Hillmen through after shootout drama

Glossop North End made it through to the semi-finals of the Derbyshire Senior Cup on Tuesday, claiming the local bragging rights in the process with a penalty shootout win over New Mills. 

After a fast-paced 90 minutes ended goalless, The Hillmen held their nerve to win by four penalties to one at Church Lane. 

Both sides had guilt edged chances to open the scoring, with both hitting the woodwork on the night as the 300+ spectators were treated to everything but a goal, but the match was to be decided cruelly by spot kicks. 

After Glossop scored their first kick, Saul Henderson got New Mills off to a nightmare start when he was denied by Joey Oldham. 

With GNE three from three, the pressure was piled onto the hosts’ third taker Jack Lever, and this pressure told as his effort sailed over the crossbar. 

The away side’s fate was then left in the hands of Junior Smith, who made no mistake from 12 yards, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and ensuring his side’s place in the final four. 

“To go through into a semi-final is massively important,” said a pleased Lee Wilshaw following the win. 

“We had a long break over the Christmas period, and we tried to keep the boys ticking but as you can see, we were a little bit rusty in terms of quality. 

“But it’s a great opportunity for us to hopefully get to a final.”