Take a look at everything you need to know ahead of Saturday's League Two opening day against Stockport County at Edgeley Park.
Stockport County v Barrow
Saturday 30th July 2022
Edgeley Park
Sky Bet League Two
In Opposition
Stockport County were champions of the Vanarama National League last term, as they secured a 2-0 victory over Pete Wild’s FC Halifax Town on the final day to end their decade-long exile from the Football League.
Former AFC Fylde and Hartlepool United boss, Dave Challinor is at helm at Edgeley Park, and after joining the club in November of last year, he oversaw a return to form and led County to the top of the National League table.
Despite a little wobble towards the end of the campaign, Challinor’s Stockport remained strong and got the job done on that final day with a victory over a FC Halifax side that included Barrow new boys Tyrell Warren & Billy Waters.
New Faces
Dave Challinor has worked hard this offseason to strengthen his National League winning squad and push for a strong finish in Sky Bet League Two.
Kyle Wootton joined Stockport this summer on a free transfer from Notts County, and has penned a three year deal with The Hatters.
Challinor has also brought in a former Barrow player in the form of Akil Wright. The 26 year old joins the Cheshire side, following a two year spell at York City.
Head To Head
The Hatters have been a familiar face for The Bluebirds over the past decade, with both Barrow and Stockport being relegated to the Skrill North together from the Conference in 2013.
The last meeting between the sides came in the National League on 13th August 2019, when County were 3-2 winners in a very close encounter. Goals from Scott Quigley, John Rooney and a late barrage from Ian Evatt’s side wasn’t enough to grab a point.
The last time the two clubs met in the Football League was on 28th January 1972, when Barrow ran out as 3-2 victors at Holker Street.
The Bluebirds did the double over County that season, with The Hatters actually finishing beneath Jack Crompton's Barrow in the Fourth Division standings. However, we all know the history by now, and it was Barrow who failed re-election.
Tickets
Barrow fans can still buy tickets for Saturday's game on Stockport’s ticketing website.
Click here for more information.
Referee
Ollie Yates will be the man with the whistle at Edgeley Park on Saturday.
He last officiated Barrow in the 2-0 win over Swindon Town at Holker Street last December, and also oversaw Barrow’s first game back as a Football League club when The Bluebirds faced Derby County at Pride Park in September 2020.
Live Streaming
We are not allowed to live stream games in the UK between the hours of 2.45pm and 5.15pm on a Saturday so this weekend’s game will not be available to domestic supporters.
Barrow fans outside of the UK will be able to access a live stream via iFollow and you can purchase the match in the usual way ahead of kick-off.
Live Commentary
We will be providing live online audio commentary from every game this season as we continue our link-up with BBC Radio Cumbria.
Fans will be able to listen to captivating commentator Adam Johnson, who will be joined at Edgeley Park by longtime Barrow supporter John Goodwin, to describe all the action as it unfolds.
You can purchase an Audio Match Pass for £2.50, an Audio Monthly Pass for £4.49 or sign-up for Audio Season Pass which provides all live commentary and video news for just £45.
Click here now to subscribe to iFollow.
Betting
Stockport County have been installed as 8/15 favourites to get the victory this weekend, though Barrow look to be good value at odds of 19/4 and a draw is priced up at 29/10 with our friends at Sky Bet.
Click here now to take a look at a full list of markets ahead of Saturday’s game.