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Derby cracker

Simon Smedley
1/10/2008

COUNTY boss Jim Gannon is relishing the challenge that will be placed before his players on Friday night when League One table-toppers Oldham Athletic arrive to do battle at Edgeley Park.

Despite remaining unbeaten throughout the month of September and his team sitting comfortably in 11th place in the league table, Gannon is now looking for his players make the most of what promises to be a special derby match night after three consecutive draws.

Gannon said: "It’s going to be a great game for us on Friday. Although we’ve had an encouraging start, we have had a few draws recently. Consequently we’re now ready for a real challenge. We need to break out of this feeling that okay, we’ve acquitted ourselves well - now we must challenge ourselves.  There’s no better game than against Oldham at home to say to the lads: ‘measure yourselves against the best in the division’.

"In that sense a fantastic game is in prospect.  It’s a local derby which brings a real edge to the game, but the most important thing is that we’re going to be playing the current best team in the division, and it’s up to our players to see if they can match them."

County are still looking for their first home league win of the season, but Gannon isn’t unduly concerned about that yet, ahead of the clash against John Sheridan’s excellent young side.

Gannon added: "Oldham have got a lot of spirited, hard-working players. It’s not a fluke that they’re at the top of the league. They play some effective football, so they will make our defenders work hard. We’re conscious that we’ve only picked up three points from the last available nine, but I don’t see that as anything hanging over us as we also haven’t won at home yet. We’ve only lost one game all season, we’re competing very well, but this week we’ve got a chance to go up against one of the most dynamic teams in our division."

There’s good news on the injury front for Gannon.

Ex-Oldham midfielder Jason Taylor is now fit again after missing the whole of this season so far with a foot injury, while Tommy Rowe [stomach upset], James Tunnicliffe [hamstring] and Dominic Blizzard [fatigue] will also be available.

The only senior player now not fit is Matty McNeil. He is now suffering from a problem with his calf.