HATTERS AND HAMMERS AGAIN

Stockport County FC was established in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers. In 1890 the name was changed to Stockport County to reflect the town gaining County Borough status. After winning the Lancashire League in 1900, the County gained admittance to the Football League. Joining the League meant the club soon outgrew their ground in Heaton Norris and in 1902, they moved south of the River Mersey to Edgeley Park, then home of Stockport RLFC. County have played there ever since.

Hatmaking was an established industry in north Cheshire & south-east Lancashire by the 16th century. By the late 19th century Stockport had become a national centre for the trade, and by 1900 County's nickname of 'The Hatters' had became synonymous with the club. The phrase "Mad Hatters" crops up from time to time and is related to the hat industry which included mercury in the hat preparation, particularly responsible for the curvature in the hat shape and also responsible for illness!

(Luton Town FC also has this nickname btw, but this is related to their "straw boaters" made from local wheat stalks and wool in felt hats--with less dangerous after effects, I believe).

Stockport County entertain West Ham Utd, tonight, so both clubs are guaranteed to be in the 4th AND 5th Round draw, being held at 7pm. What an incentive for both clubs knowing their likely path through the next two rounds; this is a great and unusual moment in the football calendar! 

The Hatters have been to the 5th Round in the past, but as a "League" club and this will be the first time for them as a "Non-League" club. 

They have played the Hammers before in the Cup: In the 1935 3rd Rd there was a 1-1 draw at West Ham and then Stockport won 1-0 at Edgeley Park. The Hatters eventually reached Rd 5 where they met their match at home to West Bromich Albion losing 0-5.

January 1958 4th Round at West Ham and lost 3-2.  In 1972 Stockport beat West Ham 2-1 in the League Cup 3rd Rd-see below.  Including the above, Stockport has W7 D3 L4, with 8 matches played in League Division 2 between 1920-38. In December 1996, a League Cup 4th Round tie ended in a 1-1 draw and the replay was a 2-1 victory over West Ham at Edgeley Park.

Old Hammer, Tony Gale thinks that West Ham under David Moyes are a tough nut to crack and old colleague, Alan Devonshire respects Stockport, who play in the league where he is a manager. The pitch will play an important part. The first 15-20 minutes will prove crucial. The club's first FA Cup tie was in October 1892 v Halliwell, when after a 4-0 win at home there was a protest and a replay which ounty won 4-2 aet. They were then thumped 1-8 by Bury. 

Jamie Carragher has stepped in to support his "local club" and help with financing, following the club's loss in revenue on the day and of course since the "lock down" started. Prize money and TV fees for the Cup have been reduced to a minimum. Let's hope for as much fun and drama as at Crawley, Chorley and Marine.

Another club from the region is Altrincham, nicknamed "The Robins", who made a mark on the cup rounds by beating Birmingham City away 1-2 in 1986, when they were top of the Alliance Premier League. They were beaten in this season's cup 4th Qualifying Round, in November, by local club Fylde FC. Fylde bowed to Exeter City in  the next round, who have just lost to Sheffield Wednesday.....who await their next opposition (s)-the draw is tonight remember.