Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley says that playing Stockport County on Saturday in the Vanarama National League North is like a “fairytale come true”.

Today’s game is one that seemed extremely unlikely just over a decade ago, when after the demise of the old Spennymoor United, Moors, playing under their new name of Spennymoor Town, were starting to feel their feet in the Northern League second division.

And now, four promotions later, they’re up against Stockport County, whose fortunes have been quite the reverse over the same period of time, with difficulties on and off the field that have contributed to their tumble three steps down the ladder from the brink of the Championship to the National League North. Last season was one of consolidation for them as they missed out on the play offs, but just like the other ex Football League clubs in the division, there’s a strong determination to return to former glories.

Managed by former favourite Jim Gannon, they still have a big hardcore support, and last season had a crowd average of over 3,000 – and plenty of those fans will be travelling over the Pennines to the Brewery Field, which is now adorned with images of former players.

“It’s a nice easy game to start with!” joked Ainsley. “It shows how far we as a club have come in the last few years under the leadership of the chairman. To be seen in the same league as Stockport is like a fairytale come true.

“We have nothing to lose against them. Everybody’s expectations are different now. In the past, we’ve been expected to win every game, and to draw a game was regarded as a disappointment. To draw games now against some of the clubs in this division might be seen as some sort of triumph.

“Games will be different to what we’ve seen in the last few seasons. We’re not going to have as much possession, we must make sure that we don’t make many mistakes, and we have to be clinical when chances come along. Our pre season games have gone really well, but as the saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. This is an unforgiving league.”

Ainsley has made six new signings during the summer in various positions in the team – his best signing might be striker David Foley, who plundered plenty of goals in South Shields’ Trophy quad last season – but he pointed out; “There are several players who have helped get us into this position, and they deserve to have the opportunity to play at this level. They have given us loyalty by staying at the club, so I will give them the chance to play in this league.”

Ainsley has always had a close affinity with the fans, having helped Moors to great success as a player in the early 90s, and he said; “The fans are really looking forward to this season, and it’s guaranteed that there will be a great atmosphere. They have been a really positive influence in recent years, and I’m sure they will be again this season.”

Striker Graeme Armstrong is unavailable this afternoon, while midfielder Mark Anderson will have a fitness test.

Blyth are also in this league having won promotion last season, and they’re at Alfreton, while relegated York City are at home to Telford United.