Match Preview

GLOSSOP AWAY (SK13 5HG) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Preview by Mark Hodgkiss

A last away game of the season, and another difficult trip.

Glossop sit in mid table (7th) – ten points behind Birkenhead Park and 10 above Broughton Park, having won 11 of their 23 games – BUT they have only lost at home twice, inevitably to Stockport, but only 3v16, and last weekend to Manchester, but after scoring over 50 points in their previous three game even Manchester only came through 7v15. No one has come away with a try scoring bonus point, and only three have got a losing bonus point, So not an easy place to visit.

They have been let down by their away form (despite having so many short trips) with just two wins at Wilmslow and Broughton Park (they go to Carlisle next week) plus draws at Altrincham Kersal and Douglas

This weekend’s results could have a major bearing on where we are playing (or watching) our rugby next season. After last weekend Waterloo are just a point behind us in the third position probably needed to play at a higher level next season.

If Waterloo win at Broughton Park (not as easy as it was earlier in the season), and we lose then they will go above us, and assuming we both get the same from next weekend (Douglas and Bowdon), it will depend on whether they can win at Manchester (assuming we can defeat bottom club Carlisle)

However if we win and they lose, then they will have to hope for us to slip up against Douglas and/or Carlisle, as well as winning well in both their remaining games.

If we both get the same result, it probably favours us, with two home games against lower ranked teams, whilst they have that daunting trip to Manchester (who with Carlisle and Altrincham Kersal to play, in their other two remaining games should now be safe in second).

So results may indicate whether we play Kirkby and a bunch of teams from the North Midlands (Manchester and Merseyside) or Vale and a similar bunch of North Midlands teams (sadly (for me) the better option with Carlisle, Penrith, Keswick and (real) North teams, is unlikely whatever happens)

TEAM : The only change from last weekend sees Mark Carruthers replace Joe Fiddler on the wing and Joe Cook replace Mark on the bench – so the injured seem to have recovered.

WEATHER : Dry but cold.

SUNDAY : The Wasps are due to be playing Hartlepool Rovers at Mint Bridge, but Hartlepool has forfeited. The Wasps are looking for another fixture, so check with our social media channels to see if they succeed in a last minute fixture!