Two wins in two for GNE

Glossop North End bounced back from their disappointing Macron Cup exit with an impressive 3-1 win over Pilkington.

Ten minutes in and GNE were rampant so it was no surprise when on 15 minutes a strong run from Kyle Worsley drew a handball from the full back
who had been twisted and turned and was on the floor.

Stand in skipper Lee Rick made no mistake drilling his spot kick hard and low into the corner for a deserved lead.

Seven minutes later and the Hillmen had doubled their advantage.

Great work down the right saw interplay between Mulvey and McMahon, this time rather than fizzing the ball across the box the flying fullback picked out Lawless who controlled, laid it to Djalo who was able to stroke the ball into the bottom corner, beating the desperate dive of the ‘keeper to
double the advantage.

Two-nil up and the travelling fans couldn’t quite believe what they were seeing from the team in black & white.

The foot didn’t come off the gas, despite losing Rick to injury, his replacement Ollie Mackay, in his preferred midfield role, was straight in the action.

Glossop were able to deservedly extend their lead just before the break.

A swift and incisive counter attack from defending a corner saw Mulvey and Mackay combine before playing in Worsley.

The young forward was composed as he drilled his finish right footed across the keeper to make it 3-0.

It was the most dominant half of football the team have produced all season.

It was always going to be difficult to match those levels in the second half and so it proved.

Glossop were always comfortable, never really under too much pressure and Alex Brown in goal had little to do.

The home side, who were neat and tidy in possession and had a real threat out wide with winger Morgan Davage, in only his third appearance for the club.

It was a well placed pass from midfielder Harrison Kay which found Ryan Beigan in space between Perry & Hopkins and he finished calmly for his 15th of the season.

But, despite conceding Glossop comfortably saw out the game to take the points and the plaudits.
Following the win, GNE went into Tuesday’s North West Counties Premier Division game full of confidence.

They took on an FC St Helens team who were sixth in the league, in place and three points outside the playoffs and with games in hand.

Manager Richard Brodie stuck with the players who had performed so well at the weekend with the only change to the starting lineup being Oliver Mackay starting for the injured Lee Rick, who he had replaced at Pilkington at the weekend.

The squad was further stretched following injuries to Rick & Aeron Bardsley but were able to welcome back club captain Oliver Parker to the bench.

The prize at stake was an opportunity to back up their impressive weekend with a rare home victory in the first of three consecutive games at home
over the festive period.

A win, and other results permitting, could have seen the Hillmen rise three places in the league.

Neither team were really able to play too much flowing football early on, in part the elements proved a challenge and in truth a high number of fouls
awarded meant the game was particularly stop start in the first half.

With the game drifting towards a stalemate at half time, and needing an injection of quality, it was Glossop’s Kyle Worsley who was able to provide
it.

Having started for the first time at the weekend and been involved in two of the three goals, he was able to show great quality by driving in off the left wing, teeing up a shot on his right foot and finding the bottom corner of the net to give Glossop a precious lead.

Momentum is a powerful thing in football and having taken the lead just before the break Glossop were able to come out and put together a really impressive second half performance.

Worsley continued to be the main threat down GNE’s left, tormenting the fullback Louis Sharp.

It was no surprise that he was involved in GNE’s second goal.

Another powerful run, he turned the fullback, drove to the byline, pulled the ball back to Tom Lawless who had his back to goal, six yards out.

He was able to control, turn and hit the ball in a flash past the keeper to double Glossop’s lead.

The visitors rang the changes but Glossop’s work rate in midfield allowed them little space and solid defending, particularly from centre back David Badrock and birthday boy Jack Hopkins, limited their chances.

When they did have a chance they found loanee goalkeeper Alex Brown on hand to produce two top draw saves to preserve the clean sheet and the three points.

At the full time whistle the players received a standing ovation from the 200 plus supporters who’d seen a resilient performance from the Hillmen,
with the better quality in the final third.

Two goals, a clean sheet and three points at the start of a busy Christmas period.

After the game manager Richard Brodie was pleased that the team backed up their impressive win at the weekend with a solid home win, a clean sheet and more momentum moving into the Christmas period.

Results went GNE’s way meaning they climbed three places up to 14th in the table.