Glossop dumped out of the cup

Just days after their exciting replay victory over Eccleshill United, Glossop North End exited the FA Cup on Saturday, beaten at home 3-1 by Pontefract Collieries. Pontefract are a big powerful team who play fast, direct football. They went ahead on 32 minutes when a weak defensive header allowed Swaine the opportunity to hit an excellent shot past Latham in the Glossop goal. The teams were separated by only one goal at the interval and the game had been fairly even up to that point. Glossop fans were confident that the team had a chance in the second half. Unfortunately, the first 10 minutes of the half saw Collieries take an unassailable 3-0 lead. Both goals resulted from free kicks conceded around the edge of the penalty area. The managers were well aware of the dangers Pontefract presented from dead ball situations, but the team switched off twice. Smythe scored direct from the first free kick and Cyrus was allowed to steal in to sidefoot the second past Latham.

Glossop went on to play their best football of the game and Limpishi scored with a powerful shot from the edge of the box on 75 minutes to make it 1-3. Glossop then came close on several occasions but could not find a second goal to really put pressure on the away team. After the game, joint managers Pete Band and Lloyd Morrison accepted that mistakes were crucial but praised the fighting spirit of their young team. “They are a team who are keen to learn from their mistakes and they will come back stronger,” said Pete.

Matchday Report by Jim Joyce
Photograph by Steve Dyson
Highlights by GNEtv - Bandit Productions