While the season stop/starts for many of our Greater Manchester teams early on in the season. There is plenty of action coming thick and fast in the leagues and cup matches over the coming weeks.
There is an international break on this weekend, so all the focus for About Manchester goes on the EFL and Non-League in Greater Manchester for the next couple of weekends.
Accrington Stanley got themselves back to winning ways at weekend with a quickfire double to grab the three points against AFC Wimbledon. The win sees Stanley just outside the playoff places after the first four games. A home game against Rochdale this weekend, who are fresh off the back of their first win of the season following a last-minute winner over Fleetwood Town, should be an intriguing encounter. Accrington has two victories over Dale in the 16 matches they have played, in 2013 and 2009, both away at Spotland. On that form, Rochdale edge the betting.
Wigan Athletic built on their victory over Portsmouth, with a 1-0 win over Doncaster Rovers. Latics will be looking to make it three on the trot, with an out of form Crewe Alexandra their next opponents this weekend.
Moving on to League Two
Bolton Wanderers picked up their first three points of the season last weekend, with a 2-1 win over Harrogate Town. A much-needed win for Ian Evatt after a rocky start to life in League Two. Next up is rock-bottom club Grimsby Town, which should be the perfect game to follow up their victory with another one.
Oldham Athletic, like Bolton Wanderers, picked up their first points and goals of the season at weekend. Albeit the solitary point in a great 3-3 match against Colchester United. This weekend, Harry Kewell’s side host Morecambe, who have three wins from their opening four games. Another point would be great to start to build a season for the Latics.
Salford City pushed themselves into third with a 1-0 win over Stevenage at weekend. Graham Alexander, with two draws and two wins to date in League Two. Will be looking to keep up the Ammies unbeaten start with three points over Tranmere Rovers.
Into Non-League
The National League kicked off last weekend and it wasn’t the most emphatic start for our three sides.
Altrincham drew with Weymouth in their first National League match since 2016. Alty faces Eastleigh, with it being far too early to see how Phil Parkinson’s men will fare in the National League. The loss of Jordan Hulme to Fylde may be key.
Stockport County announced Liam Hogan as their new Captain before their opening 1-0 loss last weekend to Torquay United. With the experience of Hogan leading Jim Gannon’s men, they have to be a labelled as a favourite to be there or thereabout come the end of the season.
This weekend sees County make the short trip to Halifax Town, who started the season off with a decent 2-0 win.
Curzon Ashton comes off two games in three days last weekend. A 2-1 loss in the FA Cup against fellow Manchester side FC United, was followed by an opening National League North draw against Alfreton Town. A weekend trip to Brackley Town, who again will host a behind closed door match as the National League North continues to be labelled as elite.
Into the Northern Premier League, the impressive Ashton United travel to Matlock Town, FC United on the back of a great win over Curzon Ashton go to Morpeth Town, and Brad Cooke’s Atherton Collieries travel to Nantwich Town.
Lee Fowler’s Radcliffe will look to kick start their season against Bashford United and Stalybridge Celtic will be looking for similar as they host David McGurk’s Hyde United in an all Greater Manchester match.
The Northern Premier league west division will see Danny Caldecott’s Trafford travel to Marske United, while Mossley travels to Workington in what should be a great match. The very impressive Ramsbottom United host an Ossett United struggling early on in the season.
As a side note, On Tuesday night FC United, who are our only representation in the FA Cup in the third round qualifying, face National League North side Alfreton Town. As they will be hoping for another NLN scalp in succession.
