GLOSSOP MAKE HAY IN SUNSHINE

After last weeks encouraging performance there was hope that the Firsts could take Glossop in the return, Instead a rude awakening....

Mike Smith reports.

For the second week running, Southport faced Glossop last Saturday, welcoming the Derbyshire outfit to Waterloo Rd. In stark contrast to last week’s encounter, played out in the quagmire of Macclesfield, conditions couldn’t have been more perfect, as both teams ran out onto the manicured pitch to be greeted by the spring sun.

The game started with both teams looking to impose themselves on the opposition. Glossop took an early lead from a converted penalty after Southport were penalised for not rolling away at the ruck. But Southport soon regained parity, when a Charlie Attis kick was well gathered at the bounce by Tom Hill, and good field possession saw Glossop penalised for a deliberate knock on, allowing Attis to send the ball through the uprights. However, Glossop, determined to build on their powerful pack’s performance of last week, then began to exert pressure on the Southport try line. Despite numerous phases of play, great defence from Southport seemed to have nullified the attack, forcing a Glossop mistake. However, as Southport tried to counter attack from deep, a knock on allowed Glossop to maintain the pressure. Off the back of the scrum, Glossop kept it tight with their forwards, before sending the ball wide for their left winger to find the space in the corner. And a short time later, another period of sustained pressure again allowed Glossop to find the space out wide for a repeat performance and a 3-13 half time lead.

As the teams turned around, Southport knew they were still very much in the game but needed to start the second period well. However, a mistake at the kick off saw Southport penalised and although the kick at goal was missed, Glossop camped in the Southport half and forced errors. From a stable scrum platform, this time Glossop went blind, finding space for their right winger to cut through the defence and finish well, despite a last gasp Tomkinson tackle. And from the restart, Glossop again took play deep into Southport territory and simple phases of play eventually allowed the burly Glossop inside centre to break through several tackles and cross under the sticks.

With the game looking to be out of reach, Southport might have easily capitulated. However, to their credit, they continued to strive to stop the physical Glossop forwards in defence and sought opportunities to break through in attack. And they went close too, with Danny Banks and Tom Peacock both only beaten by the touchline, and Tomkinson finding the gap only to be prevented from scoring by the retreating Glossop defence. However, as the physical battle took its toll with both sides losing players to injuries, Glossop were able to close out the match and again took the spoils, before enjoying the hospitality in the seaside sun. Final score: Southport 3 Glossop 27.

President Graham Ellis adds "Glossop proved to be as excellent off the field as on it bringing a large travelling support including committee members regaled in club stripey blazers and face paint to liven up proceedings. Although it hurts to lose the pain was eased by their convivial enjoy at all costs company. We look forward to future fixtues between two great clubs who share a similar ethos"