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Left to pay a penalty

30/ 4/2008

Glossop NE.................1
Trafford.......................2

ALTHOUGH the Hillmen’s season ended with a disappointing result, the result disguises what a tremendous performance they put into a game where they thoroughly deserved at least a draw.

They threatened early on from corners as a Trafford knee diverted one effort wide and Darren Hamilton saw a header cleared off the line before Glossop were hit by a sucker punch at the other end.

A low cross came in from the right and found Winter free at the back post, but although Fielding brilliantly blocked his effort, the ball fell to Barlow who shot past Dave Young on the line.

North End picked themselves up and commenced attacking again as Kay shot just the wrong side of the angle, Hamilton was denied by Read’s acrobatic save and Acton fired off target from another corner.

The equaliser came in the 25th minute when Keiron Lugsden slid in at the far post to convert Rick Whelan’s wicked cross.

A minute later, Bailey burst out of midfield and looked set to score, only to be thwarted by a brilliantly timed tackle from Winter.

Parity lasted only six minutes though as Trafford stole possession in midfield and the ball was spread to Metcalfe whose low cross slipped from Fielding’s grasp and fell to Lundy who tapped in.

Jason Gorton had a chance to equalise just before half-time when Hamilton flicked on another corner, only for the ball to go under his feet.

The second half produced fewer chances on goal, but was superb entertainment as both sides played football on a wet, muddy pitch.

Trafford broke with tremendous pace, showing the incision that had made them champions, but were limited to shots and free kicks from the edge of the area.

Gorton saw another effort cleared off the line before Glossop’s gilt-edged chance arrived with five minutes remaining when the same player was then brought down inside the area.

However, Dave Young put his spot-kick wide to register his only penalty failure of the season.

It was not quite the perfect way to cap a great season for the Hillmen, but seventh place represents a solid start for Steve Young’s stewardship, and with plans afoot on and off the pitch, it is a good time to be a North End supporter.

Attendance: 163

Jonathan Haggart