Glossop North End are back at home, for the only time this month, as they welcome the visit of Irlam FC in the North West Counties Premier League. The Hillmen were soundly beaten in midweek, after a 10 day hiatus between outings, against a very strong Trafford FC side. GNE will hope to maintain their unbeaten home record in the league; The Asgard Engineering Stadium has been a mini fortress for the Hillmen during their 2026/27 league campaign, picking up 13 from a possible 15 points at home so far, keeping 4 clean sheets and conceding just the solitary goal.

GNE go into the weekend still in the playoff places, despite their midweek defeat, having accumulated 16 points from their opening 8 games. Irlan sit just outside, 3 points behind the Hillmen but with a game in hand. There’s nothing between them in the form table either, both teams recording 4 wins and 2 losses from their last 6 matches across all competitions – Irlam’s wins however have come from their last 4 outings, including an impressive 2-0 over Ramsbottom earlier this month, so they are certainly a team in form. Irlam always provide a tough test although last season GNE managed the double over the men from Silver Street Stadium recording a 1-0 away win on boxing day and a 2-1 home win in April this year. Don’t be surprised therefore if this is another closely fought contest with only a single goal separating the sides, at most, come the final whistle. The visitors’ main goal threat is Jack Mitchell, who is the club’s top scorer so far this season on 4 goals, despite playing primarily from a wide position. Defensively they are tight, having conceded just 9 goals so far in the league this season. Elliott Wynne has taken over the goalkeeping spot for each of their four consecutive recent wins. In midweek Irlam signed former GNE striker “Junior” Smith so it will be interesting to see where and when he features on his immediate return to SK13.

Lee Wilshaw will have some decisions to make after the 2-0 road defeat this week. He has fullbacks Dylan McMahon and Aeron Bardsley back fit – both started the season as first choice in those positions but injuries have given others a chance to stake their claim. Both have been on the bench the last two games but will be pushing for a return to the staring lineup. Connor Gant was impressive in his substitute appearance in midweek and he will be pushing for a place in the midfield whilst new signing Alex Sami was lively when coming on in attack, he will be pushing for more game time too.