Glossop Are Up For The FA Cup

Glossop North End staged a late fightback to salvage a point in a 1-1 draw against Leek Town at the Amdec Forklift Stadium.

In the process, Stuart Mellish’s side have maintained their unbeaten start to the season and currently occupy second spot in the NPL West - one place below leaders and near neighbours Mossley.

Bevan Burey converted a last gasp corner to cancel out William Reeves’ penalty in the 20th minute. The equaliser sparked wild celebrations amongst the players and coaching staff, as it ensured the Hillmen remain unbeaten having won two and drawn one of their opening three league fixtures.

Glossop have also secured their place in the next round of the FA Cup, after beating Sheffield FC 1-0 on Saturday thanks to Harry Freedman’s early goal.

The Hillmen, who also beat Emley 1-0 in extra-preliminary round, have been rewarded with a trip to Liversedge in the first qualifying round, to be played on Saturday, September 3.

The FA Cup is a key competition on the football calendar, not just for the memories it can create but for the prize money it generates. Glossop have so far pocketed £2,569 from winning, and they will bag an extra £ 2,250 if successful at Liversedge, who compete one division above Glossop in the NPL Premier Division.

Manager Stuart Mellish, who joined the club in the summer of 2021 following Peter Band’s departure, said: “I’m really pleased with the lads tonight as they showed a lot of character and a lot of desire.

“Leek are a good side but you’ve got to keep going until the end - that’s what my teams do - and we’ve had four or five corners from 90 minutes onwards and I think we deserved a point in the end.”

Glossop have yet to concede from open play in their opening three games - something Mellish is delighted about and wants to maintain. He added: “We look solid, although they started the game well as they’re a good side and got some good players, with their front three always dangerous and really quick.

“We’ve just got to clear our lines a bit  quicker.” 

Glossop return to action on Saturday at Kidsgrove Athletic.

Picture by Steve Dyson