Our pre-season campaign continues to come at us thick and fast tomorrow night as we make the journey to Derbyshire to take on Glossop North End away in what will be our first of two visits to that part of the country this week. Glossop play at the same level as last Saturday’s opponents Marine, so it certainly won’t be our toughest game of pre-season, but it won’t be our easiest either. I’m sure Bern and Jonno may be starting to come to some conclusions regarding our trialists as a fair few caught the eye in Merseyside, and with us only competing in two more friendlies after today it won’t be long until they have to make decisions.
Our last match was on Saturday as we won 4-0 away at Marine in what was a really entertaining clash. We had the better of the first period because we pressed the opposition well, played some nice expansive football, and punished Marine with two well-taken finishes. We got off the mark just before the 10th minute mark, as Danny Elliott capitalised on a woeful back-pass to Marine ‘keeper Bayleigh Passant to make it 1-0 to us. In-form Elliott almost scored his second of the game soon after, but he couldn’t keep his composure as his attempt rattled the crossbar. Marine managed to strike the woodwork too, as Kenny Strickland went close to netting an equaliser by hitting the post. Just before half time though we went 2-0 up in incredible fashion, as John Johnston volleyed in a cross towards Anthony Dudley who blasted in a volley of his own. The second half was just as good as we continued where we left off, despite us making a number of changes at the break. Lloyd Marsh-Hughes put us 3-0 to the good by lifting the ball into the net, following exquisite play by Danny Elliott. To put the gloss on the scoreline, Trialist F made it 4-0 to us by hammering in from long range via the post. Just before the end Gary Roberts was presented with the chance to make it 5-0 to us from the penalty spot, but unfortunately substitute goalie Germano Mendes pulled off a strong stop to deny him. A very encouraging display saw us come home with a well-earned win.
Glossop North End play two divisions below us in the Northern Premier League Division One South East where they will be wanting to push on this campaign. The Hillmen finished in a mediocre 14th place last time out prior to their season being voided due to Covid-19, so they will want to perform significantly better this season. Glossop have endured quite an inconsistent pre-season campaign thus far so hopefully we will add to that by inflicting a defeat on them.
Another new ground for me tomorrow so I’m looking forward to it now and hopefully we will carry on our recent goal spree. I can’t see it being too straightforward but I do think we will show enough quality to win by a couple of goals, and to extend our winning streak to three matches. Up The Seals!
Score: Glossop North End 0-2 Chester FC (Jackson, Grand)
Attendance: 152 (33 Chester FC)
My predicted lineup:
Gray
Morgan K.Roberts Grand Taylor
Jackson Glendon Trialist? Trialist?
Trialist? Elliott
COYS!
