Stockport County have lived up to their pre-season status as League Two promotion contenders in 2023/24. Dave Challinor’s side sit top of the table following 13 wins and just four defeats from their 21 matches this season.
However, between September and November, it looked like Stockport would run away from the large chasing pack of Wrexham, Barrow, Mansfield Town, Crewe and Notts County. The Hatters notched a sensational 12-match winning run that elevated them to the number one spot.
Sustaining such form was always going to be a tough ask though. Consequently, the momentum has slowed and Stockport are winless in their last three, losing once and drawing twice. Despite the setbacks, Challinor’s outfit still have daylight from second place Wrexham. A current six-point gap separates the sides, yet Stockport have played a game more.
As the busy Christmas and New Year period looms, Stockport will likely face their toughest tests of the season with some enticing, albeit challenging, fixtures.
Ultimately, the outcome of the upcoming fixture list will be a defining spell for the Hatters.
Stockport Given a Reality Check
Early season form suggested that Stockport were heading for a serious hangover from their League Two play-off final defeat on penalties to Carlisle United in May. Just one victory and five points from the opening six matches this season was a poor start from a team that finished fourth in 2022/23.
But a 2-1 win at AFC Wimbledon on September 9 gave the Hatters confidence to kick start their sequence of 12 straight victories. It was a run that saw the North West side tie with Luton Town’s 2001/02 record for the most consecutive wins in England’s fourth tier.
A disappointing 2-1 loss at mid-table Newport County in late November gave the Edgeley Park outfit a reality check. Stockport were then unable to bounce back and have drawn their last two – a home goalless draw with League Two strugglers Salford and a 1-1 stalemate at Morecambe.
Next Two Home Fixtures Are Critical
While the recent results will be a slight concern for Challinor the run of upcoming fixtures will give him and his Stockport side plenty of chances to refocus and gain control again at the top of League Two.
In particular, the Hatters’ next two at Edgeley Park are must-win matches. First up is League Two’s bottom side Sutton United, who have won just three matches all season. Stockport will target this game to get a much-needed three points on the board to stop a potential rot and the hosts will be favoured to seal maximum points.
Yet the next game will be a massive test of Stockport’s title credentials – a home clash against sixth-placed Notts County.
A win here will provide the Hatters with a little more breathing space from the other League Two high-flyers. Moreover, if Stockport beat Sutton, they will come into this clash full of confidence and likely favourites, especially as County have dropped points from three successive away defeats in League Two.
Edgeley Park has been a League Two fortress over the last two seasons. Since promotion from the National League in 2022, Challinor’s side are unbeaten in 30 of 35 matches on home turf.
Home form will be a huge factor if Stockport are to gather momentum in their title push. Getting back to winning ways at Edgeley in the next two will also provide the perfect remedy to prevent any further setbacks in League Two.
Two Huge Away Games on the Horizon
Adding importance to Stockport’s next two home games is the fact they head to third-placed Barrow and an improving Bradford between Christmas and New Year.
Stockport’s trip to Barrow could be especially difficult given League Two’s surprise package is yet to lose at Holker Street this season and shipped just five goals. In contrast, Stockport have failed to win in six of their last 12 league matches away from home, signifying the task at hand for Challinor’s side.
Ultimately, the two home matches before Barrow are crucial for Stockport. Any more dropped points at Edgeley Park will leave the Hatters out of form and potentially off the top spot if Wrexham can close the gap.
However, there are opportunities for Stockport to extend their lead and another run of wins will put the Hatters in a seriously strong position in pole position in a challenging League Two. It’s a season-defining spell where points added will be critical, but further draws and losses will leave room for the challengers to pounce.
