Glossop North End started the 2018/19 season with a 2-0 home defeat to Atherton Collieries
Not the start to the new season the Hillmen were looking for
Glossop North End started the 2018/19 season with a 2-0 home defeat to Atherton Collieries. Both sides started nervously with passes often going astray during the first 15 minutes.
GNE had the first shot on target as a scramble in the penalty area saw a North End attacker force a good reaction save from Greg Hartley.
However it was Atherton who began to apply heavy pressure. Glossop captain Matty Russell’s attempted clearance fell straight to Adam Farrell who’s powerful shot flew just over the bar.
A goal kick from Atherton keeper Hartley travelled over Glossop’s defence into the path of Tom Bentham, his tame volley was easy for Russell Saunders to save.
On 20 minutes, Atherton continued to attack; Ben Conway and Ben Hardcastle exchanged some neat passes, with Conway eventually finding himself in acres of space on the edge of the penalty area. He controlled the ball well, yet slipped as he went to strike the ball and his shot trickled wide.
It took around 30 minutes for Glossop threaten Atherton’s goal. Utilising number nine Darrhyl Mason’s pace on the counter attack, along throw in allowed Mason to outpace the defender although his cross was too close to the keeper.
A through ball also found Mason in behind the Atherton defence, however the defender managed to recover well to block Mason’s cross.
Moments later and Darren McKnight had a fantastic looping shot, tipped over the bar superbly by Hartley.
As Atherton aimed to regain control of the game, they were able to break into Glossop’s box but captain Matty Russell executed a brilliant sliding tackle to halt their attack.
Atherton began to have more of the ball and were rewarded for their attacking intent after 37 minutes. Alex Elliott was robbed of the ball inside his own half by Ben Hardcastle, the attacker drove towards goal before jinking past a Glossop defender and then beating Russell Saunders with a cool finish.
Moments after, Hardcastle nearly doubled his goal tally. He was allowed to drift into the Glossop penalty area, but his shot went over the bar and out the ground.
Hardcastle began the second half as he finished the first. Full back Gareth Peet had too much time and space to pick his cross from the left flank, he found Hardcastle who glided the ball into the back of the net. Atherton led 2-0 after 46 minutes.
Mason had continued to find himself in the opposition third, yet struggled to find the final key pass with not many options often available.
Andy Bishop played through substitute Danny Pemeberton on goal however he was flagged offside.
Atherton nearly scored a third on 60 minutes. Bentham connected well with a free kick and his header went inches wide.
There were very few chances throughout the final 30 minutes with the best coming from Atherton. Vincent Bailey’s free kick looked destined for the back of the net however Saunders made a cracking save to divert the ball over the bar.
With just 10 minutes to go, Glossop looked for some creative inspiration. From a corner, sub Josh Lowe attempted an overhead kick, which went over the bar. He was desperately unlucky.
Atherton had a further shot in injury time which forced a good stop from Saunders, although the attacker was offside.
The game finished with Atherton deserved 2-0 winners. Glossop will look to improve on a disappointing day next Tuesday 21st as they face Prescot Cables at Valerie Park.
Matchday Report by Taran Dhamrait
Photograph by Steve Dyson
Highlights by GNEtv - Bandit Productions
Key moments
Videos and photos
Highlights
As it happened
- Glossop North End
- Atherton Collieries
- 0
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Ben Hardcastle Goal 38:00'
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Ben Hardcastle Goal 47:00'
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Josh Lowe Sub On 55:00'
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Danny Pemberton Sub On 55:00'
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Jordan Bove Sub Off 55:00'
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Paul Sunderland Sub Off 55:00'
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Liam Turner Sub On 65:00'
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Andy Bishop Sub Off 65:00'
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Connor Gaul Sub On 65:00'
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Tom Bentham Sub Off 65:00'
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Adam Farrell Yellow Card 71:00'
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Josh Peet Sub On 80:00'
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Ben Conway Sub Off 80:00'
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Team selection
- Glossop North End
- Atherton Collieries
Saunders, Russell
Sunderland, Paul
Russell, Matthew
Bove, Jordan
Turner, Ollie
Beesley, Will
McKnight, Darren
Burke, Jack
Bishop, Andy
Mason, Darrhyl
Elliott, Alex
League round up
Other West Division results
Standings
| # | Team | Pl | Pts |
| 14. | Droylsden | 38 | 43 |
| 15. | Newcastle Town | 38 | 40 |
| 16. | Market Drayton Town | 38 | 40 |
| 17. | Glossop North End | 38 | 31 |
| 18. | Clitheroe | 38 | 28 |
| 19. | Kendal Town | 38 | 19 |
| 20. | Skelmersdale United | 38 | 13 |
Team sponsors
Affiliations
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