Football: Superior Stockport relish fallen neighbours' visit

Nationwide League

Stockport play Manchester City in the league for the first time in 87 years today and will relish their superior position as they go into the game.

While County lie seventh in the First Division, their mighty neighbours from seven miles up the A6 are 20th and struggling.

The ex-City contingent at Edgeley Park, including the manager, Gary Megson, and goalkeeper, Eric Nixon, who both had spells at Maine Road in better days, intend to make the most of the encounter.

"I followed City as a lad and then played for them," Nixon said. "Obviously I've got a soft spot for them but make no mistake, I'll be doing all I can to keep a clean sheet."

Megson, who said he always thought City fans believed he lacked the skill to play for their team, is no less determined.

"City are a huge club with huge support and they're only just up the road," he said. "But I've got no real interest in them. To tell you the truth, I'm only interested in what Stockport are doing."

County expect to name the side that won at Crewe last week, with Sean Connelly having fully recovered from a back injury.

Frank Clark, the City manager, said: "We are going there in good heart after our last two games [a win and a draw]. We know this will be a tough one, we are under no illusions about that."