Challinor Keeps His Leaders On Their Toes Ahead Of BT Game

Following the defeat of Weymouth - Stockport County’s 14th win out of 15 in all competitions - he wasn’t a happy bunny.

Standards, you see, are that high at Edgeley Park these days that even the hard-earned three points are celebrated.

It’s a measure of the new man that he’s asking for more and ahead of the live BT Sport trip to Aldershot Town on Saturday, he wants a reaction to, well, their latest victory.

“It’s the first time since I have been here that I have been disappointed with the players,” Challinor, promoted last season with Hartlepool United, said after.

“That was as bad as we have been in the second half since I arrived here.

“I’ve let them know that as well. It’s good to be able to vent after we’ve won a game but we have got to be miles better than that.

“We didn’t look controlled or secure out of possession - we really lacked composure. Our technique let us down and I know we are better than that.

“We shouldn’t have to score two or three going to relax.

“Maybe it’s me being grumpy but I want them to be the best version of themselves as they can be.”

What Mark Molesley would give to have those kind of problems.

After really picking things up in the New Year, Aldershot have slipped back into old habits.

Losing three of their last four, the only game they weren’t defeated in was a meek 0-0 home draw with doomed Dover Athletic.

He wants to stop taking one step forward and row steps back.

“Always as a player, defeat hurt me, if anything it probably hurt me too much,” he said recently.

“As a manager it’s even worse. You carry everything. You carry every supporter, every member of staff, every player, all my staff - it’s all on your shoulders.

“It’s difficult, especially having played at this club as well, with that extra emotional attachment.

“Every defeat hurts but I’m the manager. I’ve got to keep a clear head, I’ve got to fix what I’ve seen and continue to motivate the group to keep working hard.”

He said he is desperate to put the 4-1 defeat to Wrexham last weekend behind them - but knows they must also be realistic.

“We’ve playing the current best team in the league and not many others around the country are winning like Stockport County,” he said.

Catch the live BT Sport game on Saturday - coverage begins at 5pm

PHOTO MIKE PETCH