Glapwell end the home drought

Glapwell put an end to their recent poor home form as Ian Holmes scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Lincolnshire side Stamford at Hall Corner.

Three home defeats in the previous week had left Glapwell 11 points outside of the play-off places and with only five games left, including this one, it was almost impossible for them to achieve a play-off place.

But a much improved performance earned Glapwell only their second win from the last seven home league games and their first clean sheet in five.

There were two changes to the Glapwell team from the 5-3 defeat to Rushall with James Lindley returning in goal and Adam Kimberley started his first game for over five weeks in place of Chris Timons who was delayed at work with Adam Walker starting at centre back.

While Stamford, who came into the game with only one win in 11 league games, had former Glapwell striker Dean Oliver starting up front for them.

And it was the visitors who had the first chance of the game as Dan Cotton was allowed to run with the ball but his shot from just outside the area was straight at James Lindley.

But Glapwell were playing some really good stuff early on and they had a good chance to take the lead inside the first ten minutes when Evan Garnett played a great ball into the path of Ian Holmes who saw his low shot blocked by the feet of Stamford keeper Chris Wright.

Stamford, though, were also looking dangerous going forward, in particular Dean Oliver, and Oliver had a chance when he got goal side of Steve Kennedy but his shot fizzed past the near post from 20 yards.

And the impressive Oliver created a big chance for the visitors when he got down the right and put in a good cross for the unmarked Dan Cotton who, from 10 yards, should have scored but he completely missed his kick and the chance was gone.

But Glapwell were still playing some good football as they tried to force an opening but it was again the visitors who had a golden opportunity to take the lead. A free-kick floated in got a touch off a Glapwell head and fell into the path of Harry Deane who blazed high over the bar from no more than six yards out.

On the half hour mark the Daniels had another chance to take the lead. Dan Cotton was brought down on the edge of the area but still managed to force the ball through to Dean Oliver who burst into the box and fired a shot across goal that just missed the far post.

There were few real openings for Glapwell in the first period and before half-time it was Stamford, again, that went closest to breaking the deadlock when a good team move resulted in Cotton shooting at Lindley from 15 yards.

The second half began with Glapwell looking brightest but Stamford had the first chance of the half when Matt Cook’s deep cross was met by Oliver who hooked the ball high over the bar from 15 yards.

But Glapwell put together a great move that nearly resulted in the opening goal when Evan Garnett played a great ball into Ian Brown who put through a clever reverse pass into the onrushing Michael Harcourt and his low shot brought a good diving save out of Chris Wright.

However, the visitors again came back at Glapwell and Lindley was called into action when Oliver, again, was involved as he drove a shot low across goal that brought a good save out of the Glapwell keeper.

And just two minutes later Glapwell took the lead. Matt Varley intercepted an attempted through ball near the right touchline and played a good ball up field to Evan Garnett, who beat the offside trap, and he ran clear of the defence and squared the ball back into the path of Ian Holmes who was never going to miss from 12 yards as he tucked the ball into the bottom corner for his 30th league goal of the season.

It was a good piece of play by Garnett who kept his composure when he could have panicked and rushed a shot and it was a crucial goal as the game looked to have a 1-0 scoreline written all over it.

The goal settled Glapwell down who now looked more composed on the ball. The goal also looked to have deflated the visitors somewhat as their chances dried up.

In a bid to try and rescue something from the game the Daniels made their first change with 15 minutes remaining when Craig Hill came on to replace assistant manager Dave Frecklington.

And the visitors had an half chance shortly afterwards when Dan Cotton played the ball into the path of Dean Oliver who couldn’t compose himself as he fired well over the bar from the edge of the area.

As Glapwell looked to see the game out they replaced the impressive Evan Garnett with Billy Page who was coming on for his Glapwell debut.

But they saw the game out comfortably enough as the final few minutes were played out without any real threat to either goal.

The result sees Glapwell remain in ninth place and although the gap has reduced between themselves and the play-off places the difference is still eight points and with only four games remaining it looks like all Glapwell have to play for between now and the end of season is pride.

They will be looking to build on this victory when they travel to second-bottom Shepshed Dynamo this coming Saturday, 3pm. There is also a chance for Glapwell to gain a bit of revenge for the 2-1 defeat they suffered to Dynamo at Hall Corner a fortnight ago.

Match report written by Paul Hepworth

Goals : Holmes (Glapwell) 64

Glapwell : Lindley, Harcourt, Magee, Varley, Kennedy, Walker, Telling, Garnett (Page 82), Holmes, Brown, Kimberley (Timons 90). Subs not used : O’Hare, Commons, Richmond
Glapwell Man of the Match : Evan Garnett

Stamford : Wright, Cook, Jackson, Toyne, Chamberlain, Parker, Deane, Frecklington (Hill 75), Oliver, Cotton, Millson. Subs not used : King, Birkett, Walton, Clark

Referee : C. Ward (Worksop)

Yellow Cards : Brown (Glapwell) 72

Attendance : 65