Football: Glossop take a point amid injury crisis

BetVictor South East: Sutton Coldfield Town 1-1 Glossop North End

Glossop travelled the 100 miles to Sutton Coldfield without Kay, Ahmadi and Coulibaly. They then fell behind after 42 seconds and lost three players to injury during the game. In the circumstances this battling draw was an excellent performance and further proof of the depth of the squad.

Straight from kick off, Quansah put a shot just over the bar for Glossop. The Sutton long clearance was chased by debutant Ben Usher-Shipway, on loan from Solihull Moors. He calmly lobbed Dale Latham to put the home side ahead. Glossop kept their heads and pressed forward. On six minutes, the home keeper pushed the ball against the crossbar and Bevan Burey was there to force the ball in for a quick equaliser. For the next ten minutes Glossop looked certain to score again with some attractive passing, but Sutton fought their way back into the game. Glossop’s rhythm was disrupted by first half injuries to Burey and Sheriff who both had to be replaced.

It was a game which saw both teams attacking and play was often end to end. Glossop were further handicapped when substitute Jordyn Fitton was injured and had to leave the pitch. With all three Glossop substitutes used early, Sutton were encouraged, and Latham was the busier of the two goalkeepers. His handling was impeccable and the Glossop defence stood firm in front of him. Maeico came close to winning it for Glossop with a fierce shot from a tight angle which cannoned off the bar. At the other end a dangerous ball across the face of the Glossop goal just eluded the home strikers. In the final minutes, Sutton had a very dangerous free kick and then three corners in succession, but Glossop held on for a well-deserved point.

By Jim Joyce