Derby Day Double Delight for Glossop North End

The Hillmen ran out comfortable winners of the Christmas Derby with a goal in each half against their rivals from over the hill. They will probably be disappointed that they didn’t score more against a team who have lost every game that they have played this season, but credit the visitors for grafting hard. The Millers never gave up and always tried to play football, although the gulf in quality between the two squads was evident throughout and they didn’t create a clear cut chance of note.

A couple of early chances had been passed up before Glossop North End took the lead. Firstly Tom Bailey just couldn’t get enough power on his sliding stretch and then Jamie Rainford shot narrowly wide from outside the box. However, that changed in the 11th minute.

Rainford picked up a ball into the left channel, parallel with the area. Hillmen followers knew what would happen next as he tried to advance into the area, but crucially the defender didn’t expect him to open up room for himself and curl a shot into the far corner. So when he did exactly that the fans were celebrating another Rainford beauty.

Shortly afterwards Eddie Moran forced a good save from Oliver Martin, Jason Carey headed wide from a corner and Kieran Lugsden’s flicked header was in turned flicked over by a defender. It looked as though Glossop North End would bag a hatful; however a combination of Millers hard work and Hillmen carelessness meant that chances became scarce.

The game sprung to life again temporarily in the 54th minute when Glossop North End netted their second. Tom Bailey picked up the ball and burst into the box. He blasted a low shot that Martin could only parry, the rebound falling to Lugsden, and he controlled and fired home.

However, the game continued in a tepid vein, with Glossop North End having much of the possession but not creating much of note. It was only as the game headed towards its conclusion that Martyn Andrews had a chance from a tight angle that went over the bar, and Bailey’s swivelled shot was saved.

So Glossop North End finished 2015 in the same way they finished 2014 – beating New Mills. What has happened in between has been quite extraordinary. A league and cup double, another ‘once in a lifetime’ Wembley appearance, and now sitting in 4th place in their new league. If 2016 is only half as good, it will still be fantastic.