KIERAN LUGSDEN has been cleared to play in Glossop North End’s FA Vase quarter-final replay with Barnsley side Shaw Lane Aquaforce on Saturday.
The former Buxton striker hurt a shoulder during last Sunday’s original match at Handforth Parramore’s Sandy Lane ground when he went into a challenge with two home players. They landed heavily on him and he was immediately substituted as a precaution.
Manager Chris Willcock said: “It’s very good news to know that Kieran is able to play this weekend as we were worried he would need a last-minute fitness test. We knew it wasn’t a massive problem but we wrapped him in cotton wool and rested him for Wednesday's win over Barnoldswick.
“The rest of the squad is fine and we’re looking forward to what I expect to be a cracking cup-tie. We’re expecting another good crowd and we need them to get behind the lads and cheer us on.”
However, Willcock was generally unhappy with his side’s performance, even though he accepts that a draw was a fair result. The Hillmen twice had to come from behind and failed to take advantage of several good chances.
“To be fair, I have to say I was disappointed with the way we played because I felt we had some good opportunities to win. We made too many big mistakes which allowed Shaw Lane to get their noses in front and we were left chasing the game. And we didn’t pass the ball like I know we can,” said the manager.
“Over all I don’t think either side did enough to go through on the day. We’ll have to do a lot better at our place on Saturday and I’m sure they’ll be of the same opinion. That’s why I expect it to be such a good match.”
If Glossop go through they will meet Cornish side St Austell in the semi-finals but Willcock refuses to look so far ahead.
He said: “There’s no point in getting carried away. First of all we’ve got to beat Shaw Lane. That’s where my sole focus is and I’ll make sure it’s the same for the players. If we go through we can turn out attention to a trip to the West Country, but at this moment St Austell doesn’t interest me.”
The former Buxton striker hurt a shoulder during last Sunday’s original match at Handforth Parramore’s Sandy Lane ground when he went into a challenge with two home players. They landed heavily on him and he was immediately substituted as a precaution.
Manager Chris Willcock said: “It’s very good news to know that Kieran is able to play this weekend as we were worried he would need a last-minute fitness test. We knew it wasn’t a massive problem but we wrapped him in cotton wool and rested him for Wednesday's win over Barnoldswick.
“The rest of the squad is fine and we’re looking forward to what I expect to be a cracking cup-tie. We’re expecting another good crowd and we need them to get behind the lads and cheer us on.”
However, Willcock was generally unhappy with his side’s performance, even though he accepts that a draw was a fair result. The Hillmen twice had to come from behind and failed to take advantage of several good chances.
“To be fair, I have to say I was disappointed with the way we played because I felt we had some good opportunities to win. We made too many big mistakes which allowed Shaw Lane to get their noses in front and we were left chasing the game. And we didn’t pass the ball like I know we can,” said the manager.
“Over all I don’t think either side did enough to go through on the day. We’ll have to do a lot better at our place on Saturday and I’m sure they’ll be of the same opinion. That’s why I expect it to be such a good match.”
If Glossop go through they will meet Cornish side St Austell in the semi-finals but Willcock refuses to look so far ahead.
He said: “There’s no point in getting carried away. First of all we’ve got to beat Shaw Lane. That’s where my sole focus is and I’ll make sure it’s the same for the players. If we go through we can turn out attention to a trip to the West Country, but at this moment St Austell doesn’t interest me.”
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