Mossley pick up Willow Wood Hospice Cup

The Willow Wood Hospice Cup made a triumphant return on Tuesday night in Glossop.

Glossop North End AFC and Mossley AFC faced off in a pre-season friendly at the Asgaard Engineering Stadium last night, with the shiny trophy at stake.

Around 140 spectators came through the turnstiles and generously donated in collection buckets at the bar in the clubhouse, at the refreshments hut and as volunteers made their way around the ground.  

The Hospice’s familiar tree logo was a visible presence as supporters were also able to read a copy of the latest Willow Wood Hospice Together Newsletter and find out more about the vital services Willow Wood provides to the communities of Tameside and Glossop.

Glossop chairman Dave Atkinson and Mossley chairman Stephen Porter posed for a pre-match photo with the cup, before the players and match officials followed suit just before kick-off.  

Once the action got under way, Mossley AFC ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals in each half from Obua Mugalula and a trialist.

The rain started to pour towards the end of the game, but it did not dampen spirits as former Glossop and Mossley player Ben Richardson presented the cup to Mossley captain Mark Lees to lift aloft.

It was particularly poignant for schoolteacher Ben, who wanted to support the occasion after his mother received end-of-life care at the Hospice last year.

Glossop NEFC chairman Dave Atkinson said: “We were really proud to support the Hospice by hosting the game at Surrey Street and pleased to see this trophy has been revived by former Hospice Trustee Brian Wild and long-time Willow Wood supporter Chris Smith. 

“The two local clubs may have been competing against each other on the pitch, but they were united in their support for the Hospice.”

Brian Wild commented: “We were delighted to revive the Willow Wood Hospice Cup. It’s been missing from the local football scene for too long and it will become an annual fixture in the local football calendar once again.”

Mossley AFC chairman Stephen Porter said: “We may have won the cup and the players from both teams put up a great fight to make for an entertaining game, but Willow Wood Hospice deals daily with people meeting tougher challenges. Football clubs, like Glossop and Mossley, are at the heart of communities and the Hospice is a vital part of many people’s lives.”