Glossop travelled to Belper on Saturday. Managed by Grant Black, they are a big, direct side and off to a good start. Early exchanges were even but after 17 minutes Belper came close when a loose ball was stabbed against the post. A period of Belper pressure followed. The Glossop defence battled hard and twice neat approach play saw good crosses into the Belper area. The game became scrappy. Belper sent a stream of long balls and long throws into the Glossop area. As half time approached, Belper had another spell of pressure and Latham had to palm away a dangerous corner.
The Glossop defence had coped well with the aerial barrage but on 57 minutes that changed. From a needless free kick, the ball was swung into the box. Robson found space and headed firmly past Latham. 1-0 to Belper. One lapse of concentration and Glossop were punished.
Glossop now had their best spell of the game. A good lay off by Czubik resulted in a shot deflected wide and a Limpishi shot went just over the angle of bar and post. On 79 minutes, a long throw was hurled into the Glossop box, the ball ran loose, and Bertram stabbed the ball past an unsighted Latham. 2-0.
For Glossop, a great run and cross by Coulibaly just needed a touch. Coppin and Tuohy created space for the latter to shoot for the top corner but the Belper keeper tipped over the top. Tuohy then hit the outside of the post with a last-minute free kick.
Joint manager Pete Band said, “It was a fair result. They took their chances. We defended well against a very big, physical team but two lapses cost us. We had plenty of possession and we will continue to try to play good football.”
Matchday Report by Jim Joyce
Photograph by Steve Dyson
Highlights by GNEtv - Bandit Productions