STOCKPORT COUNTY V WIGAN ATHLETIC

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DES HINKS STARTS THE STORY OF THE CUP RUN

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Little did the punters making their way down Hardcastle Road on Saturday 14th November 1964 know that they were to witness the start of a Cup run which would involve some of the epic County games, recalled more that 55 years later by those who were fortunate enough to witness them. And to be brutally honest the more rational fans probably feared an ignominious exit at the hands of non-league opposition. And there must have been a fair few neutrals who turned up in expectation of an upset. The crowd was 11,570 – almost doubling the previous best that season, (6.563 against Tranmere the previous week).

County were having a dreadful time in the League. Twenty games had yielded but nine points, and the three wins, (against Aldershot and a double over Barrow), had all come in the space of 10 days in mid October. The opposition, Wigan Athletic, were, on the other hand, were flying high at the top of the Cheshire League, with 12 wins from 15 games. (The Cheshire League was a competition which was to feature County reserves the following season) It had giant killing written all over it.

Let Des Hinks take up the story.

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With County firmly rooted at the bottom of Division Four, visitors Wigan Athletic were in impressive form, flying high at the top of the Cheshire League, having won no fewer than 12 of their 15 games.

The Lancashire club had their eyes on a place in the Football League, and saw victory over the Hatters as an opportunity to gather votes for the end-of-season election ballot.

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And, when Harry Lyon gave Latics a half-time lead, things seemed to be going very much according to plan for the non-Leaguers … and those who had already written off County’s season.

Going into the final 20 minutes, Wigan were still holding their lead when the Hatters were given a lifeline. Ian Sandiford was upended in the box by Stuart Houghton, and the referee pointed to the spot.

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With Johnny Watt missing the game through a broken arm, Sandiford was the designated penalty taker, but he was still motionless following the foul. Player-boss Trevor Porteous, himself a passenger after pulling a muscle early in the game – the introduction of substitutes was still 12 months away – asked for a volunteer.

Up stepped Mike Eckersall, the only part-time player in the County ranks. He beat Alan Halsall to level the scores – but there was another twist. The Edgeley Roar had barely subsided when the referee ordered a retake for encroachment. Ice-cool Eckersall showed no concern and put the ball in the same spot, sending Halsall the wrong way.

The momentum was now with the Hatters and, with the atmosphere inside Edgeley Park at fever pitch, the Lilywhites poured forward.

And, ten minutes from time, the incredible vocal support was rewarded with a winning goal. After a seven-man move, that began with goalkeeper Ken Mulhearn, Frank Beaumont saw his blockbuster come back off the bar, livewire John Nibloe (†) reacted quicker than the Wigan defenders to nod home the rebound.

It had been agonising at times but County were in the hat for round two; the Cup Warriors incredible journey had begun.

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Des Hinks

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(†) Note from admin: This was to be John Nibloe’s last goal for County. A fortnight after this game County played away at Newport. Nibloe featured in that match but was tragically killed in a road accident as he drove home to Sheffield that evening. After previously playing for Sheffield United, Stoke City and Doncaster Rovers he had been at Edgeley Park for only 3 months, making 24 appearances and hitting 5 goals.

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