Stockport County match day!

[Bridgey@Stockport]

League Game 1
Stockport County 1 - 4 Millwall

A new season, a new start! It promised so much and after 3 minutes into the first game and first home game of the season County took the lead against Millwall. From there though the bubble burst, the away side switching to A and taking it to us. That tactical switch meant the County youngsters were under immense pressure and under that pressure they crumbled. 1-1 at the break turned into 1-4 at the end, I was left pondering what could have been and set into motion early changes, transfers wise to the team. Surely the only way is up from here?

Stats wise the away side edged, but the amount of action in the game meant it was far too open and the away side were more clinical. That needs to addressed before the next game.

FA Cup game - Round 1
Stockport County 5 - 2 Reading

We put right the wrongs of the first league game in the first round of the cup. Scoring freely with goals across the team meaning an emphatic win against lower league Reading. Young Louie Barry with the man of the match performance. The concerning thing again was how open the game was and although on the right side of the result this time we still conceded two goals and as stated against lower league opponents is still very concerning. Doubts about the young players are certainly setting in, especially the keeper Bazunu. Even Gnonto should be doing better since his big money move. Definitely another match and another set of questions to answer.

League game 2
Stockport County 0 - 2 Nottingham Forest

Another home game and another loss, a very even game stats wise but again on the wrong end of a 0-2 scoreline. No real positives from the game. No stand out performances and leaves Stockport at the foot of the table.
Early days I know but something needs to change and fast. Surely I’ve not made that much of an error that I’ve misjudged the league. I’m beginning to think I’ve lost my touch, or maybe I never had it in the first place!

[Bridgey@Stockport]

League game 3
Luton Town 2 - 2 Stockport County

Third game of the season and a lot of work to do after the initial games. This game dubbed the tale of the two Hatters. With both teams sharing the same nickname meant pride was on the line. Who would be the ‘real’ Hatters after the game?

The truth? There was very little between both teams. Meaning the question will go unanswered. It will more than likely go the distance and we will see which team finishes higher.

It did look like Stockport were heading for a 0-2 win until the dying embers of the game. The home side with two quick fire goals to rescue a point.

Not an ideal result but a point that will surely stop the rot and means we can build a platform to get off the bottom of the division.

FA cup round 2
Barnsley 1 - 0 Stockport County

We travelled away to Barnsley who are in the division above us. Despite this we were pretty sure we knew how they would setup and we were correct. Playing N vs their E.

We had the lions share of the game and the stats, but Barnsley were able to shut us out and steal a goal and the win. Hugely disappointing result and to exit the cup after a great performance, but we should be proud of giving such a great game to a much better side.

The question keeps popping up though, are these young players up to the task? If they aren’t ill have to make a tough decision about moving them on.

League game 4
Stockport County 2 - 1 Fulham

With Gnonto rating up to 20 rated in the previous game I was interested how he’d fair. Was he going to go missing like he has done in each of the previous games since signing? The answer emphatically was no! A brace and the MOTM performance were all his and he carried County to their first league win, three points and single handedly raised them off of the bottom of the league.

Not only was it a stand out performance for Gnonto but the team showed what the had in the locker. The stats showing they controlled the game throughout. Despite this they were still unable to keep a clean sheet, with further fingers pointed at Bazunu and his lack of experience. I’ll be making the decision soon on him and may decide to swap for older better.

[Bridgey@Stockport]

League Game 5

Stoke City 2 - 3 Stockport County

A crucial game against my old team. We needed a result and although the stats show we were slightly fortunate to win. It means we move away from the bottom places and start to build some confidence.

All the goals coming in the first 20 minutes meant we had to hold on for the rest of the game, but we managed it. Gnonto again with a goal and a man of the match performance. His time at Stockport maybe numbered though with a number of top level teams circling around for his signature.

Still worrying that we still can't keep clean sheets. Bazunu may have to be sacrificed with Gnonto to help with this. The right deal must come in for them too!

[Bridgey@Stockport]

League game 6
Stockport County 1 - 1 Norwich City

In a dull game at Edgeley park the home side attempted to build some momentum after a great away win in the previous game.

Instead of building momentum though they lost it, although taking an early lead they managed only a point, Norwich putting in a great away performance that deserved more than a point.

The manager had this to say after the disappointing result “We got more than we deserved today, I need more from these players. I’m not convinced they have the quality and it means why I’m playing 5 at the back. We may need to play a more open and offensive way to move up this league!”

Good game Norwich, you deserved more!

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[Bridgey@Stockport]

League game 7
Brentford 0 - 2 Stockport County

After an underwhelming performance in the last game Mike Bridge made some massive moves in the transfer market. Swapping Bazunu and Willy Gnonto for Sam Johnstone and Jack Grealish.

These massive signings are expected to take this side to the next level and go from a mid table expected finish to a promotion chasing side.

Asked whether this puts more pressure on the manager Mike Bridge has this to say “Of course, it’s a results business but with how good these guys are people will expect us to smash every team we play to pieces. All we can do is manage the nerves and play to our best ability and the results will come. Hopefully starting today!”

In a tough away game against Brentford, Johnstone and Grealish made their debut. Instantly showing their class. Grealish scoring and assisting in the fist 25 minutes, meant the away side could take their foot off the gas and coast to a 0-2 win.

A man of the match performance for Grealish and a clean sheet for Johnstone meant Mike Bridge’s side had the perfect start to their push for promotion.

The supporters will certainly be happy today and with the change in direction for the club! The season will certainly be more interesting from here on in!

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[Bridgey@Stockport]

League game 8

Stockport County 1 - 3 Ipswich Town

With County seemingly turning the corner and stringing a few results together this game and result brought them back down to earth with a bang.

The away side controlling the game from the off and even though the home side scored first against the run of play, Ipswich kept their composure and played their own game and raced out 1-3 winners.

These are the games though County should be winning if they are to get promoted. Too inconsistent and too flimsy at the back means leaking silly goals and not scoring enough they will lose more than they will win.

On a side note Jack Grealish did nothing in this game and the wages he’s on means he needs to pull his finger out or him and his terrible haircut will be moved on.

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[Bridgey@Stockport]

League game 9

Bristol City 0 - 0 Stockport County

A very poor away performance, but we managed to pick up a point. The season is definitely not going in the direction I was hoping for.

I’m looking to ditch 5 at the back as we’re not creating enough at all. Even with Grealish!

We need to turn this around and mount a push for promotion or Mike Bridge maybe pushed before he gets the team to where he promised he would!

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[Bridgey@Stockport]

League game 10

Stockport County 2 - 0 Huddersfield Town

Home advantage and TA meant we finally turned the corner. Took 3 points and kept a clean sheet. Not only that Jack Grealish with a man of the match performance had me thinking he does have a future at the club. Huddersfield Town are a great team and to dominate the stats and take the points means a lot.

Hopefully this isn’t a flash in the pan and Grealish can stamp his authority on this league. Stats wise he’s the best mid in the league, but he needs to step up and show this more.

The idea of moving to 4 at the back has been set in motion anyway though and will happen! This will mean we are more open at the back but with the talent we have up top we have to make this move, but when and will the gamble work as I expect!

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[Bridgey@Stockport]

League game 11

Middlesbrough 0 - 2 Stockport County

Looking at the scoreline it looks like a routine win, but this was far from that. Bernat getting sent off on the 39th minute meant we were under a lot of pressure, away at such a strong team. Despite this we got a penalty early in the second half, which Toney dispatched and further against the run of play Grealish was able to put the icing on the cake in the 90th minute.

A clean sheet and another 0-2 victory, but let’s discuss the home sides goal in the first half that was chalked off for off side and also Sam Johnstone’s injury on the 46th minute.

With10 men and our best keeper out injured, to win in this adversity sends a message to the league that we won’t give up! Boro can definitely feel unlucky though and karma will get us back in the season I’m sure!

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[Bridgey@Stockport]

League game 12

Leicester City 1 - 0 Stockport County
This was a game between the champs current top wages earners. Leicester narrowly top and with the quality players they have you can see why.

The home side shaded the stats the game and the result in the end. On the 25th minute taking the lead. From this moment they were able to control the game and keep Stockport County at arms length.

County need to learn from these games and work out how to scrap with the better teams in the game. Very disappointing, definitely, but we move on and hopefully recover quickly!

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[Bridgey@Stockport]

League game 13

Stockport County 1 - 1 Sunderland

Time to ditch 5 at the back!

The experiment didn’t end in failure, but doesn’t go down as a success either. At home we played positively, but on all aspects of the stats we’re were second best. The away side even taking the man of the match award.

We’re so inconsistent and I’m sure more changes are need to find the right chemistry between the players. Also, for a 24 rated player Johnstone in net is not pulling his weight.

A point is a point though! Let’s see if we can get a good run going this time!

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[Bridgey@Stockport]

League game 14

Watford 4 - 6 Stockport County

Up against top of the league meant a return to 5 at the back and still playing a positive P.

We unfortunately gave away TA as well the home advantage. It took to go 1 down to start playing well, but by half time we were 3-2 down. We had to go for it and were able to take the lead within 7 minutes of the restart. From the 52nd minute Watford went P and put us under pressure to square the score up. The pressure told in the 63rd minute and they made it 4-4, at that point they tried to counter and we were able to out score them getting a further two goals.

Very happy to beat top of the league, very happy to score 6 and dominate the stats. I’m furious we conceded 4 and left the game that open. It’s something to work on though!

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[Bridgey@Stockport]

League game 15

Stockport County 0 - 2 West Brom

1 step forward and 3 steps back, after a great victory away to top of the league we go out with a whimper at home to West Brom.

We played the same formation and team, but were totally inept and the stats for the game were terrible. We play like Manchester United in real life.

The consolation for dropping further points in the league is that the table is so condensed, any team that can put on a good run soon will pull away from the pack.

Just goes to show, no game is easy in the champ, we must keep fighting.

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[Bridgey@Stockport]

League game 16

Birmingham City 1 - 1 Stockport County

A game on paper that we should be winning, especially with the gulf in ability.

However, the plucky home side were able to battle for a point.

A very open affair meant that there should have been more goals in it that the 1-1 result. But both sides were very wasteful. We did have more of the ball, but the possession stat doesn’t win matches!

My ideas to get this team firing are dwindling now!

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[Bridgey@Stockport]

League game 17

Stockport County 0 - 0 Cardiff City

Another home game and another draw. Even though the game was open and there were chances at both ends, no team managed to break the deadlock and the points were shared. Upon looking at the stats this was more than fair, but the County fans who were out in force wouldn’t have been happy.

The best player for the home side was comfortably the goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who despite his age is definitely an upgrade on Bazunu who left under a cloud of controversy. With Johnstone in will County make a push for automatic promotion? What is clear is that they will need to be more adventurous going forward to turn these kind of draws into wins!

Grealish will definitely need to step up his game, start taking games by the scruff of the neck, otherwise he will be next to suffer the wrath of Mike Bridge wielding his axe!

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