The squad after Stockport County Women vs. Chester-Le-Street, 16.08.26

A momentous occasion on Sunday, as the new-look Stockport County Women’s team took to the pitch at their new ground. It’s the start of a new era at County, with new Managing Director Tracey Neville leading the way for County to head up the divisions, with more backing from the rest of the club. That’s easier said than done, though, and Sunday was the first step. A league match – in the FA Women’s National League North – against visitors Chester-Le-Street was the first chance for fans to see plenty of new signings in the famous blue kit.

Captain Ellie Fletcher led the team out for the first time, then led by example on the pitch – banging in a hat-trick as the team romped to a deserved 6-0 victory. 3 from Fletcher, an own goal, and fantastic goals from Meg Boydell and Emily Bradshaw rounded off a fantastic first match of the season. With almost 200 supporters in place to watch after a concerted pricing campaign for match one, the atmosphere was as good as the football. A long way back for Chester-Le-Street but Stockport County Women are most definitely up and running.