First Team
Matches
Tue 16 Oct 2018
Stamford
1
0
Belper Town FC
First Team
Nailers hard done by in FA Trophy exit

Nailers hard done by in FA Trophy exit

David Laughlin17 Oct 2018 - 10:54
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.belpertownfc.co.uk

Belper Town can feel hard done by after arguably being the better side in both ties with the brilliance of former Nailers ‘keeper Danny Haystead preventing a Belper win at the first attempt, and again in Tuesday night’s replay, writes Nigel Oldrini

An unfortunate penalty conceded by the otherwise excellent Isaac Assenso proved to be the difference on the night and left Nailers players and supporters feeling frustrated at the defeat.

Danny South was carrying an injury from the first game and skipper Alex Peterson capably deputised in the back four, however the returning Darol Lucas had to be content with a place on the bench with Jacob Sturgess retaining the right back slot.

The game was played at a frantic pace throughout and the hosts understandably pressed forward from the kick off which had been delayed by 35 minutes due to floodlight failure.

Bradley Fortnum-Tomlinson’s 6th minute shot was deflected for a corner kick as the Daniels threatened early on, however the Nailers responded with a Rikki Paylor volley from a Nathan Curtis cross that went just over the cross bar.

Belper had the ball in the net on 23 minutes but celebrations were cut short by the referee’s assistant’s offside flag, then another former Nailer, Grant Ryan glanced a header just wide of the Belper goal soon afterwards.

Nathan Curtis hit a good shot on the run that Danny Haystead saved, then the Daniels ‘keeper saved brilliantly from Piteu Crouz on 32 minutes after breaking through the Stamford back line.

As Belper pressure intensified Jacob Sturgess saw a header from a corner kick graze the cross bar, then shortly afterwards George Milner was a victim of Haystead’s brilliance when his volley was touched over by the Daniels’ stopper.

Belper weathered the expected pressure from Stamford at the start of the second half and just as it seemed that the Nailers had things under control again, Isaac Assenso was penalised for tripping a Stamford player inside the penalty area.

The referee, who had shown inconsistency all evening, gave the spot kick and for a few seconds there were fears that the Belper defender would be sent off.

After much hand waving and consultation with his assistant no further action was taken against Assenso, however Stamford scored what would be the decisive goal when Grant Ryan drilled the ball home from the penalty.

Belper dominated the rest of the half with Rikki Paylor and Jacob Sturgess going close with efforts in the 71st and 77th minutes.

The Nailers pumped in a dozen or more crosses as pressure increased but most of them were dealt with by the Daniels defenders who seemed to get everything launched in at head height or above.

When the ball was played to feet, Stamford looked less confident, and with the game fast coming to a close George Milner had a sniff of a chance in the 88th minute but put the ball wide of the far post, out of reach of players running in.

Considering the huge amount of effort Belper put in to both ties and the control they had for long spells, this was a disappointing outcome for the Nailers, however their overall performance speaks volumes for the progress the management team are making in building a strong squad of players.

Stamford AFC: Haystead, Cooke, Eggington, Burgess Joe, Miller, Salt, Challinor (Garvie 69), Duffy, Ryan, Fortnam-Tomlinson (Adams 58), Brown-Hill (Morris 58). Unused subs: Bates, Tarris.

Belper Town. Overton, Burgess Jacob,, Clark, Paylor, Peterson, Assenso, Nelthorpe , Robson, Milner, Crouz (Lucas 66), Curtis. Unused subs: Gordon, Johal, Esmaeily.

Referee: Andrew Hitchcox

Att:187

Match details

Match date

Tue 16 Oct 2018

Kickoff

19:45

Attendance

187
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

U14 Sponsor - Vaillant
Kit Manufacturer - Joma
Main Club Sponsor - Raygar Architectual Supplies
First Team Sponsor - Woodward Building Management
First Team Sponsor - Alan Benfield Limited
Sponsors Lounge Sponsor - Browns Builders Merchants
Facilities Hire - Nailers
Kit Supplier - Euro Soccer Company
Travel Partner - Slacks Travel
Match Sponsor - Topmark Joinery
Stand Sponsor - Fire & Acoustic Seals
4G Pitch Sponsor - Preserva-CSS
Main Sponsor - Morley Hayes