Some games you win scintillatingly, some you win with grit, and some with a bit of good fortune. North End took this one with the latter two, working hard to break down a packed midfield and defence and taking the win with a goal that took a wicked deflection to maintain their 100% start to the season, and still without a goal conceded.
Glossop North End 1 AFC Blackpool 0
NWCFL Premier Division
Match Report: Jonathan Haggart
Pictures: Jim Lockwood
They always looked the side most likely to score in this game, but the visitors’ determination not to add another defeat to consecutive 3-0 reverses tested the patience of the Hillmen. Credit goes to both sides for setting about their tasks doggedly, even if it didn’t make the greatest of spectacles.
North End did most of the first half probing, without creating a truly outstanding opportunity, although Caunce had to be quick off his line to halt a burst into the box by Kelvin Lugsden, diving at the right back’s feet and beating him to the ball just as he might have clipped it over him.
Jason Carey had a strong looking penalty claim turned down on the half hour when after a clever piece of skill allowed him a run into the box he appeared to be clipped from behind. It did appear that Carey had waited for the contact in order to manipulate the penalty, and sure enough the contact came. The referee’s view that he was’ looking for it’ perhaps should not have distorted the fact that he was felled.
The goal came in the 2nd minute of injury time when a throw into the box was chested down to the edge of the area. Eddie Moran hit in on the half volley, the ball took a wicked deflection, hit the inside of the post and nestled into the net.
The second half was all about GNE trying to add to their lead, with Blackpool looking to score on the break. North End found it difficult to break down the massed midfield & defence, whilst Blackpool’s problem that when the ball went forward to thick-set forward Ben Singleton he would hold the ball up but have no support. The best he could muster would be to win a free kick, and for a big lad he certainly fell easily to get them.
Tom Bailey shot over the angle from a tight angle whilst Sam Hare’s volley from the edge of the area just went over the bar. Sam Hind also had a shot cleared off the line and blazed a shot over the bar when he should at least have hit the target.
The best chance of the half though fell to Singleton with just 4 minutes left, unmarked and meeting a cross on the 6 yard line. Fortunately for North End’s proud record he put it wide.
There was still time for Hare’s spectacular long range effort to be pushed wide by Caunce, before the game ended with The Hillmen playing keep-ball, and Blackpool trying to get it off them and launch a break. The whistle was a relief, as it always is when you are winning 1-0.
AFC Blackpool are back at Surrey St next Saturday in the FA Cup, but before that Glossop travel to last year’s league cup winners Ashton Athletic on Tuesday, which will be a real test of their 100% start.
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