Heartbreak in the Derbyshire County Cup Final

Friday 27th March saw Hathersage FC return to play in the cup final, and, after literally no demand whatsoever, a return of the match report.

It has been a long time since Hathersage FC have enjoyed such a strong and consistent run of good form, and the reward for this season's effort was a place in the Derbyshire Junior Cup Final where they would face Glossop North End Community Club.

Most cup finals are played at a neutral ground, somewhere between the two competing teams, giving neither a homefield advantage. So, where would Hathersage vs Glossop be played? Exactly. Glossop. Where else?

With the team's WhatsApp group working overtime in the days leading up to the final fielding inspirational quotes, motivational messages, fitness plans, transport logistics, and possibly most importantly of all, who was bringing the Deep Heat, Hathersage seemed to be full of spirit and togetherness before they stepped onto the biggest stage of the season so far.

As the sun dropped behind the Pennines so did the temperature, something that the floodlights seemed to amplify with their pale glow. Familiar faces were spotted around the ground, with Hathersage support adding to the occasion before kick-off.

Led out by club captain Christian Barnett, the pride was felt by everyone connected to the club as the boys in claret and blue strode confidently onto the pitch for the additional pomp and ceremony of having the starting line-ups read out over the loudspeakers.

Glossop started brightly and were soon showing signs of a dangerous attack down the left, only for Jack Duffy to make sure the winger knew he was there early. The early momentum was with Glossop, but Hathersage's defensive unit of Duffy, Barnett, Graham Watson, and Callum Tremayne stood firm, with Sean Owens providing a safe pair of hands behind them.

Going forward, Hathersage had plenty of options: George on the left, Jack Spears and Cam Brizland in the middle, Ellis Melia on the right, and Tom Blacksell and Josh Chapell up front, both proving effective outlets to relieve pressure.

A huge call for a penalty went begging as the referee waved away the claims, with Hathersage convinced the challenge had taken place inside the area. VAR was, unsurprisingly, not in use.

It looked like Glossop were going to open the scoring after around 25 minutes when a cross from the left was met by the head of the striker, only to be expertly saved by Owens. From there, the ball went long, a defensive mistake followed, and Chapell found himself a few yards outside the penalty area.

Chapell took one touch to get the ball out from his feet, then lobbed it perfectly over the floundering goalkeeper and into the goal to put Hathersage into the lead, sparking brilliant scenes from the sidelines and stands alike.

Hathersage grew into the game after the goal and continued to frustrate Glossop. Chances came and went, and the boys in claret and blue looked good value for their lead as half-time approached.

But just as Hathersage looked set to go in ahead, a clever ball over the back line saw the Glossop striker lift the ball over the out-rushing Owens and bounce it over the line. It was the worst possible time to concede, and the sides went in level at 1-1.

The feeling at half-time was mixed: disappointment at being level, but encouragement from the effort, fight, and togetherness shown throughout the first half. Player-manager Owens and captain Barnett were both full of praise as the team prepared to go again.

The second half began with the pattern of play resuming: a few shinners and wild hacks from both teams, followed almost inexplicably by some genuinely good bits of football. Hathersage created chances, Glossop threatened, and the game remained finely balanced.

Tremayne and Watson worked well together on the left side of the Hathersage defence, breaking up attacks and finding Spears and Brizland in midfield. George enjoyed plenty of the ball and made a number of adventurous runs down the wing, while Melia continued to cause problems on the opposite side.

The pre-arranged substitutions arrived, with Melia making way for Jacob Percival and Tremayne being replaced by Ryan Burnett. Both substitutes had pace to burn, and Hathersage were left in no weaker position than before.

Shortly after the changes, Glossop won a corner on the right. The ball came in and was met with a strong header. Owens saved the initial effort, but the rebound fell kindly and was bundled into the goal. Glossop led 2-1 with less than a quarter of the game remaining.

Hathersage had to find something from somewhere. Both substitutes hit the ground running, Percival making excellent covering tackles and Burnett causing the tiring Glossop defence problems with his pace.

Fancy footwork from George won Hathersage a corner on the left. Blacksell sent it in, Barnett flicked it on, Spears saw an effort blocked, and the loose ball fell perfectly for Burnett, who made no mistake from close range. Hathersage were level at 2-2.

A beautiful scene followed when goal scorer Burnett caught the eye of a young Hathersage supporter in the crowd wearing the same number on his shirt and pointed him out to share the moment. Exactly what grassroots football is all about.

There was still time for Glossop to threaten once more, but Percival showed great concentration and speed to clear the danger. Mark Hadfield also managed to get his appearance bonus in the final minute before the referee blew for full-time.

The game finished 2-2. What a game. A really entertaining draw for everyone to enjoy, but a cup final still needed a winner. Penalties.

Glossop took the first penalty and scored. Tom Blacksell replied for Hathersage. Glossop scored again before George stepped up and hit his effort with power, but advantage remained with Glossop as the shootout continued.

Glossop converted their third, and when Hathersage missed their next penalty the pressure became almost impossible. Glossop's following effort hit the post, but the spin took it into the goal. Game over. Congratulations Glossop.

Hathersage quite rightly held their heads high as they received their medals, then stood and applauded Glossop as they were awarded theirs, and the trophy, at the end of an extremely exciting and entertaining game of football.

The lads have done brilliantly and I'm so proud of each of them. Not just these lads, but the ones who helped get us here in the first place but weren't able to make the team for this particular match. The support we've had from everyone associated with Hathersage has been amazing, and I want to say a big thank you to everyone who came all this way to watch us tonight.

For a changing room of the team who had just come second, it was a nice place to be. Everyone was commiserating one another, naturally, but there were no cross words, no tears outwardly at least, and no feeling sorry for themselves.

It was a pleasure to watch these lads wearing the Hathersage shirt with such pride and putting in such a brave performance. Everyone from a Hathersage persuasion is very proud of you, boys.

Nothing to be heartbroken about. We'll win it next year. It might even be played in Hathersage...