MATCH PREVIEW: STOCKPORT COUNTY VS DOVER ATHLETIC

A first trip outside of Kent  this season awaits Andy Hessenthaler’s men when they travel to Stockport on Saturday.

Whites beat Notts County on the opening day, however the elation of that win soon turned to disappointment on Tuesday night with a 4-1 defeat at Kent rivals Bromley.

Meanwhile, Stockport made up for their opening day defeat at Torquay with a 2-1 victory against visiting FC Halifax Town.

Dover took all three points in this fixture last season thanks to a second half brace from Inih Effiong. However, Effiong is one of six players who started that day that have since left the club.

Only Josh Passley, Will De Havilland, Jack Munns, Oscar Gobern and Steve Rigg started that game and are still at the club, whilst Kurtis Cumberbatch and Paul Rooney who are also still under contract were on the bench.

This afternoon’s hosts have made 11 signings this summer, including John Rooney who scored 17 goals last season for Barrow as they were promoted to League Two.

They have also signed Jamie Stott on a permanent deal after two previous loan spells at the club.

Interestingly, County have also signed brothers Connor and James Jennings. Both have previous experience of playing in the EFL. Connor has played in the Football League with Tranmere, whilst older brother James has had spells in League Two with Macclesfield, Mansfield, Cheltenham and Morecambe.

Mark Kitching has also joined The Hatters this summer, signing from fellow National League side Hartlepool United. He scored the equaliser in his home debut for the club in their win against Halifax on Tuesday night.

Stockport’s Player to Watch 

As already mentioned, attacking midfielder John Rooney joined County from Barrow this summer and this season will be his ninth campaign in a row in the National League.

In the eight previous seasons he has played for four different clubs and has scored 70 goals and got 37 assists in 268 games.

His 17 goals last season had him tied for fourth in the overall goalscoring ranks and he was only three goals off the top spot.

Coverage 

This game will be played behind closed doors, however you can watch the game for £7.50 via Stockport’s live streaming service.

More details on how to buy your match pass is here

We will also have live updates on Twitter – @DAFCLiveText – Follow us and get all the news as it happens.

Saturday’s other National League Fixtures

Boreham Wood Vs FC Halifax Town

Bromley Vs Torquay United

Chesterfield Vs Woking

Dagenham & Redbridge Vs Wealdstone (5:20pm)

Eastleigh Vs Altrincham

Maidenhead United Vs Hartlepool United

Notts County Vs Barnet

Solihull Moors Vs King’s Lynn Town

Weymouth Vs Sutton United

Yeovil Town Vs Wrexham