Nantwich Town 1
Glossop North End 2
League (NW Counties League Div 1)

Match Report

A goal at the end of each half saw the Hillmen kill off Nantwich in a dour match.
Something of a Gail and an early downpour made conditions difficult for the Dabbers who were unable to play their normal passing game on a heavy surface. Although Nantwich took the lead, it was the relegation-threatened visitors who showed more commitment in a game of few clear cut chances.
With Chris Hampshire and Wes Wilkinson absent due to injury, the Nantwich forward line lacked the means to batter their opponents. Indeed, the Dabbers gaol came courtesy of a defender. Captain Mark Gardiner’s 17th minute free kick flew into the top corner of Stuart Williams’ goal with the precision of a prolific marksman.
But Nantwich lacked the killer instinct to see off Glossop and, on the stroke of half-time, Richard Copson pulled the ball back for Robert Radcliffe to sweep a low drive past Stuart Heeps.
The match continued in a scrappy fashion after the interval with Nantwich’s only efforts of note being a Lyndon Hall header, a long range attempt by Simon Hackney and a block by Stuart Williams from substitute Ashley Lawton. At the other end, Nantwich had a let off when the ball ricocheted wide after an almighty scramble and Heeps outstretched foot denied Radcliffe a second after he had been put through by Nick Wild.
So, it came as no surprise when the Hillmen landed a killer blow that Richard would have been proud of. Three minutes from time dangerman Radcliffe shrugged off challenges from Hall and Scott Westwood and although Heeps parried his shot, the ball ran kindly to substitute Simon Mellor to prod home from close range.
Nantwich Heeps, McVey, Gardiner, Westwood, Hall, Vickers (Melling,64), Rowland (Lawton,55), Knight, Harkness, Brookes, Hackney. Booked: Westwood (48mins)
Glossop Williams, Copson (Nibloe,52), Levendis, Blow, Sherlock, Conlan, Jordan, Bovis (Dean,62), Radcliffe, Hamilton (Mellor,78), Wild. Booked: Copson (18mins), Sherlock (27mins), Wild (33mins), Dean (75mins)
Star Man Mark Gardiner – Captain’s composure and classy free-kick
Attendance 89

Match report written by Michael Chatwin