Christmas is coming, and should the rain relent to allow sodden pitches to drain, there is an exciting programme of games facing Chris Willcock’s side.
First up on the 19th December is the visit of Burscough to Surrey Street. The Linnets have been in great form of late, including a terrific runs in the FA Cup and FA Trophy and a record of 31 points from 33. Mark Beesley’s side will provide stiff opposition for Glossop North and this clash between two teams chasing a play-off place should be an exciting one.
A week later there is no let up as Glossop North End travel to Mossley for Boxing Day. Managed by former Hyde United man Peter Band, Mossley too are chasing a play-off place. This will be the first league game between the two clubs since April 2004 when Mossley left Surrey Street with the points in a 1-0 win, although the two sides did clash in 2014-15, Mossley again running out victors in a Manchester Premier Cup tie by a 2-1 scoreline, although even they’d admit they perhaps were fortunate to do so.
There are many links between the two sides, not least with our gaffer having managed both sides and our skipper having captained both. It should be a great game, and a great opportunity to catch up with old friends.
Two days later on Monday 28th comes the first fixture most GNErs looked for when the fixtures were released in the summer – the home game with the team from ‘over the hill’ – New Mills FC. Few would have expected – in fact we’d wager that no-one would have expected – that heading towards Christmas the Millers would have still be in search of their first point of the season.
It has been a torrid time for the Amber Army this year, but you can bet they will be like Kevin Keegan when thinking about this game, and would “love it” should they get their first win at Surrey Street. It would be extra sweet for managers Garry Brown and Paul Williams, who had a short spell in charge of Glossop North End in 2013. We look forward to welcoming them and their team to the Arthur Goldthorpe Stadium, whilst of course hoping we send them away still searching for that elusive point.
Derby Days are always a bit special at Surrey Street, and we’re sure the Trenches and the Ultras In The Stand will be in full voice. We hope it will be an unforgettable game.
Saturday 19th December – Glossop North End v Burscough
Saturday 26th December – Mossley v Glossop North End
Monday 28th December – Glossop North End v New Mills
Saturday 2nd January – Radcliffe Borough v Glossop North End
All in all, there is some terrific looking football coming up. We hope to see you all at the matches and would like to wish you a very happy Christmas.
And don’t forget those Christmas jumpers!
