Glossop are hit for five

NPL South East: Stamford 5-0 Glossop North End

The Hillmen set off on their first of many long away days this season with a trip to Stamford. After being knocked out of the FA Cup last Saturday the travelling fans were hoping for something to shout about.  Unfortunately, against a very good Stamford side that looked unlikely.

Stamford’s high intensity pressure was proving difficult for the blues to defend against and the home side netted with only nine minutes played.  The ball was cleared by GNE but only as far as Stamford’s right back, Jordon Cooke who played a beautiful ball into Chitiza. He brought the ball down very well, cut inside and rifled it to the 'keeper's left.

For the next 15 minutes Glossop were well in the game but they just couldn’t create any clear cut chances and as a result on the midpoint of the first half Stamford scrapped home a second, a bouncing ball came through the middle to Matwasa who just beat Latham to the ball, a lovely dink took the keeper out of the equation, Chilufya did well to keep up with the attacker and very nearly stopped the shot but in the end the ball bobbled over the goal line.

Glossop wouldn’t have wanted the half time whistle to blow because since Stamford’s second they’d managed to put their defence under some pressure but without troubling the goalkeeper and at the break they went in 2-0 down. The next goal would prove to be crucial, and unfortunately for the Hillmen it went against them and the game was effectively done as a contest.

In the last half hour Stamford added two more, a very composed penalty and a brilliant bicycle kick. On the day there was no doubt the home team were the much the better side and will be very high up come May.  As for Glossop there are still 37 games left to play so it is onwards and upwards to Saturday’s game at home to Cleethorpes Town.