Tuesday 27th August 2013
Stockport Sports 0 Glossop North End 0
Match Report:Stewart Taylor
For the third time in as many matches Glossop North End registered a clean sheet and if that, and the overall result, suggests that defences were dominant in this match then that would be a fair summary. The home side line-up showed a starting debut for Scott Dignan who Surrey Streeters may recall played at Surrey Street for Whaley Bridge in the Derbyshire Senior Cup match last December. Starting at left back for the Saxons was ex-Hillman Jamie Kay. GNE showed just one change from the home win over Wigan Robin Park with Jordan Goodeve returning to the starting XI in place of Daley Rothwell.
The synthetic surface at Stockport Sports Village tends to make for high tempo matches and the crowd, dominated by GNE supporters, certainly saw that as the first 10 minutes flew by in a flurry of midfield action. The only real threat on either goal came as GNE’s Chris Hirst fired in a shot which was well covered by Alex Baird who was making his debut for the Saxons in goal.
The main threat from the home side was coming from a combination of captain Ricky Anane and wide right midfielder Max Thomas down the right hand side. Always available for the outlet ball, and running forward at speed, these two made it a busy night for Harry Bockarie at left back. Numerous crosses came in from this source but the Saxons were unable to get bodies on the end of them effectively.
Towards half time the Saxons had a good spell of possession and provided the GNE defence, with captain Dave Young and Kelvin Lugsden playing well, some moments of anxiety. A shot by Matthew Dolan from the 18 yard line was well dealt with by Ben Proctor down to his left. This was followed by opportunities for the prolific James McShane and central defender Dignan before GNE finished the half well as a dipping shot from Tom Bailey looked goal bound but Baird produced a fine save. Honours even at half time.
The second half started at the same frantic pace as the first and GNE looked to gain some control. Pressure was mounting on the home defence but Dignan, ably supported by Warren Gaskin, remained calm and repulsed several forward drives. Home captain Anane was forced off with an injury on the hour mark and that deprived the Saxons of one area of attack.
Into the last 15 minutes and it was looking as though one goal would be enough to secure all three points from this match. The Hillmen redoubled their efforts and created a number of chances in this last period of the match. Tom Bailey had a number of half chances which he had largely created for himself by strong running but Baird was equal to the challenge on at least three occasions. As the watch ticked by 90 minutes it was Bailey again, getting the better of Dignan for once, who forced a save from Baird and that was that.
An entertaining affair for the neutral but a disappointing result for both sides but particularly for the Hillmen who must have thought that they had done enough in that stirring last 10 minutes to have taken the spoils.
Acta est fabula, plaudite!
GNE Team Proctor, Byrne, Bockarie, Lugsden, Young, Allen, Goodeve, Hirst C. Bailey, Neequaye, Blackshaw (Morris).
 |
 |
