Amidst the picturesque backdrop of rolling hills and the quaint Yorkstone terraced houses, in what is described as the ‘Gateway to the Peak District’, AFC Liverpool travelled to Glossop North End for the 3rd round of the Vodkat League Challenge Cup.

Glossop were last years’ FA Vase finalists, playing Whitley Bay at Wembley Stadium, eventually losing this game 2-0.

Their last 4 games have seen them pick up 2 wins and a draw, their last game being against Unibond side Mossley in the Manchester Premier Cup, which they went on to win 2-1.

In contrast, AFC Liverpool have not played since 8th December, but any worries about match fitness were short lived.

From the off, AFC Liverpool looked set to play their usual attacking flowing style, with Glossop content to play the long ball forward on the counter-attack.

It nearly paid dividends for our hosts, when on 12 minutes, the ‘Hillmen’s number 2 played a long cross into the reds box, the resulting shot causing an eruption from the initially quiet Glossop fans, who thought the ball had gone in, much to the amusement of the away fans.

In a frantic opening half hour, AFC Liverpool came close on a few occasions, with the returning Andy McCoy having a close effort on 17 mins, and Lee Mullins on 23 mins shooting high and wide.

Glossop again nearly went ahead, when after a contested free kick on 29 mins, the ball was cut back to the edge of the area, only to shoot just over the bar.

Half Time 0-0

Early in the second half, Glossop indicated their intention to step up a level, which saw some great attacking football from both sides. Now that Glossop were pushing men forward, it opened it up at the back for the AFC Liverpool attack to push on themselves.

Unfortunately, despite some exhilerating football, the score remained the same for the rest of the 90 minutes, forcing extra time.

30 mins of extra time saw chances for either side to win the game, but some fantastic and resolute defending, in particular from AFC Liverpool, saw the game finish 0-0.

This was a great battling display by the reds, and one they can be proud of.

The game will now be replayed at Valerie Park, home to AFC Liverpool, on the 3rd Debruary.

The winners of this replay will go on to play Winsford, in what will be the quarter-finals of this competition.