Aquaforce keep marching on despite late scare

Belper Town will feel extremely unlucky to not have snatched a point late on against Shaw Lane Aquaforce.

Alex Steadman saw his effort a minute from time bounce off the post and away from danger much to relief of everyone involved with Aquaforce.

It would have seen the Nailers forward cancel out Adam Priestley’s first-half opener, Priestley, who is a Gibraltar international, headed the ball into an empty net after Danny Haystead had saved well from Oscar Radford.

The Nailers also had to play with ten men for the final five minutes, centre-half Phil Watt was shown two yellow cards in quick succession for clashes with several Aquaforce players.

Watt came on as a second-half substitute but only lasted around fifteen minutes, he replaced Matt Richards who made his first start for the Nailers this afternoon.

With Stafford Rangers losing away at Chasetown there was a real buzz around the Barnsley-based club as they have gained valuable ground on their title rivals.

But it led to more disappointment for the Nailers who have now failed to win in any of their last three games.

Some players seem to be just going through motions as they season draws to a close, despite a place in the squad for the Derbyshire Senior Cup Final seemingly up for grabs.

The hosts created the better chances and in truth probably deserved the three points despite the late scare from Steadman at the death.

The Ducks had a lot of joy down both flanks with Radford overlapping on the left and Jonathan Wafula causing problems with his pace down the right flank.

Radford played a lovely one-two with Bradford Park Avenue loanee Michael Potts to set up the first goal, and minutes before half-time the same combination created a chance for James Walshaw who could only stab the ball into the side netting.

Walshaw, who is also on loan from Bradford PA, sent a fizzing free-kick towards goal late in the second half but Haystead was equal to it and tipped the ball over.

Charlie Palmers men will look to bounce back and get back on track on Saturday when they welcome Kidsgrove Athletic to The Marston’s Stadium.

After playing four games in six days, The Ducks have to also wait until Saturday to try and maintain their remarkable unbeaten run as they host Spalding United.

Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Morgan (GK), Stother, Radford, Potts, Meynell, Dempsey, Priestley (Edwards 85’), Thornhill (Capt.), Walshaw, Bennett (P.Davidson 76’), Wafula.

Unused subs: A. Davidson, Hands, Hall.

Belper Town: Haystead (GK), Bryant (O’Brien 45’), Keenan, Allen, Palmer, Parker, Stevenson, Richards (Watt 67’), Wells (Constable 78’), Williams, Steadman.

Unused subs: Butcher, Rathbone (GK)

Referee: Alix Pashley

Assistant referees: Rob Rees, Kevin Wilson