Glossop North End U9s just came up short in the prestigus Primary Cup Final when they were beaten by Reddish Vulcans, a team they had already beaten on three occasions this season. Due to the overnight rain the game was moved from grass to a 3G pitch and the boys just failed to cope with the large narrow surface.

The ‘Blues’ (Mackenzie Dickson, James Chattington, JoJo Mills, Austin Hague, Teddy Smith, Ethan Lumb, Jack Rawding & Lewis Snape) opened proceedings, and in a game that was played at a high tempo the boys never really produced their passing game, or failed to make any width count. Whilst they had more of the territory they always looked liable to be caught out at the back whilst being overrun in midfield. On 12 minutes this proved to be the case when a slack pass left Glossop exposed in defence and the Reddish striker rounded Mackenzie to score the opening goal. Despite going a goal behind Glossop continued to push forward, their best chance coming when James Chattington’s run and cross found Ethan Lumb who just failed to convert the chance. Teddy Smith and Lewis Snape also went close, whilst at the other end Mackenzie Dickson produced a couple of excellent saves.
Despite the introduction of Jack Rawding, Reddish scored another counter attacking goal and at times it felt like they had another player on the pitch.
In order to reduce the deficit Glossop pushed Austin Hague and his great run step up Ethan Lumb, but he was thwarted by a great save by the Reddish keeper.
As Reddish tired JoJo’s work rate in midfield started to pay off, Lewis Snape was wide with a couple of speculative efforts, but in the end the Reddish defence held firm.

With two goals to pull back the ‘Whites’ (Tommy Dunkerley, Ollie McKay, Oliver Price, Cameron Laing, Harry Vennard, Cole Dickson, Charlie Behan, Joe Friday and Henry Godley) were always up against it, and when they conceded after three minutes their task became even harder. Despite the setback Glossop were soon on level terms when a Charlie Behan corner was deflected into the goal via a Reddish defender. Despite the hard work of Harry Vennard and Cameron Laing in midfield Glossop failed to produce any further first half chances and were hit by a sucker punch just before half-time when Reddish scored their second goal. In fact if it wasn’t for a great save from keeper Tommy Dunkerley the score could have been even worse.
Despite great skill in defence by Oliver Price, Ollie McKay pushed forward into midfield, tireless running by Cole Dickson and the introduction of Joe Friday and Henry Godley, Glossop conceded another goal half way through the second half.

In the end, just a bad day at the office. Too many players had an off day and with an aggregate score of 5-1, Glossop’s worst defeat of the season.

Despite this disappointment the under 9’s have had a fantastic season, they comfortably retain their EMJFL Premiership status, have seen players in both sides develop through the season and made the Primary Cup Final, an achievement in itself.

Viva GNE !