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Taylor's reign comes to an end

Taylor's reign comes to an end

David Laughlin18 Sep 2011 - 06:11
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https://www.belpertownfc.co.uk

Manager Tommy Taylor’s reign in charge of Belper Town came to a premature end after last Saturday’s defeat at Sutton Coldfield.

The former West Ham United player and England international arrived at Christchurch Meadow in May of this year and teamed up with Jon Froggatt with the future looking rosy for the Nailers.

However the reality was that results had not gone his way and the club found themselves languishing in 17th place having won only twice in eight games.

The Nailers spent much of last week soul searching after their nightmare home defeat against Grantham Town, and despite a 2-0 defeat at high flying Sutton Coldfield last Saturday, there was a distinct improve in their performance.

Chairman Vaughan Williams’ intervention at the last minute prevented the departure of Deon Meikle to neighbours Ilkeston, and the astute loan signing of former Matlock Town midfielder Steve Warne demonstrates that the Nailers are at least looking in the right direction.

Tommy Taylor also snapped up out of favour Hinckley striker Jaylee Hodgson who showed some good touches in a 35-minute spell after coming on as a substitute.

Defender Tommy Hannigan’s substitution against the Gingerbreads apparently didn’t go down too well with the former Rainworth defender, prompting an immediate return to Kirklington Road with Taylor claiming that the player had been upset after being substituted at half time in that game.

Sutton Coldfield have won all four of their home league games on the artificial surface in its not difficult to see why.

They are probably the tallest side that Belper have played against so far this season, but certainly not at the expense of pace and it would have been a tough encounter for any side at Coles Lane last Saturday.

With Mark Camm playing as sweeper, the Nailers survived a rocky first 15 minutes or so but the new formation looked solid and organised.

Steve Warne’s presence in midfield certainly helped and both he and Deon Meikle battled away, usually to good effect whilst having the opportunity to be more creative in the knowledge that there were five at the back.

Whether it was the new formation, or the stiff challenge Belper faced it is hard to say, but it certainly brought the best out of Jon Froggatt who had his best game of the season.

His ball control was excellent and he managed to find that extra half a yard when it came to getting by defenders, with the result that he was able put in some great crosses.

Belper made a storming start to the second half and controlled the opening 20 minutes and should have gone ahead when Jaylee Hodgson latched on to a Deon Meikle pass.

The ‘keeper came out quickly and Hodgson struck his shot well, but the ball cannoned off Nial Cooper leaving the home team mightily relieved.

The Sutton bench were getting agitated which was just what the Nailers wanted, but unfortunately soon afterwards the Royals grabbed the lead with a goal that had looked well off side.

There were many good displays in defeat last Saturday, including Andy Richmond who made some magnificent saves to keep the Nailers in the game.

Those who have yet to set Christchurch Meadow alight include Lee Morris who despite being one of the heroes against Ilkeston and currently leading goal scorer with three strikes, hasn’t so far shown the consistency that was expected of him, while Joaquim Ortuno remains something of an enigma.

Purito as he is known has had opportunities to show what he can do and there are certainly elements of his game that justify the faith that Tommy Taylor had in him when he brought him over from Spain.

However he has appeared to have found life in English football difficult to acclimatise to and made need more time before he can realise his potential.

The Nailers face a double header at the Bill Stokeld Stadium starting with this weekend’s league clash against Carlton Town and then the Nailers return next Wednesday evening in the League Cup competition.

Nigel Oldrini

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