Match report: Jonathan Haggart Photo: Steve Dyson
Since Glossop were promoted in 2015 50% of the games between these two clubs have finished 0-0 and it looked as though we were in for a repeat after the opening 5 minutes. The two committed teams were canceling each other out, strong players in the defences from both sides muscling out their opposite numbers. The referee was trying to let the game flow, and it was probably to the game’s detriment as challenges that might be punished by other officials were being allowed and therefore encouraged.
In short, the first half was poor. The only chance of real note came out of the blue when a surprise back header from Nathan Valentine had Paul Phillips scrambling along his goal-line to save sharply.
GNE had an early second half scare when Phillips picked up the ball in his box from what the referee adjudged to be a back pass. However from an indirect free kick Scarborough had a direct shot on goal and blasted it over the bar in any case.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 64th minute when Dale Johnson took advantage of some good fortune. Oyibo created it with persistent work on the touchline that eventually saw him past his man and advancing along the byline. His cross was booted out, but against a Scarborough defender. The ball headed goalward and whilst Taylor pulled off a good reflex save the ball ricocheted back to Johnson and he picked his spot.
However, within three minutes Boro were level when a regulation free kick on halfway was allowed to drop around the 6 yard line and Michael Coulson was first to reach it, nipping in and finishing smartly.
The visitors nearly got a lucky ricochet of their own when a mis-hit shot landed on the head of a striker, but the effort when wide.
A draw looked likely but with 5 minutes to go a free kick from the right was swung into the box. The ball was headed away but picked up by Oyibo, who showed composure to take a moment to switch the ball to his other foot then drive a shot into the net and seal the win.
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
9. | Colwyn Bay | 42 | 61 |
10. | Atherton Collieries | 42 | 58 |
11. | Glossop North End | 42 | 53 |
12. | Clitheroe | 42 | 51 |
13. | Droylsden | 42 | 50 |
14. | Ramsbottom United | 42 | 48 |
15. | Ossett Albion | 42 | 47 |