Defeat on the road for ladies

Belper made the trip to Alvaston Park to take on Pride Park for the 3rd time this season, with both teams having won 1 each the game was going to be tight, and in the end the difference was 3 penalties.

Belper started the brighter of the 2 teams, but were unable to make the early possession count for anything, and as Pride Park started to gain momentum going forward, it was the home team who took the lead when a striker ran on to a defence splitting ball and placed the ball high in to the net. Just after the half hour mark Pride Park doubled their lead with another quick attack before they were given the opportunity to make it 3 nil when the referee awarded a penalty for a ‘tackle from behind’. Pride Park took the chance with a well placed penalty.

As half time approached Belper created a number of chances first H forced the keeper to save well low at the near post and then again from a long range effort, before Jemma pulled one back as she won the ball in her own half and took on the defender before placing the ball in to the net past the diving keeper.

Half time 3- 1

A positive team talk gave Belper the confidence to go out and take the game to Pride Park, but unfortunately Pride Park came straight out to attack and a good cross from the right was forced home by an un-marked striker, giving Belper a bigger hill to climb.

From the re-start Belper now looked the better side moving the ball well in midfield and creating openings up front. A good run from Katie down the left led to a Belper free-kick by the corner flag. Jemma crossed to the back post and H controlled well before knocking in Belpers 2nd of the game. Within 5 minutes the game was 4-3 as Jemma ran on to a great ball from Alice to slot home her 2nd of the game and Belpers 3rd, and not long after was unlucky not to secure a hat trick when she brought a great save from the Pride Park Keeper.

Belper were forced to re-shuffle at the back when Beth was forced off with a nasty ankle injury which seemed to affect the Belper play, and Pride Park took advantage, pressing forward in numbers. The Referee awarded a penalty to Pride Park following a tangle on the edge of the box, which Gilbo saved. Gilbo again saved at full stretch from a 20 yard effort , before Pride Park where awarded a 3rd Penalty after another tussle on the edge of the box, this time the Pride Park player converted, and secured the win for the home team.

On another day this could have been different result, as Belper created plenty of opportunities and put together some excellent play in midfield.

Dame of the Game Jemma