Opposition Ladder)

Last Meeting

Stockport 3-0 Grimsby (Saturday 30th December 2006)

Stockport continued their rise up the table with a comfortable 3-0 win which was almost decided in the opening minutes. An error from Town keeper Phil Barnes put County 1-0 up before a number of curious decisions were given by the referee and the linesmen including the decision to send Nick Fenton for apparently handling in the box. Although he missed the penalty, Liam Dickinson made amends with a volley minutes later. The Hatters wrapped up the points when Michael Malcolm struck home with 12 minutes remaining.

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