Nailers crack Olympic's unbeaten home record

After losing the last three away trips, all by the odd goal in three the Nailers rediscovered their form and never looked like losing once Anthony Wilson had put them ahead from the penalty spot in the first half.

Joint manager Danny Hudson left himself on the bench as the Nailers searched for a formula to change their flagging fortunes, and Tom Naylor retained his place just in front of the back four as Asa Ingall’s continuing ankle injury kept him out of contention.

The Pics having only won twice in their last nine league outings Belper were hoping for a good result at Dales Lane, and a low key start Andy Rushbury had an early opportunity in the 7th minute but put his effort wide of the far post.

The Nailers were awarded three free kicks in the opening 10 minutes without being able to make them count, but in the 10th minute good work from Ben Walker resulted in a dangerous cross flashing across the edge of the six yard area.

Lee Stevenson attempted a shot from 40 yards after the ‘keeper strayed out of his area, and at this stage all Rushall had to show for their efforts was a shot high over the cross bar from Rory May.

Howls of protest greeted the referee’s decision to award the Nailers a penalty in the 27th minute primarily because the ball was a long way from the incident in which Nick Amos chopped down Dean Oliver, but Mr Wilkes was unmoved and his decision seemed vindicated as Oliver had to be helped from the field, not to return.

The Nailers have missed crucial spot kicks this season but Anthony Wilson (pictured) bucked the trend by coolly slotting the ball into the corner of the net.

Lee Stevenson was unlucky not to extend Belper’s lead in the 38th minute after Wilson executed a clever knock on, leaving Stevenson with a clear shot on goal. However Chris Gemmell blocked well with his legs and the score line remained unchanged at half time,

The Pics showed more urgency after the break but this was matched with increased determination from the Nailers as they defended particularly well as a unit.

Ben Walker lobbed just over the top as Belper took advantage of Rushall pushing players up field, and in the in the 57th minute the much sought after second goal arrived when Luke Fedorenko slipped the ball through to Ben Walker, and his curling cross into the box was met by Anthony Wilson as he slid in to push the ball over the line.

Confidence visibly flowed back into the Belper players and Fedorenko attempted a 30 yard effort in the 64th minute that flew hard into the chest of Gemmell.

Ben Walker ran onto Fedorenko’s 69th minute pass and was denied by a good save from the ‘keeper, and with the Nailers catching the home side on the break with increasing regularity, Ben Walker set Wilson up for a hat trick opportunity but the Belper striker mis-kicked in front of goal.

Belper’s third and deciding goal came from a free kick on 81 minutes, and it was Luke Federenko who capped a good performance with an unstoppable shot just inside the far post.

Rushall hadn’t had a shot on target all afternoon and they left it until the 92nd minute to create their only chance and Ramone Stevens put his shot well wide when he should have scored.

This was a great win for the Nailers against a top side and they will be hoping to take full advantage of this form into the game at home to Stamford on Tuesday evening.

Rushall Olympic: Gemmell, Smith, Jackson, Amos, Preston, Beckett, Fitzpatrick, Lowe, May (Harris), Braithwaite (Ramsay 65), Stephens. Other subs: Robinson, Maguire, Jevons.

Belper Town: Ogden, Harcourt, Haigh, Naylor, Colliver, Adams, Walker, Stevenson (Hudson 86), Oliver (Fedorenko 30), Wilson (Warren 90), Rushbury. Other subs: Kearney,

Referee: M Wilkes (Dudley)

Attendance:133

Nigel Oldrini

Photo Gallery courtesy of Tim Harrison Photography:
http://www.timharrisonphotography.com/NailersAction/RshllA0910/index.html