Weekend football round-up: Hillmen & Millers progress in FA Vase

Glossop North End and New Mills both negotiated tricky away ties to qualify for the First Round proper of the FA Vase.

2009 and 2015 finalists Glossop saw out a second half onslaught from Retford, thanks in part to a commanding performance from goalkeeper Bayleigh Passant. 

Passant, who was between the sticks when Marine lost 5-0 to Spurs in the FA Cup 3rd Round in 2021, claimed cross after cross to repel the hosts on just his second appearance for the club.  

Ultimately, Abdul Djalo’s first half goal was the difference, and put the Hillmen into the hat for the next round. 

“The biggest compliment from me is that they’ve tried to stop us playing,” Glossop boss Richard Brodie told the club’s YouTube channel after notching a third straight win. “They’ve tried to slow things down, they’ve tried to kick us, they’ve tried to hinder anything we were good at. I think they got more embroiled in worrying about us than themselves. 

“It was backs against the wall for a bit, because you know they’re going to come out, they’re the home side and it’s a cup game so there’s no point in them sitting in. They’ve come at us in the second half, but we’ve full withstood the pressure.” 

Their neighbours New Mills will join them in the First Round after Harry Dean’s 8th and 9th goals of the campaign helped them to a 3-1 win at Goole. 

Josh Abbott restored the Millers’ lead after the home side equalised early in the second half, with Dean securing their progress into the main draw for the first time since 2020. 

On an emotional day In the National League North, thoughts at Curzon Ashton were with the family of club founder Harry Twamley, who died this week aged 82, as well as Radcliffe chairman Paul Hilton, 43, whose sudden death was announced on Saturday morning. 

Despite the Nash having the better of the chances, it was Peterborough Sports who took the lead at the Tameside Stadium courtesy of a 78th minute Dion Sembie-Ferris strike. 

Curzon’s hopes of a comeback seemed to be on the rocks when Mike Afuye picked up a second booking with three minutes left on the clock. However, Adam Barton headed home from six yards seconds later to share the points. 

The draw leaves Craig Mahon’s side in 3rd place, three points behind leaders Scunthorpe United. 

“Frustrating,” was the player-manager's concise assessment. “Bar scoring more goals, I thought we were outstanding. Everything that we done, from the play, to creating chances, to defending. 

“I hate to say it, but I thought the officiating was really bad. I don’t want to put a negative on it, but hopefully when they look back, they’ll see the mistakes they’ve made. But we can’t change that, we should’ve scored more regardless of their decisions.” 

It was a difficult day for our Northern Premier League (NPL) sides, too. 

Ashton United slipped to a surprise 3-0 home defeat to newly promoted Prescot Cables, with captain James Foley scoring twice from the spot. 

Meanwhile, Hyde United’s 2-2 draw at Morpeth Town "felt like a defeat” according to Tigers boss Nick Spooner, after the home side equalised in the 7th minute of added time. 

Goals from Jack Redshaw and Connor Heath saw Hyde come from behind in the second half, but Dan Barlow snatched a draw with the last touch of the game. 

“I thought we should’ve been comfortable at half-time,” said a disappointed Spooner. “Then they really came at us, they changed formation, were more aggressive, pounded us and went one-up. 

“Redders gets us back in it with a great header, we get the second and then they chuck everything at us. 

“Before the end of the game you’re thinking, ‘how do we address this?’ First half, naivety again. Second half, the first time we’ve come from behind to be in front and hopefully go on and win the game, and I can come out here and say that they’re mature and learning the league. But in the 95th minute, we should take it in the corner, and within 30 second – the last kick of the ball – the ball’s in our net.” 

In the NPL West, Mossley sit mid-table after being held to a goalless draw by Stafford Rangers.  

The Lilywhites dominated throughout, but despite plenty of chances and a last gasp penalty appeal, David Fish’s side couldn’t find a breakthrough. 

At Bower Fold, Stalybridge Celtic missed the chance to go top of the table in a 3-2 defeat against Wythenshawe. 

The visitors were 2-0 up inside the opening 20 minutes, but Liam Tongue’s 6th penalty of the season and Sean Tse’s second goal in as many games brought the Celts level at half-time. 

James Kinsey’s side couldn’t build on that momentum after the break, and Wythenshawe's Adam Davies scored the decisive goal in the final minute of normal time. 

“If you give yourself two goals to come back from, it can be hard,” said Bridge captain Liam Tongue. “We knew we weren’t at the standard that we set, especially after last week’s performance. 

“We did the hard bit coming back, and we were on top in the second half but didn’t really create anything clear cut, and they’ve gone and scored late on. 

“The lads are gutted, but we know we need to reach those standards week-in, week-out. If we drop below that, teams regardless of who they are or who they have playing for them will do a job.” 

Finally, in the North West Counties First Division North, Droylsden left it late to overcome basement side Skelmersdale United. 

Renato de Oliveira Gomes gave Skem an early lead, and although Sheriff Njie levelled the game midway through the first half, The Bloods left it until an 88th minute Shaquille Lewys goal to claim the three points. 

Midweek fixture: 

Barnoldswick Town v Glossop North End (Tuesday, 7:45pm)