Clitheroe’s lack of success at Surrey Street continued, and their cause was not helped by frontman Kurt Willoughby being carried off after 12 minutes. The Glossop team had been totally remoulded in the close season under the leadership of Ashton United’s former manager Steve Halford, and his blend of experience and the odd dash of youth, especially in the shape of the excellent Jude Oyibo, provided a stern challenge for the men from Shawbridge.

Chances throughout the game were at a premium, but the balance of play was certainly in Clitheroe’s favour in the first half. The visitors had the ball in the net on 29 minutes when Joe Mitchell crossed from the left and after a Sefton Gonzales flick, Brad Carroll’s header was ruled offside. Four minutes later, Gonzales went on a bulldozing run, but he was foiled at the death. Glossop’s first clear cut chance came on 38 minutes, when two forwards conspired to go for the same floated free kick. There were no such problems four minutes later when a deep free kick from the same right hand position was headed powerfully home. One minute later, Gonzales scooped an inviting free kick over the bar but the home team’s lead could have been doubled in injury time when a Beckham style lob from distance saw Chris Thompson back-pedalling furiously.

In the second half, in between the physical attritional play, Glossop asserted themselves more. A soft but correct penalty was given for handball, and the resultant spot kick almost took the goal out of its stanchions. Ryan Ellison had a good controlled volley after a free kick well saved on 77 minutes, whilst shortly afterwards, Thompson made a trademark save at feet.

The game never really reached any dizzy heights, but this was a very solid Glossop side, which will not lose many at home.

Team : Chris Thompson, Robbie Bromley, Ryan Cattermole (Stephen Rigby), Ryan Ellison, Luke Holden, Michael Roddy, Joe Mitchell, Brad Carroll (c) (Adam Bolton), Sefton Gonzales, Kurt Willoughby (Aidan Kirby), Oliver Crankshaw. Subs - Aidan Kirby, Stephen Rigby, Adam Bolton. Not used - Jacob Davis, Daniel Eccles.