Well, after another long period since our last game, we travelled to Silsden. We have maintained our focus at training with Fran carrying out planned sessions on shape, communication and tracking to improve those aspects in our game.
It is always unpredictable as to what actual performance you get after not playing for a while, however we have to say that everyone on the pitch on Saturday battled for each other and put a tremendous shift in. It was a heavy pitch and we still tried to play football, not always possible but some of the football we saw on a heavy surface like Saturday shows that the lads are gaining more confidence in being on the ball.
Of course Battersby stole the show by scoring 4 goals, the one from on the bye line near the corner flag had everyone rubbing their eyes in disbelief, it was even better than Aguero’s. His fourth was as good with him making a strikers run and connecting to a great ball across the 6 yard box provided by Nathan Bond capped a magnificent display.
Sam Marshall was also outstanding and impressive off the ball as well as on it. We keep letting the lads know that we watch what they do off the ball as much as they do on it. Most of a player’s game is off the ball so it is very important what they do. Sam and Jake Williams worked tremendously hard up and down the flanks. Ash Smallwood was a work horse in midfield alongside Adam Oakes who provided some superb through balls. Oaksey picked up a bad knock and was replaced by Rick Winstanley who used his experience to calm the game, snuff out their midfield threat and predicting their play well. Deano ran himself into the ground and made way for newcomer Jordan Matthew and then Jake Williams was taken off as a precaution after a strong tackle. This meant we changed things slightly playing with only the one outlet. What a great place to be when you can have a bench with such quality players ready to come on. Bondy made an immediate impact on the game and linked up well with Battersby up front.
The back 5 kept shape and communicated well across the line, with Silsden only breaching once although, to be fair, it was a great through ball. The lads were somewhat disappointed in not keeping a clean sheet, but scoring 5 away from home is a great testament to the hard work that every single one of them put in on the day..
The bar has been set again and the lads now expect more of each other. They played for their shirts on Saturday. We have competition for places with Danny Browne soon coming back from injury and Ben Connelly, Jonny Hurst amongst others awaiting their opportunity. Games are set to come thick and fast, therefore a good squad is very important to get us through.
The supporters again were in great voice, everyone enjoyed the day. A great platform to build from, we now need to get some consistency going.
On the injury front we still have some experienced players out with long term injuries. It was encouraging to see Tom Wilson play the last 15 minutes in the Reserves match last Saturday as he works his way back to match fitness following a prolonged injury. Danny Browne needs at least another week to get back into contention. Mixed news on the injuries picked up Silsden with Jake Williams expected to be fit for selection at the weekend but the situation with Adam Oakes is not as encouraging at the time of writing – we will see.
New to Glossop North End is central midfielder Jordan Matthew. Jordan comes to us from Rochdale St. Clements and made his debut for the first team away at Silsden last Saturday coming on as a second half substitute. We wish Jordan a successful and enjoyable time with us.
Garry, Willo, Fran, Kevin and Stacey
