FA Vase Painting To Be Unveiled!

It has been a project in the making for nearly three years, but Glossop artist Vaughan Parker’s painting, which depicts the day little Glossop North End played on the biggest possible stage in England, Wembley Stadium, will be unveiled to the public for the first time on Monday 5 March at 7pm.

The event, which takes place at the Hillmen’s Surrey Street headquarters, will see Vaughan’s colossal 8 feet x 5 feet canvas take its place in the North End clubhouse where after the ceremony it will stay on permanent display to act as a constant reminder of the achievements of the team in the 2008-09 season – and perhaps as motivation to future squads?

The unveiling will be performed by former Glossop Grammar School pupil Stuart Hall, a voice still hugely popular with Radio 5 Live listeners for his unique take on the day’s events from Wigan, Everton, Blackburn and other North West grounds. 

All the management and players from the 2008-09 squad have been invited to the event, and all supporters of North End are welcome to join them - although if the 5000 that followed the squad to London all turn up we could struggle to fit them in!

North End reached the FA Vase final in 2008-09 and played Whitley Bay in a memorable occasion.  Although they lost 2-0, the day is still talked about across the town, and remembered by all.  Vaughan Parker sought to mark the occasion with a painting and asked for photographs from fans who were at the game so that he might paint them into the picture.  Due to the undoubted skill of the artist, many GNEers will be able to spot themselves in the crowd.

This event is one of a number of events celebrating the 125 years of GNE and brings the story up-to-date.

Glossop Artist Vaughan Parker pictured with his painting to commemorate Glossop North End's appearance at Wembley in the 2009 FA Vase final. The painting is to be unveiled at Surrey Street by Stuart Hall on Monday 5 March 2012. Photo - GNE/Jim Lockwood

Congleton Town 0 Glossop North End 1

The Hillmen have gained ground on the current leaders after beating Congleton Town 1-0 on Saturday.

With teams around North End dropping points, Glossop secured a valuable three points courtesy of a solitary goal from Sam Hind.

It was an entertaining first half for the supporters watching on with both teams having chances at either end of the pitch. An early chance fell to Richard Chetcuti, making his first start for the Hillmen, but the striker could only produce a good save low from Ashley Woodhouse on the Congleton goal.

Ben Proctor was also called into action early for North End. Christopher Middleton found himself with time and space close to Proctor’s goal but the Glossop keeper was out of his goal quickly and produced a superb instinctive save.

The Hillmen made the breakthrough just over the half hour mark. Hind received the ball just inside the area after good work on the wing from Alex Elliot and struck the ball early to catch Woodhouse off guard.  Woodhouse was distracted by players running across his path and Hind’s left-footed shot found the back of the net via the far post.

The home side had chances to pull level before half-time. Firstly, Proctor once again made him-self big to stop Shane Reaney at the near post. Secondly, Joseph Guest was left un-marked in the box for Congleton but blazed over from close range.

After the interval, the chances kept coming for both sides. The impressive Sam Marshall came close to doubling the Hillmen’s lead after the break, but the youngster saw his shot just fly over the crossbar.

Congleton pressed for an equaliser as the final whistle approached but failed to create any clear cut opportunities. It was Guest who crafted the most promising chance for the home side, but sliced the ball hide and wide after breaking into the box.

North End now face Ashton Athletic on Saturday where they will be looking to increase their title push with all three points.

GOAL : Sam Hind of Glossop North End is congratulated by Nick Allen after scoring to make it 1-0. Photo - GNE/Jim Lockwood

Glossop North End 1 Alsager Town 1

Glossop North End have missed the chance to gain ground on rival title contenders after drawing 1-1 with Alsager Town at a chilly Surrey Street on Saturday.

An Adam Oakes wonder strike was cancelled out by Alsager’s Chris Smith in the second half.

The game was to go ahead as planned after the pitch passed numerous pitch inspections but the ground-staff were unable to prevent the Alsager team getting stuck in traffic and the supporters were forced to wait an additional 30 minutes before kick-off.

When the game kicked off, the first half certainly wasn’t worth waiting for for the Surrey Street faithful. Very few chances arose for either side with the best opportunity falling to Jay Gorton at the end of the half but the unmarked midfielder was unable to direct his effort on target from 6 yards out.    

The match sparked into life in the second half and Oakes, with manager Paul Colgan’s team talk still ringing in his ears, opened the scoring minutes after the interval. Oakes collected a poor clearance from Alsager goalkeeper Tom Harrison 35 yards out, took a touch and floated the ball over Harrison’s head from range.

The Hillmen were close to conceding an immediate equaliser but captain Gorton was on hand to clear Smith’s effort off the line.

Gorton was unable to prevent Smith’s inevitable equaliser however, the Alsager striker broke clear of the Glossop defence and side-footed home into the bottom corner of Ben Proctor’s goal.

It was a disappointing result for the Hillmen who were looking to apply pressure on the top teams in the North West Counties League and will be now be looking for all three points against Congleton Town on Saturday.

Team: Proctor, Yates (L.McGregor), Allen, Dickinson, Lugsden, Gorton, Heaton, Oakes, Hind (Chetcuti), Rothwell, Elliot
Subs not used: Marshall, Streets, Hamilton

Daley Rothwell of Glossop North End attempts to get away from Ben Clarkson of Alsager Town. Photo - GNE/Jim Lockwood