Reds Beat Belper

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Unibond Northern Premier League Division One

Tuesday 14th September 2004

WILLENHALL TOWN 2 vs BELPER TOWN 0

 

Still smarting from Saturday’s shock defeat at Stocksbridge, the Reds were looking to bounce straight back, even with injuries forcing several changes in the host’s line up.

Belper who had won both of their away league games this season were hoping to continue on their rich vein of away form, so at least on paper a close and exciting game was on the cards for the crowd of 128.

Unfortunately, the crowd were soon to learn that yet again below par officialdom was to impact on the match for the second game running. Most of the first half both teams were content to go for the direct route, and there was more hoofing than in a blacksmith’s barn.

The best piece of football came on 23 minutes when a move originating from deep into the Reds own half saw a blistering run up-field from Colcombe, a pinpoint cross was meet by Quilt who forced a great diving save from keeper Ingram.

The visitors best chance of the half came three minutes later, when Foster went through following a slip by Creighton, a one on one with Vaughan saw the young keeper make the save.

Sixteen minutes into the second period brought a change for the Reds with McGee, on loan from Hednesford replacing Smith. The breakthrough came in the 71st minute when a Whitcombe cross appeared to be a comfortable catch for Ingram, however, up popped Quilt to head the ball over the keeper and into the net.

With The Nailers pushing hard for an equaliser the Reds were also looking dangerous on the counter attack. Sub Tyrell spotted Ingram off his line on 84 minutes and he lobbed the ball from 35 yards out in a speculative effort, which went just wide.

Somehow the ref found five minutes of extra time to give Belper an extra chance of a share of the points. However, this backfired deep into extra time when a long clearance caught the Nailers on the hop, a 5 on 2 attack saw sub McGee round the keeper and his goal bound effort was helped over the line by the hand of a back tracking defender.

Reds line up; Vaughan, Colwell, Whitcombe, Slater, Creighton, Slater, Webb, Myers, Quilt, Smith, Colcombe. Subs; McGee, Jones, Tyrell.

 

The Reds now entertain MFA side Barwell on Saturday in the FA Cup, then visit Ilkeston on Tuesday in the league, before North Ferriby United visit Noose Lane on Saturday 25th Sept.