STOCKPORT skipper Danny Griffin is expecting Edgeley Park's biggest crowd of the season to inspire resurgent County against Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow.

County are hoping for an a 10,000-plus gate, with the Owls having already sold their 3,400 allocation.

And with Sammy McIlroy's side making a real fist of their relegation battle, with seven points from their last three games, a big local following is expected.

"There is a real buzz around the place with the recent results," said Griffin. "The two wins and a draw at Hartlepool, which could easily have been a win too, have made certain that it's in our hands.

"Of course it's going to be hard against Wednesday. They will bring a lot of fans, but our fans have been magnificent, too.

"We need them to stick behind us and that will inspire us."

Challenges

Griffin has been deprived of his recent partner in the centre of defence by Derby County's decision to call Dave Walton back to Pride Park halfway through the second month of his loan.

"It's a shame as I felt I was building up a good partnership with Dave," said Griffin. "But there's no reason I can't build up a similar partnership with Ashley Williams, who came in for his debut against Hartlepool and did really well."

Boss McIlroy is determined to focus on immediate challenges rather than the end of the season.

"We're not looking beyond the Sheffield Wednesday game," he said. "It's been a good week with the way our results have gone, but we still have a lot to do and we have to keep it going against Wednesday. Each game has to be like a cup final for our players."

Loan keeper Anthony Williams, who kept clean sheets in his last two games, is available again after being denied permission to play against his club Hartlepool on Tuesday night.

McIlroy is likely to keep the same striking partnership of Aaron Wilbraham and Jon Daly, who were so effective at Victoria Park.

"I thought Jon Daly and Aaron Wilbraham were immense in the first half at Hartlepool," added McIlroy.

"I was very pleased Jon got his goal. He needed the loan out at Bury and he needed that goal. A razor-sharp Jon Daly will be very good for Stockport County."

LAST SEASON: Different divisions.

KEY OPPONENT: Kevin Pressman - the veteran keeper is still a formidable opponent.

PREDICTION: Stockport 2 Wednesday 1

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