TRAVELLING to Glossop was always going to be a tough game for Winnington Park on a wet and soggy late September afternoon.

And so it was, with Park succumbing to a 24-6 defeat.

Travelling with a number of changes from last week’s bruising game against Eccles which saw a number of players picking up injuries and this game was going to be no different with Park conceding to a much heavier side in both the forwards and backs.

Coach Matt Farr said: “Glossop is never going to be an easy game for any team this season particularly at their ground.

“The conditions suit them and we held our own for the first half. The added size and strength took the toll on the players who I though played really well and certainly put a shift in defence.

“All credit to Glossop they played some attractive rugby and had pace in the backs which made the difference in the end.

“We will look forward to the home game.”

The first 15 minutes Park soaked up the pressure from Glossop but the line was breached after Park lost their own line out ball 20 metres out for Glossop to drive over the line.

Cameron Flanagan put three points on the board from a penalty and the game was stalemate for the next 10 minutes.

With five minutes to go in the first half Glossop’s number 20 was given a yellow card for a high tackle and Cameron Flanagan slotted home three points under the posts.

Park had the opportunity to score after a great interception by centre Ryan Williams just inside the Glossop’s half but he was tackled before the line. Park finished the first half one point ahead but this was not going to faze the home side.

The second half started again with Glossop taking the game to Park and the away side defences took phase after phase of pressure which after seven minutes broke with Glossop going over the line.

Coach Farr took off Benn Cann the second row who has been playing some great rugby to replace him with Elliott Alston who has recently returned to Park after playing for Crewe & Nantwich. The change was short lived with Alston being carried off after five minutes with an injury to his knee and Benn Cann returning to the field.

The conditions suited Glossop and with the stronger side they began to take control of the game and after a couple of missed tackles they powered over the line for try number three.The kick was converted.

Prop forward Shaun Underdown, who had an outstanding game in the scrums and mauls, was replaced by Jake Cornwell after sustaining an arm injury and this was certainly going to test the eighteen year old prop against a very experienced Glossop front row.

The home side continued to run strong lines and with some nice backs play running the ball down the line scored the fourth try and bonus points with a try in the corner.

The last ten minutes coach Farr brought on Ben Critchley and took off scrum half Archie Sanchez and put Jamie Pugh at scrum half but the games was sealed and Glossop finished the game confident winners at 24 to 6.

Squad: Mike Eaves, Andrew Evans, Shaun Underdown, Dave Cross, Benn Cann, Gary Dykes, Alex Glendinning, Matt Treacy, Archie Sanchez, Sam Brookes,Ryan Williams,Lewis Pickering, Jimmy Moran, Cameron Flanagan and James Pugh.

Replacements: Jake Cornwell,Elliott Alston and Ben Critchley.