Following the international break, a full fixture list is upon us. The majority of Greater Manchester sides are not faring very well so far this season, and the shock departure of Salford boss Graham Alexander is an early wake-up call for the rest of the leagues after only a few weeks of football.
Accrington Stanley came away with the three points last weekend against Rochdale, to move into the early playoff places. A trip to Ipswich Town, who currently sit on top of League One will be a sterner test for John Coleman’s men. Ipswich are currently unbeaten, only dropping two points in the first five rounds of fixtures. On the other hand, Accrington are looking for a third consecutive win and close the early gap on the leaders.
Accrington’s last opponents Rochdale, will be looking to get right back to winnings ways against a Hull City side who tasted their first defeat of the season last weekend. Rochdale currently sits 18th with one win, one draw and three losses. Brian Barry-Murphy’s side was always going to struggle this season, however, getting early points on the board has to be the target to avoid a season of keeping their heads above water.
Wigan Athletic had been looking for a third win on the trot under John Sheridan. However, Crewe Alexander had different ideas and steamrolled the Latics 3-0. Up next is a Charlton Athletic struggling for points themselves early on in the season. Charlton have racked up just one win on the opening day of the season so far. A perfect chance for Wigan to get back to winnings ways.
Moving on to League Two. Bolton Wanderers face an Oldham Athletic side in freefall. Bolton drew with bottom side Grimsby Town, which extended their unbeaten run to two matches, as they look to get their season going. Oldham on the other hand lost 3-2 to Morecambe and are still winless so far this season. The result dropped them to bottom of the footballing league.
Ian Evatt will be looking to pour more misery on Harry Kewell’s parade on Saturday, as the trotters look to start climbing up the league. Oldham are desperate for some points on the board, however, at present, you just can not see that happening anytime soon.
Salford City, following the very surprise sacking of Graham Alexander this week, are unbeaten so far this season and sit in the early playoff places. Having conceded a two-goal lead to a depleted Tranmere Rovers side last weekend, Salford will be looking to bounce back with a win under the new regime.
The Ammies travel to Port Vale, a side who have not won in three matches despite a good start to the season. It will be very interesting to see if Salford continue their early season form.
Into Non-League. Stockport County made it two wins on the bounce with a 3-0 victory over Dover Athletic last weekend. The win sees County occupy the playoff places, a spot they will be hoping to maintain at least throughout the season. A trip to Chesterfield, who sit in mid-table will be the right game for Jim Gannon to extend the run.
Altrincham picked up their second point of the season against the unbeaten Eastleigh last time out and will look to build on that against midtable Bromley. Phil Parkinson’s men will want to get an early win under their belts, and Bromley will be the target.
Curzon Ashton came back from being 2-0 down, to grab a point against Brackley Town. 15 minutes to go and new signing Dom Knowles grabbed a brace for the Nash. This weekend Steve Cunningham’s side host Farsley Celtic, a side without a win so far this season, like Curzon.
The Football Manc Cave was down at Radcliffe to see them drop points against Basford United. A game that passed many by, and left the fans wondering how it had ended 3-0. Radcliffe hit wave after wave of attack. However, Basford was the more clinical in front of goal.
Radcliffe travels to top of the league Warrington Town, which again will be a tough match for Lee Fowler’s men.
Ashton United host Mickleover in a mid-table affair, while Atherton Collieries entertain bottom of the league Stalybridge Celtic. FC United host Stafford Rangers as they search for their first win of the season and Hyde United play Whitby Town following their victory last weekend.
The Northern Premier league west division is on hold for the weekend while our teams play in the FA Trophy second-round qualifying.
Mossley travels away to Marine, while Trafford face Pickering Town. High flying Ramsbottom also faces an away tie against Worksop Town.
