Glossop too strong for Chesterfield

Chesterfield Panthers once again welcomed Glossop to Dunston Road for their second round NLD game, in a re-run of the same fixture just over 12 months ago.

Panthers found themselves with just 16 players to face a full compliment of 23 from Glossop.

Cool and sunny conditions saw the game start at a high tempo. Both sides attacked with purpose but were equally met by resilient defences.
Possession and territory ebbed and flowed but the score remained at nil nil with only 5 minutes of the first half remaining.

Glossop finally got the upper hand when the slick handling shown throughout the game by their back line finally saw them break through Panther's defensive line to touch down out towards the left flank. The resulting conversion attempt went wayward though.

With the half time whistle looming Glossop then turned the screw with a direct, bullocking run up the middle of the park and a good offload to score again, this time right between the posts. The easier position for the conversion saw the extra 2 points added to give a half time score of 12 - 0 to Glossop.

The start of the second half saw a very similar story. Panthers continued to scrummage well and tackle with ferocity. Their persistence finally paid off when Glossop gave away one of their many penalties just outside their own 22. Well within his range, Will Bygrave made no mistake with his place kick giving Panthers a deserved 3 points.

With 20 minutes left on the clock Panthers adjusted their lineup, giving them a renewed impetus. Ed Bygrave, Ben Carley, Elliot Davenport and Elliot Sears - Piccavey all made line breaks but were stopped by Glossop's well organised defence. Missed kicks to touch and dropped lineouts also meant that Panthers could not turn pressure into points.

Glossop made the most of their strength in depth, making frequent substitutions. They continued to run straight and hard, handling the ball with confidence, as fatigue finally took it's toll on Panthers. Missed tackles and loss of defensive shape allowed Glossop to add to their lead with 2 more tries, one converted, within the final quarter of the match.

Panthers gave their absolute all throughout the entire game, showing grit and determination in abundance but were ultimately beaten by a stronger side.

Congratulations to Glossop who came out as worthy winners on this occasion.

Final score, Chesterfield Panthers 3, Glossop 24