Boro slip to defeat at rivals Glossop

Benny Igiehon's vicious volley from the edge of the box clattered off the bar and clearly bounced behind the line, but the officials shook their heads and play went on.

Boro were 2-0 down at this point and this goal would have given them a path back into the fixture on the frozen Derbyshire hills.

Steve Kittrick's men did manage to trim the lead in the final few moments, but by that point it was too little too late.

That frantic finish was a touch different to the slow start the eagerly anticipated clash trudged away to.

With both teams eyeing all three points to boost their quests for glory, the early stages were tentative with little meaningful football on a lively pitch.

It was Boro, lacking top scorer Carl Stewart through a wrist injury, who made the most promising opening, the bludgeoning runs of Igiehon twice calving open the home defence, but keeper Matt Cooper pushed away his efforts.

When play switched to the other end, Boro's normally solid defence failed to deal with things and the hosts edged themselves ahead.

Jameel Ible and striker Mike Norton got themselves into a tangle on the edge of the six-yard box and Ben Richardson nipped in to sidefoot home.

The remainder of the half dipped into a battle, with a plethora of interesting challenges flying in to keep referee Mr Goodwin on his toes.

Boro did boast one good chance as they tried to rise from the fight, but Adam Bolder's wicked free-kick was deflected just past the post.

Keeper Jordan Porter was heavily involved at the start of the second half, firstly he got involved with Norton, who appealed for a penalty, but the answer was a firm no.

Porter then made a superb save from Nicky Platt, who galloped clear of the Boro defence.

The Athletic keeper was again brought into action on the hour, making a fine double stop from Norton, who tried to lob him from the edge of the box.

Play then began to swing from end to end, with Boro going so close just minutes later.

Ible's header sailed across the area and hit the post, the rebound fell to Lamin Colley, who smashed it against the bar when it seemed easier to score.

Boro were then hit by a second blow, the defence parting and Jamie Rainford taking advantage with a clever finish that gave Porter no chance.

The visitors looked to have pulled one back when Igiehon controlled and drove an effort against the bar and into the net, but the goal was not given.

Boro continued their late pressure, with Ible volleying home from close range in injury-time, but there was no time for a leveller and Glossop collected the points.