Match Preview

Glossop North End head to the North Wales coastline this coming Saturday as they face the long trip to Colwyn Bay. After a November in which GNE tallied 1 win, 2 draws and 3 losses in league and cup, the Hillmen head into December with optimism. After achieving a promising goalless draw with Trafford at Surrey Street on Saturday, the squad had to dig in and be resilient as they finished the game with 10 men. On the back of conceding 11 goals in their previous 3 games, a positive performance and a clean sheet will be seen as progress by the management team and fans alike.

Managers Pete Band and Lloyd Morrison have a couple of selection issues ahead of Saturdays game. Striker Mitch Bryant is suspended for this game after his red card last Saturday resulted in a 3 match ban for violent conduct. Paul Marshall could return to central midfield after a cortisone injection ruled him out of last week’s fixture with Trafford. Ian Bennett could return to the starting XI this weekend after being placed on the bench last Saturday, making way for Jason Hill. Keenan Quansah and Darren Thornton looked solid and organised last time out and could well pair up in central defence again. Fans are still eager to see what Australian/ Greek midfielder James Georgaklis can offer for GNE, James has had limited opportunities in games so far since his arrival from Hyde, will Saturday’s game be a chance for him? Finally, 22 year old defender Dajour Buffonge has been cleared to play for GNE after being released by Congleton Town and could make his debut for GNE.

The hosts, Colwyn Bay, head into the fixture on the back of a 3-2 defeat last time out at Colne. Bay were 3-0 down in the game before scoring 2 late goals in the final 8 minutes of the game courtesy of Tom McCready and Alex Downes. This game came on the back of another 1-0 home defeat against Ramsbottom, so the hosts will be looking to turn their form around after 2 straight defeats. Colwyn Bay sit 13th in the league table heading into the game. Bay will be without midfielder Lassana Mendes for Saturdays game through suspension, striker Craig Pritchard is away on international duty. James Barrigan has 6 goals already this season for the hosts and will be a threat for Colwyn Bay alongside Danny Andrews.

GNE will head into the fixture with renewed optimism and confidence that they can get a result from the game. Safe trip to all travelling fans!