Nailers emerge with flying colours

Both teams sat neck and neck at the top of the current form table and the Nailers expected a thorough test from Ally Pickering’s Millers side that had made a good impression during their first season in the Evo-Stik League.

The Nailers brought in Greg Wright at left back in the continuing absence of Charlie Weir and Dan White’s move into the centre of defence in place of the injured Karl Colley.

Ashley Longstaff’s patience was rewarded with a place in the starting line up, while Mark Ward dropped to the bench which proved to be something of a masterstroke from manager Peter Duffield as the former Sheffield striker threw off a poor start to play his best game for the club.

Former Stocksbridge Park Steels ‘keeper, David Ratcliffe was named as a substitute following his recent signing from the Bracken Moor club.

This was a high tempo encounter with the hosts kicking down the slope in the first half, but the first real opportunity came Belper’s way in the 4th minute after a 30 yard run by Glyn Cotton; taking the ball from inside his own half before releasing it to Ashley Longstaff who was totally unmarked on the edge of the penalty area.

Longstaff seemed to panic at this golden opportunity so early in the game and hit a poor shot well wide of the target, but the incident was clearly a concern for the Millers’ defence who never looked comfortable all evening.

Going forward was the host’s forte and the Nailers had to very alert to their quick passing across the edge of the penalty area, and sometimes they were worryingly exposed.

Leon Grandison hit a fierce effort from the 18 yard line in the 9th minute and Aaron Chapman stung his fingers as he palmed the ball away.

With the battle for midfield crucial in this game Glyn Cotton and Steve Warne grafted extremely hard and were able to create opportunities sporadically in the first half.

Jon Froggatt headed a Greg Wright cross just wide as the Nailers kept the Millers conscious of the defensive responsibilities, then in the 14th minute the Church Street crowd were stunned when Ashley Longstaff powered in a Chris Adam corner kick, leaving the New Mills bench ranting over the space he was given.

Belper’s joy was short lived though, as barely three minutes later the Millers were back on level terms when Michael Bowler diverted a Luke Horrocks shot past Aaron Chapman.

Both sides shared possession equally up until half time and it was deemed a good position for Belper to be level at the break.

The second period proved to be something of a triumph for Belper who took the game by the scruff of the neck and the Millers were in for a torrid 45 minutes.

Ashley Longstaff set the standard by side footing Chris Adam’s cross firmly past James Coates in the 50th minute and again the Millers’ defenders were looking for someone to blame for the poor marking.

Soon afterwards Longstaff spurned a hat-trick opportunity by heading over the cross bar, and by now there was a strong sense that there was going to be a possible upset inflicted by the Nailers.

With New Mills creaking in all departments, the Nailers added to their woes when Jon Froggatt struck a great free kick into the bottom corner from 20 yards on 69 minutes.

There was no way back for the Millers after this.

Aaron Chapman had been a virtual spectator in the second half and when Froggatt hit his 30th goal of the season from the penalty spot with just over 15 minutes to go, it was all over for the home side.

The Nailers were on top in every area of the field and shown tremendous energy and tenacity to prevent New Mills making any sort of come back.

Andy Rushbury missed a glorious opportunity to get on the score sheet on 75 minutes, and then Jon Froggatt shot straight at the ‘keeper after Belper cut a swathe through the Millers back line.

In a run of good performances this was arguably the best of them all and if they can keep this up then there is still the chance of a shot at promotion.

Who would have thought of that just three months ago?

New Mills: Coates, Bowler, Moss, Swirad, Chadwick, Barrass, Meakin, Field, Deegan, Grandison, Horrocks: Subs: Pickering, Needham, Lonsdale, Benson, Edridge

Belper Town: Chapman, Pride, Wright, Cotton, Simpkins, White, Rushbury, Warne, Froggatt (Turner 82), Longstaff (Ward 82), Adam (Rennalls 89): Unused subs: Meikle, Ratcliffe.

Referee: W Smallwood (Northwich)

Attendance: 190

Nigel Oldrini