The Hatters

When manager Chris Turner left Edgeley Park at the end of December, Stockport look destined to be playing non league football next season as they found themselves five points adrift or safety after a 6-0 hammering at Macclesfield, which was their fifth successive defeat.

Stockport's fortunes have picked up dramatically since the arrival of former player Jim Gannon, who is assisted by ex-Red midfielder Peter Ward. Gannon, who played fro the club throughout the 1990s, has led Stockport to one place outside of the relegation zone but has refused to negotiate a new contract for next season until the Hatters status as a league club is secure.

Gannon strengthened his squad at the end of last month with two signings for the crucial run in. Goalkeeper Ben Smith signed on non contract terms after being released by Newcastle and midfielder Kevin O'Connor has joined from Wolves in a loan deal until the end of the season.

Stockport's top goal scorer was Jermaine Easter but his 13 goals this season for the Hatters resulted in his transfer to Wycombe at the end of January. Next in the scoring charts are Liam Dickinson and Adam Le Fondre with seven goals each. Dickinson is in his first season in the league and his seven goals have come in only nine starts and six substitute appearances whilst Le Fondre joined Stockport as a trainee in 2004.

Past Encounters

Last 5 Meetings

Oct 05 Wrexham 3 Stockport 0

Apr 05 Stockport 1 Wrexham 4

Dec 04 Wrexham 2 Stockport 1

Nov 04 Wrexham 2 Stockport 0

Feb 04 Wrexham 0 Stockport 0

The teams last met in October with Wrexham running out a comfortable 3-0 winners although Stockport did not help themselves when the since departed Ludovic Dje got him sent off in the first ten minutes. Jon Walters got the scoring underway in the first half with a Mark Jones brace following half time rounding off a comfortable victory for Wrexham.

Prior to this, the last game was at Edgeley Park in April last year where Wrexham ran out 4-1 winners with all goals coming in the first half. Juan Ugarte was on fine form that afternoon scoring a hat trick within the opening half hour and Carlos Edwards scored Wrexham's other goal. In total the two sides met three times last season with Wrexham winning each game including a win on their way to the LDV Vans Trophy victory.

The clubs have met on 91 occasions in the league with Stockport winning 40 times, Wrexham 32 and there have been 19 draws.

League Form Guide

Wrexham

Stockport

Three victories at the end of last month for Stockport resulted in Jim Gannon being in contention for the manager of the month award. The wins recorded against Bury, Oxford and Macclesfield had resulted in Stockport climbing up to 17th place but a defeat at home to Bury and a draw against Cheltenham in April leaves Stockport in 22nd position, one place above the relegation zone on goal difference.

Wrexham's 2-1 win over Chester last month should have been the catalyst to secure a a play off but their form has taken a dip with three straight defeats against Grimsby, Shrewsbury and the return fixture against Chester on Wednesday.

Bookies View

Stockport are favourites for the win with Bet odd or Even and Stan James pricing the home win at 11/8 with Sporting Odds offering the Wrexham win at 15/8. Tote Sport have the draw at 12/5.

Team News

Wrexham Team News: Dean Bennett is available after suspension and Matty Done returns to the squad following illness with Denis Smith revealing that he will be making changes to the starting line up in order to end a run of four straight defeats.

Wrexham Squad (20): Ingham, Michael Jones, Pejic, Danny Williams, Lawrence, Mike Williams, Roche, Bennett, Spender, Crowell, Mark Jones, Ferguson, Mackin, Smith, Holt, Done, Derbyshire, Walters, Sam Williams, McEvilly.

Stockport Team News: Adam Le Fondre (calf), Rob Clare (hamstring) and Harpal Singh (hamstring) all miss out for County.

Officials: The match referee is Phil Joslin from Nottibghamshire and he is assisted by DK Benton and JR Tyas with M Matadar as the fourth official. Phil Joslin has refereed 36 games this season, sending off 3 players and booking 106 at an average of 2.94 per game.

League 2 Fixtures:

Bristol Rovers v Carlisle
Chester v Wycombe
Darlington v Northampton
Grimsby v Shrewsbury
Lincoln City v Bury
Mansfield v Leyton Orient
Notts County v Macclesfield
Oxford United v Barnet
Peterborough v Boston United
Rushden & Diamonds v Rochdale
Stockport v Wrexham
Torquay v Cheltenham

Venue Guide

Address: Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, Edgeley, Stockport, SK3 9QG.

Telephone Number: 0161 286 8888

Fax Number: 0161 286 8900

Stockport Websites

• Official Web Site
• Hatters Matters
• Peels on Wheels
• Supporters Trust
• Hatters MAD

How to get there?

By Train: Nearest Train Station is Stockport and is only a five minute walk from the ground Turn left out of the station (away from the ticket office) and proceed up the hill and then turn left and then the third road into Mercian Way off the roundabout. The ground will shortly appear on your left down Caroline Way. Click here for the Rail Track Online Timetable or call national enquiries on 08457 484950.

Beer and Grub: here are 13 pubs all within a 15 minute walk from the ground so you are not spoilt for choice! They are all located near the Castle Street shopping complex and away fans are welcome in the Sir Robert Peel although it is bets to avoid the John Jo Greens. Other pubs on Castle Street include the Royal Oak, Prince Albert, The Pineapple, Rafferties Irish Bar, The Jolly Crofter and The Grapes. The Armoury at the top of Castle Street also welcomes away fans. If heading from the station you will pass the Bluebell, Church Inn and the Greyhound. if drinking in the town look for a pub that sells the local brew - Robinsons Beer.

Cash Machines: On Castle Street you will find a Barclays and Lloyds machines.

How much to get in?

Vernon Stand: Adults £19, Seniors £11, Juniors £7

Railway End: Adults £16, Seniors £11, Juniors £6

The Railway End is normally only open when the 1,300 seats in the Vernon Stand are taken. Entrance to this stand is via the back of the home end and the Railway End is in the opposite corner.

Disabled Facilities

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