Comfortable victory for The Nailers

Belper Town eased past Borrowash Victoria scoring four in the process in their latest pre-season friendly at The Anderson Electrical Arena.

Goals from Evan Garnett, Scott James, Jonathan Williams and Grant Ryan ensured The Nailers had a comfortable afternoon.

Belper were 2-0 up after 15 minutes and in truth were in cruise control for the remainder of the match, although The Vics pulled one back halfway through the first half they never threatened Belper for long periods.

Garnett opened the scoring with a confidently struck volley from the edge of the box after good work from Connor Johnson scooping the ball over the Borrowash defence, Garnett then turned provider as he played the ball through to Scott James who slipped it under the 'keeper.

A well taken goal from Williams after a neat one-two with Ryan just after half-time, and a header from Ryan himself following a Scott Matthews corner secured the win for The Nailers in the second half .

Belper managers Jim Albans and Wayne Halcro tested a new 'diamond' midfield system which saw Scott James at the top, Laurie Wilson the bottom, Johnson moving up the left flank to the left side of midfield and Williams on the right. I asked Halcro his on thoughts on the new formation;

"I think it is important we can change into a few different formations because you never know what is going to happen in a football match, players get sent off, you concede early goals, you take leads, there is several different scenarios you have to be able to adapt to, so you have to try these different systems and formations".

Albans also introduced two new trialists experienced defenders Jason Bradley and Lee Cooksey who did not do themselves any harm in earning a place in Albans squad for the coming season. Halcro had this to say;

"They were very good additions to the squad, finances will dictate whether we are able to sign them or not, but from a footballing point of view very impressed, particularly Jason who played very well".

The difference in class was evident towards the end of the game as Borrowash tired and Belper coasted to the final whistle, with manager Jim Albans making several substitutions again giving plenty of game-time to some of the Under 21 players.

Belper will no doubt face a sterner test on Wednesday as they welcome Sky Bet League 1 outfit Chesterfield, as Albans men look to further their preparations for the start of the season on 15th July. Halcro insists they will still focus on what Belper Town will do no matter who the opposition may be:

"We are unsure what side they will bring, but we will continue to say to the lads it is not about the opposition it is about what we do, we have to make sure everyone is singing off of the same sheet, we have to focus on our own jobs then the opposition after that".

Team; Mark Rathbone (GK); Jason Bradley, Scott Matthews, Paul Lister (62’ Watt), Lee Cooksey (62’ Purcicoe); Connor Johnson (70’ Mitchell), Laurie Wilson, Jonathan Williams (68’ Kabanje), Scott James (68’ Bubacarr Sanyang); Evan Garnett, Grant Ryan.

Substitutes; Phil Watt, Sam Purcicoe, Kaylen Mitchell, Yoyi Kabanje, Lamin Bubacarr Sanyang