Glossop claim first points at home

On the tail end of a scorching bank holiday weekend, Glossop welcomed Stocksbridge for a game which had goals and drama alike.

The Hillmen were unbeaten in there last two games after a win away at Newcastle in the league and then earning a replay in the FA Cup. Stocksbridge has also won there previous league game but since had lost in the FA Cup.

Glossop absorbed pressure right from the off, with Stocksbridge full back Jordan Lemon almost catching out the keeper with a volley which was surely intended as a cross. Glossop’s No.1 Dale Latham did well to tip the shot over the bar. Three corners followed this. Glossop did well to clear the first two which were driven in low, but the third resulted in the opening goal of the game for the away side after a lobbed ball into the area. Reece Fielding broke free of his man and made no mistake with the headed effort only 4 minutes into the game.

Only minutes after taking the lead, Stocksbridge appealed for a penalty after some miscommunication at the back between Mwakona and Latham resulted in Whitfield falling inside the penalty area. However referee Jamie Waters said there was nothing going.

This defensive mishap seemed to kickstart Glossop into action. They were much more comfortable on the ball and were starting to find some avenues in the final third. A couple of chances for Jack Tuohy and Czubik for the blues but none failed to test the goalkeeper.

After an intense first 24 minutes, the referee called a halt in proceedings for a drinks break on this sweltering day. Unfortunately though, the drinks break also came with a break in the action and neither side would settle on the ball up until the half time whistle.

Half Time : Glossop North End 0-1 Stocksbridge Park Steels

At half time, joint managers Pete Band and Lloyd Morrison decided to bring on Joel Mills who would replace Henry Limpishi. Mills was untouchable in the second half and was a big factor for Glossop.

Stocksbridge started the second half similarly to how they started the first, applying pressure initially. But after 65 minutes, it would be Glossop who had a golden chance from the spot to bring themselves back into the game. Mills went on a storming run down the right hand side and beat the full back who dragged him down and gave Glossop the spot kick. It would be Tuohy to step up and convert to fire the Hillmen right back into the game. The keeper went the right way and got a hand to the ball but couldn’t keep the shot out. Glossop were level and fighting.

After a second half drinks break, it was anyone’s game. Both sides throwing everything at it in an effort to grab the victory. Czubik beat two players and dragged his shot just wide for Glossop whilst Fielding came close with another header for the away side!

With 10 minutes plus stoppage time remaining, it was Glossop’s little trouble causer Joel Mills back at it again. He picked the ball up on the right had side after a long ball from Coppin, but this time ran across the pitch to the left hand side, went inside the penalty area and was pulled down in the penalty area. For the second time in the game, Mills won a penalty which Tuohy would take and convert. This goal much easier than the first with the keeper diving the wrong way. Tuohy’s second penalty of the day was Glossop’s second goal of the day and they now had only 10 minutes to protect their 2-1 lead.

Unfortunately though, the lead slipped. With 5 minutes to go in the game, Latham and Stocksbridge forward Mangham both went to contest the ball, Latham made contact with Mangham and sent him tumbling down resulting in a penalty kick for the away side and a yellow card for himself. Mangham was straight up off the floor to take the penalty and made no mistake in lashing it home meaning the points would be shared.

With only a few moments left in the game, both sides went in search for a winning goal but neither were able to fashion a clear cut chance and as Waters blew his whistle for the final team, the contest ended in a 2-2 draw.

After three games in the league, the Hillmen have won, drawn and lost a game each leaving them on 4 points and 12th place in the table. Glossop move onto a trip to Belper this coming Saturday. We look forward to seeing many of you make the trip there.

Matchday Report by Kassim Highley
Photograph by Steve Dyson
Highlights by GNEtv - Bandit Productions