United face another test of their promotion credentials this Sunday, as they take on title rivals Stockport County at Edgeley Park.
Once again, the BT Sport cameras will be in attendance to see Gary Johnson’s men in action, in what promises to be an engrossing encounter between two of the most in-form teams in the division.
Who’s The Boss?
There was perhaps an element of surprise when County dispensed with long-serving club man Jim Gannon back in January, however such has been the impact of his replacement, that few Hatters fans are now questioning the decision.
Former Brighton U23 coach Simon Rusk may be enjoying his first stint in senior management, however a playing career that took in the likes of Boston, York and Crawley has clearly given him all the experience he required to make an excellent start to life in the dugout, with Stockport emerging from play-off potentials to serious title contenders with three matches remaining.
How Have They Been Doing?
Rusk’s side have been on a marvellous run of late, with Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Dagenham & Redbridge stretching their unbeaten run to fifteen matches. Comprehensive victories over Solihull (5-0), Eastleigh (3-0), Wrexham (3-0), Boreham Wood (3-0), Wealdstone (4-0) and King’s Lynn (4-0 twice) during that spell show that goals are certainly not a concern for The Hatters, meaning United’s excellent recent defensive record is sure to be put to a stern test on Sunday.
Player To Watch
Striker Paddy Madden’s departure from League One outfit Fleetwood to sign on at Edgeley Park provided one of the National League’s most eye-catching arrivals, with an undisclosed fee securing his arrival at Stockport. The former Republic of Ireland international will certainly be no stranger to United boss Gary Johnson, as it was during their time at Yeovil Town together that Madden’s career began to take off.
Prolific during spells at Town, Scunthorpe and Fleetwood, that pattern has continued in County’s colours, and he will once again be the man that most Hatters’ fans will be looking to during the final weeks of the season, as their side look to regain their EFL place after a ten year absence.
Played For Both
Full back Simon Travis represented both Torquay United and Stockport County during a fifteen year career that also took in stints at Telford, Forest Green, Stevenage and Hereford amongst others.
Equally capable in either full-back position and also in midfield, Travis excelled during a troublesome period for the United first team, before eventually swapping Football League survival battles at Plainmoor for the heady heights of second-tier football with Stockport. International recognition, in the form of England C caps also followed, before Simon saw out his career with non-League Brackley Town in 2010.
Previous Encounter
Away days at Edgeley Park don’t get much better than The Gulls’ last visit there, as two goals from Jamie Reid, combined with a brace of own goals, saw Johnson’s men roar into a four-goal interval advantage, and despite a stronger second half showing from the hosts, they were unable to claw back the deficit.
Anything similar on Sunday would certainly make the Yellow Army’s weekend!
In association with LV BET
Sunday’s match from Edgeley Park will be screened live on BT Sport, whilst Torquay United will also be providing coverage via TUFC Radio here