Stamford halt Nailers unbeaten run

Wynne Garnett named an unchanged side in his final game in temporary charge from last weeks victory, with Haydn Goodard returning to his former club.

Stamford shook the Belper system on ten minutes, Danny Roberts miss handling a crossed free kick and the ball fell fortunately at the feet of Liam Adams who prodded the ball into an empty net.

Bad turned to worse only a minute later, as referee Andrew Dallison brandished a red card towards Kieran Harrison who was adjudged to have fouled the on rushing Sam Hollis inside the area as the last man. Duffy converted the spot kick for Stamford’s second on eleven minutes.

From there it was an uphill mountain to climb for Belper, unable to maintain the ball for any period of time and facing constant pressure.

22 minutes saw the final hammer blow for The Nailer’s, Dallison awarding a second spot kick against Will Dennis for a late challenge. Duffy sealed his hatrick, choosing the opposite corner to his first.

The pattern of play seemed to be on repeat, Stamford exchanges passes in the middle, knocking the ball wide and delivering a cross only to be cleared by Belper and the process started again.

To Garnett’s men full credit they stayed in a solid shape and softened the Stamford threat, unfortunately loosing any attacking potency from past performances.

Jordan Smith’s sliced left footed effort was the only other chance of note in a 45 which ultimately crushed Belper.

Into the second half, the procedure started over again, Stamford moving the play from left to right with very little joy.

This was ultimately due to the excellent organisation Garnett had installed into the squad during his tenure, staying resilient and every man working for one another.

A less than thrilling half saw Pearson Mwanyongo’s tame effort shoot straight at Roberts before Delroy Gordon headed over from a corner.
Other than Jordan Smith’s header into the palms of Roberts for the clearest chance of the half, the keeper and back four were untroubled.

3-0 truly flattered the home side, who were left frustrated by the lack of chances created, the gaps plugged by the Belper barricade.

A valiant defensive second period from Belper finished with Stamford taking the three points.

Garnett’s short spell ended on less than positive terms, but he has rejuvenated the squad and set a strong platform for the new boss; everyone at the club sends their gratitude for his work and hopes continued success with his Under 21’s team.

Stamford AFC: Haystead, George, Putman, Armstrong, Gordon, Morgan (Challinor 54), Hollis (Mwanyongo 56), Duffy, Smith, Adams (Fortnam-Tomlinson 78), Burgess. Unused subs: Eze.

Belper Town: Roberts, Thornberry, Goddard, Allen (Baldwin 82), Guy, Harrison, Browne, Dennis, Steadman, O’Connell (Barr-Rostron 20), Garnett.

Referee: Andrew Dallison

Att: 308