Stockport clash is reason you get into this division - Holleran

Twelve years ago, Stockport were playing Wolves in Division One, while Leamington were losing 3-2 to Wilmcote in the Midland Combination Division One.
Ricky Johnson brings the ball forward for Brakes during the reverse fixture at Edgeley Park. Picture: Sally EllisRicky Johnson brings the ball forward for Brakes during the reverse fixture at Edgeley Park. Picture: Sally Ellis
Ricky Johnson brings the ball forward for Brakes during the reverse fixture at Edgeley Park. Picture: Sally Ellis

However, tomorrow the two sides meet as equals, with just seven points separating them in the Skrill North table.

And while there are still only three points up for grabs, Brakes boss Paul Holleran is in no doubt as to the significance of tomorrow’s encounter.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than Stockport,” said Holleran.

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“The amount of people who have come up to me and said they are coming on Saturday...

“We’ve got Boston and Telford coming up as well and these are the reasons you get into this division, to play teams like that.

“Stockport County are one of the biggest clubs in non-league, if not the biggest.”

After flirting with the relegation zone, the Hatters have won seven and drawn two of their last 12 to rise to 11th.

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Much of the credit for their turnaround must go to manager Alan Lord who took over four games into the season.

However, Holleran believes their stuttering start was as much a result of teams lifting their games to try and get one over the big boys .

“They’re settling down after a poor start - Alan Lord has turned it around,” he said.

Leamington probably had the same problem as they came through the leagues.

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“Because of who they are and how many travel it creates a great atmosphere.

“But these home games are the ones we should be picking up points from if we are going to establish ourselves in the middle of the table.”

Holleran should have a near full-strength squad to choose from with injury worries Joe Magunda, Danny Newton and Craig Owen having all trained this week.

Recent signing Aron Wint also goes straight into the squad having been denied a debut last week due to the postponement of the fixture at Guiseley.

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Wint joins a long line of play ers with Solihull connections to make the move to the New Windmill, but Holleran says the close proximity of the sides means crossovers are inevitable.

“At this level you’re always going to get that. There are 15 miles between the two clubs.

“The difference is that Richard Batchelor, Liam Daly, Ricky Johnson and Josh Hawker have all been approached to go the other way but have chosen to stay.”

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