I always feel that Walsall and Stockport have a lot in common. Despite being amongst the largest towns in the country, they are of course in the perennial shadows of more illustrious neighbours, especially in the football sense. Despite this however both places have an identity distinct from their “city” neighbours, including an independent brewery (Stockport’s being Robinson’s).

Stocky fans are also generally a friendly bunch IMO, and tropical storms apart I’ve always found the trip to be an enjoyable experience.

As this is a night game I’ll keep the guide to those pubs near the ground which is in the separate suburb of Edgeley as distinct to Stockport town centre, in fact to be even more specific Castle Street, which offers just about everything you need for pre-match boozers.

In reverse order of merit The Jolly Crofter, although recently refurbed was so jolly on my last visit that I walked out after waiting 25 minutes to not be served.

The Armoury has always been a pleasant and very traditional Robinson’s pub although again I found the service to be pretty woeful to be honest, while The Robert Peel is also busy and welcoming, but very limited in its choice of ales.

For me the place to go for a good few years has been the Royal Oak on the corner of Castle Street, the one pub that seems able to mix atmosphere, quality and choice, service, and proximity to the ground. A good all round pre-match pub, especially suited to a Tuesday night when time might be at a premium and one doesn’t fancy doing much wandering. Although of course it is a couple of years since my last visit, when we actually won an away game under the previous regime!!

Let’s hope tomorrow night’s nervous pre-match supping gives way to the same euphoric abandonment that accompanied that never to be forgotten occasion.