Fireworks fly as Hillmen sparkle against leaders

Glossop North End 1, Runcorn Town 0
NWCFL Premier Division

Match Report: Jonathan Haggart
Pictures: Jim Lockwood

Runcorn Town came to Surrey Street as joint league leaders, whilst the home side had suffered three successive defeats. Neutral observers would most likely have predicted an away win, but they found the Hillmen in a resilient mood, determined to halt the slide. It felt like an important win.

The game’s only goal came early, in the 5th minute, and it was North End’s new signing Sam Madeley who netted. After a spell of Runcorn pressure, Andy Kilheeney played a long ball forward that was flicked on by Tom Bailey. His new strike partner won the physical battle with his marker and struck a low shot that Karl Wills partially blocked with his body, but not enough – the ball squirmed under and into the net.

That first five minutes was something of a microcosm of the first half as a whole, with Runcorn having a lot of possession, but North End creating the clearer chances. Bailey curled a free kick just over the bar, whilst Madeley's sharp turn and shot hit the side netting. Hirst tried to place a shot but it was held by the keeper whereas Runcorn were largely restricted to shots from distance. However, Lester did worry Williams when running from his own half, getting the luck of a ricochet at the edge of the area and shooting, the Glossop keeper saved at his near post.

Grant then hit a shot low on the turn for the visitors and Williams caused hearts to flutter as a free kick bounced awkwardly in front of him and off his chest, however he was first to react and collected the ball.

As was expected, Runcorn started the second half brightly and although Carey got a shot on target in the first minute it was a simple take for Williams. Carey also headed wide from a good cross. However, GNE created a great chance of their own when a corner was pushed out to Dave Young and whilst his shot beat the keeper it was cleared off the line by Burton.

As the half went on, Glossop began to defend deeper and deeper and putting pressure on themselves as a result. Runcorn were firing more shots on goal, none of them dangerous at this point, but Chris Willcock brought on Kyle Riley to try and add more strength up front. Riley nearly scored with his first touch, heading wide when he should have at least hit the target.

In the 68th minute Glossop’s cause was given a boost by Scott Burton of Runcorn, who having been booked minutes earlier for dissent got another yellow card for a high tackle in midfield. Runcorn continued to work hard, without really troubling the North End defence, and continued to do so even when reduced to 9 men seven minutes from time, this time Shanley receiving a second yellow card for something the assistant referee had spotted.

The inevitable Runcorn chance came in the 5th minute of injury time when the ball fell to Spearitt outside the area and he leathered it goalwards. For a split second it looked as though the ball might hit the corner of the net, only for it to swerve away to safety.

It meant a terrific three points for North End, and they will seek to add to their restored confidence when they travel to Wigan Robin Park on Saturday.

GNE: Williams, Byrne, Russell (Allen), Lugsden, Young, Parker, Hirst (Cliff), Kilheeney, Bailey, Hare, Madeley (Riley).