🗞️ Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. Stockport County

Wanderers begin their Emirates FA Cup journey this season with a First Round tie against ambitious National League outfit, Stockport County.

Going head-to-head at the University of Bolton Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Ian Evatt’s men will be looking to build on Tuesday evening’s Papa John’s Trophy victory at Rochdale.

County prepare for the weekend’s fixture under the guidance of their new Manager Dave Challinor who takes charge of the club for the first time having moved to Edgeley Park from Sky Bet League Two side Hartlepool United.

The National League side come into the tie on the back of a 5-2 victory at Dover Athletic last weekend.

Pre-match quotes: From the bosses

Ian Evatt: “It’s a good game – a big game. They have a few players that I know very well; Sarce (Antoni Sarcevic) has moved there and they have John Rooney and Scott Quigley who I had at Barrow. They’re a big football club in their own right, and they’re bringing 5,000 fans I believe. They’re spending a lot of money, they have some firepower and also a new manager. They’ll be some spice to the game and we’re looking forward to it.”

Dave Challinor: “It would have been nice to have had a full week to prepare for Sunday’s game, but those are the cards we’ve been dealt, I’m not going to complain and I’m not looking for an excuse. We’ll be going there looking to win a cup tie. What we’ve got to do is make sure that we put in a performance on the pitch as a team that the supporters are proud of. We’ll do everything we can to get a result and send 5,000 fans home happy.”

Team News:

Ian Evatt brought a positive injury update at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. The Wanderers boss confirmed that Xavier Amaechi and Amadou Bakayoko have returned to full training this week, with both expected to make their return to action in the coming weeks.

The Wanderers boss explained that Harry Brockbank and Josh Sheehan have been nursing calf and back strains respectively, but is hopeful that the pair will both be available for Sunday’s cup tie.

Tickets and Travel:

Tickets are still available for Sunday’s Emirates FA Cup tie, but purchases will only be possible with a 2021/22 membership. Click HERE for more details.

Last time out:

Stockport County 1-4 Bolton Wanderers | Wednesday 16 January 2002

The last meeting between the two teams actua­lly came in an FA Cup tie almost 20 years ago at Edgeley Park.

Gudni Bergsson gave Wanderers the lead before Sam Allardyce’s men doubled their advantage with the help of an own goal from County midfielder Karin Fradin.

Henrik Pedersen and Michael Ricketts found the net in the second half to give Wanderers a four-goal advantage and a certain passage through to the next round.

Jon Daly’s goal from the penalty spot reduced the deficit, but it wasn’t enough to prevent County’s exit from the competition.

Line-Up: Viander, Bergsson (Nolan 46), Barness, Southall, Gardner, Farrelly, Johnson, Norris (Taylor 75), Hansen, Wallace (Ricketts 71), Pedersen.

Unused Subs: Poole, Buchanan.

Match Officials

Referee: Christopher Sarginson

Assistants: Richard Woodward and Kevin Mulraine

Fourth Official: Ed Duckworth