Willenhall Town 1 Belper Town 3

Willenhall Town 1 Belper Town 3

After a number of postponements we finally got to go to The Noose for the game with Willenhall. I went with Andy Carter in the Jag (it’s a dirty job but someone has to do it). Again the sat nav seemed to want to take us on a tour of the West Midlands once we decided not to go down the toll motorway.

Eventually we arrived at Willenhall’s ground. It is located on the edge of a housing estate but right next to a depot for delivery trucks (which passed the ground throughout the game).

The boardroom is situated upstairs at the ground with a great view of the pitch. Apart from the need to photograph the game it would have been very tempting to sit up there for the evening – and as it turned out it would have been a lot warmer than it was at pitch side.

I also finally got to meet Simon Faulkner who runs the Non-league Photographers Forum – we did a quick badge swap before the match.

Retford had already made mention on the Belper forum of the rough pitch at Willenhall – and they were not exaggerating – it was rock hard and dry as a bone, even to the point of dust clouds coming off it as players tackled in midfield. As for the home game last week Willenhall were quick and dangerous on the break, proven when they took the lead in the first half.

Ant Wilson pinched an equaliser before the break and again it was an improved second half performance that saw Belper come away with a 3-1 win. As a former Southern Division club Stamford provide food at the end of the game but we were already on the way home, discussing that fact that we were now just 1 point behind the Badgers with a game in hand. This means that all we have to do is win the remaining 5 games and we go up as Champions ! The slight problem there is that the remaining five games are against sides in 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th before we travel to Loughborough on the last day of the season.

If we win the league this season – we will have deserved it that’s for sure.

Next up – Carlton Town

April 4th 2009

Stamford 1 Belper Town 2

Yet another new ground to visit in the shape of Stamfords Vic Couzens stadium in beautiful Lincolnshire. The sat nat took us to Melton Mowbray without a problem but either a missed turn or a stray sat nav instruction takes us a very scenic route through the flatlands leading to Stamford. Thankfully Scribbler had the foresight to bring a map and managed to guide us back onto the A1 and finally to Stamford.

The town of Stamford is very picturesque and looks very much like the Cotswolds with it’s light stone houses – the glorious sunshine also adding to the chocolate box look of the town.
A warm welcome was had at the ground as we were admitted to the Boardroom. I met with the commercial manager who turned out to be an avid programme collector who has given over a room in his house to his hobby. He also writes for the Peterborough Town programme and has almost every Posh issue from the 1952s.

The ground itself has seen better days although like at Belper there is talk of changes in the future. Whereas we are looking at the Tesco work bringing about changes in our current location, Stamford are talking of a move to a new ground completely, if that happens I’ll be pleased that I made the trip to the old one. The main stand needs a repaint but at least there is lots of cover - not that it was needed today, other than as shade from the sun.

The game itself was always going to be difficult as Stamford had only lost 5 games all season – just one behind our record. A tough first half saw Stamford take the lead in controversial circumstances. A handball was missed by the officials and the ball was immediately played through for the Daniels to take the lead. Trouble flared between the Belper bench and the Stamford fans behind the dugout.

As the second half began I suggested that if we could win this game we’d probably win the league as a win looked so unlikely afte the first half performance.
The second 45 saw a better performance from Belper and we were all relieved when Rush got free in the box and slide the ball past the Stamford keeper to level the scores.
Nailers substitute Dean Oliver was sent off for a second bookable offence before a 93rd minute winner from Ben Walker gave Belper an amazing win and the three points.

News would eventually come through to say that Retford had only managed a 0-0 draw at Willenhall. That meant we were just 4 points behind with a two games in hand – the first of which would, coincidentally be the trip to Willenhall on Tuesday night.

Next up – Willenhall Town

March 24th 2009

Kidsgrove Athletic 0 Belper Town 1

Having previously made the decision not to travel to the midweek away game at Kidsgrove (which was subsequently postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, I thought I’d go the re-arranged game.
Like the day of first game this was to be a wet night at the Stan Brown Stadium. The ground has stands on all four sides, which is unusual for teams at this level. My preferred stance would be on the halfway line but the narrow stands at Kidsgrove gets well populated with only a few people, so the first half was watched from behind the Kiddy keeper. The action was mostly at the other end as Belper struggled with the wet conditions and the gusty wind. It was the worst half of football that the Nailers have played, but at the break the scoreline read 0-0. Before the match we had all expected to take 3 points back to the Meadow but half-time it looked for the world like a draw would be the best we could expect as Kidsgrove created quite a few chances and looked dangerous on the break.
As the second half started it was more of the same but Belper eventually started getting back on top before Jon Hobson picked up a second yellow card. Surprisingly Belper played even better and Asa Ingall headed us into the lead after 71 minutes Somehow Belper hung on and despite a few close shaves came away with a fantastic win.
Amazingly for the second season running the Nailers had been to Belper, had Jon Hobson sent off and come away with a win – the sign of a great team spirit.
After the final whistle I went onto the toilet and bumped (not literally) into the Kidsgrove manager, couldn’t top myself saying’you wuz robbed mate’ – he had to agree.
Thankfully I managed to persuade Nigel to hand over his programme as Kidsgrove are very tight when it comes to making complimentary programmes available.

Next up Stamford

March 21st 2009

Grantham Town 1 Belper Town 1

Although Grantham is only 48 miles away on the satnav it is a tortuous 48 miles that can take well over an hour to reach via the A52. The ground itself (The South Kesteven Sports Stadium) is part of a sports complex so you are welcomed into a large car park and the back of the main stand, which is huge. The drawback to this is the 8 lane running track around the pitch which makes viewing from behind the goals without binoculars totally impractical.

First people we bump into are Nortoner and the Duchess sitting, nay basking, in the glorious sunshine that always seems to be shining in Grantham, although to be fair it was August the last time we visited. After a brief chat we dropped into the boardroom to meet up with Tony T, Ian Wright and Hugh Robinson who was playing kit chauffeur for the day.

Once we had had the compulsory coffee it was a slow stroll around the perimeter. I decided that a quick ‘call of nature’ trip would be welcomed after the coffee. I saw the toilet sign at the end of the stand and as I mounted the stairs I saw the two door with a large handicapped sign between them. Thinking we were in a unisex modern stadium I battered my way through the first door. Odd I thought, no urinals in here, oh well it’s 2009 so into a cubicle – job done, hand wash, out of the door to find the rest of the BTFC (including Ian & Denni Harcourt) standing laughing. Not only that but Scribbler was pointing his camera phone at me. It appears that I had inadvertently chosen the Ladies (the signs were about 20 feet in the air above the doors !). I can’t believe they took a photo of me coming out of the ladies!!! As if I’d do anything like that to them ???

After strolling around the track and past the stand on the far side, we made it back to the starting point where Ken and the Duchess were waiting. Ken pointed out that the Grantham steward had said that only the ‘official Belper Town photographer’ was allowed to take pictures. I approached him and he asked to see my pass and then advised that I could only stand pitchside on the grass (NOT on the running track), and I was not allowed to photograph the crowd. Didn’t seem to be a problem as that was exactly what I had come for.

An injury to Barney early on was a bad start for Belper and we never seemed to get going after that blow. I had started with the 1.4x extender but I was having a problem with the focussing so midway through the first half I took it off. Happy with some of the snaps I had got but disappointed with a 0-0 scoreline at the break. Grantham still follow the Southern League way of having food at the END of the game so half time consisted of an apple.

Second half started more promisingly on the pitch but the camera seemed to be having problems focussing even without the extender in place. I decided to try another lens but found I had only got the 17-40 in the bag (stupid boy !). After much phaffing about (and shouts from Nortoner that he was going to report me for standing on the running track) I put the 70-200 back and it seemed to start working again. Might have been the bright sun on the bright yellow and bright white shirts.

Stevo fired in a free kick on 47 minutes that the keeper seemed slow to dive for and the ball nestled in the net for 1-0 Nailers. The keeper then spend the next 5 minutes (without exaggeration) swearing to himself very loudly. It was funny to start with but as it went on it became slightly disturbing.

Grantham increased the pressure and the eventual introduction of substitute David Brown seemed to do the trick. Leigh Walker made two good saves, the second one resulting in a corner that saw Chris Shaw equaliser.

Grantham then had a player dismissed for a second yellow after going straight through Danny. Ace shoved the player in the chest with both hands and was perhaps lucky to only get a yellow.

Overall it was a fair result on the performance, which was rather disappointing to be honest. A result that sees Belper drop to 4th although the game in hand will see then move back to 2nd if we pick up all three points.

Next up Kidsgrove Athletic

February 24th 2009

Stocksbridge Park Steels 1 Belper Town 0

The third of three away trips and another game where a draw would be more than acceptable for Belper. Never an easy place to go to, Bracken Moor is always a welcoming ground with decent facilities and friendly people. Scribbler was convinced he knew the way to the ground as it is one of the most visited away venues for Belper. So no problem finding it then ? Except for the unforeseen diversion which meant a trip across the top of the valley with the floodlights in view above the massive steelworks below to our left. The detour turned out to be no more than a minor blip and we arrived at the top of the hill outside the ground around 7:10pm.

Saturdays game had taken it’s toll and Hobbo was out, but both Kots and Barney took their places in the starting line up. In the Steels 11 were Mark Ward and Darren Schofield, both former nailers, with Gary Marrow and Gary Ingham as manager and assistant on the touchline.

The first half was a scrappy affair with Steels dangerman Vardy hitting the post early doors. Belper scrapped for everyball and went in at the break at 0-0. Ant Wilson was his usual handful for the Steels defence although Belper never took advantage of the large centre half Brett Lovell by keeping the ball on the ground and letting Ant run at him.

The 2nd half was a similar affair although Belper had a good spell with both Ben and Eric Graves forcing the Steels keeper into flying saves. The game was looking more and more like a 0-0 score until the substitutes that were to change everything. Belper took off Rush, Eric and Ant, replacing them with Massive, Dean Oliver and Stevo – all slightly odd decisions as Ant was a constant threat, Rush and Eric had also forced the Stocksbridge defence onto the backfoot on many occasions. Steels substitutions saw them throw on attackers as they knew they needed a win. Leigh Walker made an incredible save to deny Steels the lead and it looked even more as though Belper would take a well deserved point home with them. That is until the referee penalised Barney for what looked a soft free-kick wide on the Belper left.

One substitute swung the ball in to another and Andy Ring bundled the ball into the Belper net from close range for a devastating winner. Everyone was totally gutted but I guess it meant that we then knew what it felt to be a Retford fan at 16:55 last Saturday.

February 21st 2009

Retford United 2 Belper Town 3

The second of three away trips on the bounce and the biggest of them all. Top against 2nd with Belper 9 points behind but having four games in hand on the Badgers. The trip to Retford was straight forward enough and was the last one in the current motor as the new one should be available from next Friday all things being equal. No detours on the way, but then again it was my turn to drive and I had the sat nav plugged in, relying on Tom Tom rather than Nigel Nigel.

Last season Retford won the league but failed to gain promotion due to the state pf their ground. The belper fans were all intrigued to see what they had done as we had heard that the ground had now been passed for Premier Division football should they repeat their achievement. First impressions were that nothing had happened ot the ground but in closer inspection the fence around the pitch now had blue plastic netting attached and they had added 12 more seats to the poor excuse for a stand on the far side. A fair number of the seats have a restricted view of the pitch due to the dugouts obscuring parts of the pitch. They have added a new toilet behind the pressbox and they have acquired some builders fencing to form a makeshift players tunnel. The league really are accepting a very low standard it seems. Still, good luck to them if they win the league again they deserve to go up this time around.

A trip into the office to say hi to Retford snapper Jon Knight, really nice friendly bloke. The teamsheet shows that surprisingly Hobbo is fit but as already known there is now Kots or Barney so it looks a very difficult game. The nailers fans are in agreement that a draw would be a brilliant result and would put the initiative with Belper thanks to the games in hand.

Belper get off to the best possible start when Ben fires in a stunning strike that curls round the keeper and inside the post to give us a 5th minute lead. The rest of the half belongs to retford as they equalise through a bizarre goal. A free kick just inside the Belper half is hoisted into the area, one bounce into an empty net with the Nailers keeper nowhere. Then Neil Harvey strikes to make it 2-1 to Retford. Two other glaring chances go begging for the home side and at the break we're feeling happy that we're only a goal adrift.

Half-time break and a chance to get some circulation into cold hands and feet then we return to see if Belper can get back on level terms. A few minutes into the half and former Badger Ryan 'massive' Hindley fires another stunning goal to make it 2-2. All we needed to do was hang on and take a point back to Derbyshire.

The last 5 minutes seems to take an eternity to pass but as we prepare to celebrate a great draw a Retford defender has a rush of blood and handles in the box. Pandemonium as Stevo steps up and cooly fires his 21st goal of the season past the Retford keeper. he celebrates by leaping onto the barrier into the welcoming arms of George Waterfall. An amazing victory making thoughts of the league title seem a lot more likely than it did at kickoff today

The trip home was all talk about the fact that we couldn't believe we had just beaten Retford at Cannon Park and then thoughts turn to Tuesday night and the trip to Stocksbridge Park Steels Look Local Stadium

Next Up: Stocksbridge Park Steels

February 17th 2009

Sheffield 1 Belper Town 1

Will it be on? Will it get called off again? The Sheffield Club, or Sheffield FC or The oldest club in the world (whatever they like to be called) have a reputation of having a lot of games called off. Infact they are the only side in the division who have played less games than Belper. After the relatively short drive to Dronfield in North Derbyshire we find that the pitch does not look too bad at all. There are signs of snow around the perimeter, I do wonder if it could be the oldest snow in the world, bt then again I think it could just be my imagination. The main noticeable thing is how light it is under the floodlights, but then again I shouldn’t be surprised as we are at the BRIGHT Finance Stadium. I had only taken my 85mm f1.8 lens and I do oinder if I could have used the 70-200 f2.8 tonight – I’m so used to leaving it at home for Belper night games, I’ve done the same tonight !

We find that Stevo is in the starting 11 which is a bit of a surprise as he missed Saturdays home game against Gresley after breaking his little finger and having a pin put in it. As it turns out his injury holds him back and he isn’t the Stevo that has scored 20 goals so far this season, he is eventually substituted after 55 minutes. No Hobbo (ankle injury) or Barney (suspension) made the side look a little weak.

A quick drink in the hospitality suite and then it’s out into the cool night ready for kick off. Find myself standing with Stevo’s mum and dad – nice people, they do speak in a funny accent but I’ve decided not to hold that against them.

The first half is a scrappy affair on a pitch that soon starts to cut up and look like the aftermath of a horserace. Massive put Belper ahead only to see it ruled out for an alleged push which no-one else saw. My photo did nothing to clear up the mystery. Sheffield looked dangerous on the break and looked more comfortable on the pudding of a pitch.

2nd half and the goal that Sheffield had threatened in the first 45 materialised
when a ball into the centre found the Sheffield striker free to poke it home for 1-0. A tense period for Belper ended with Deano playing a great cross into the box for Willo to trap, turn and score in a single fluid movement, it’s no wonder that League scouts are reported to be watching him.

Belper could have won it when substitute Pete ‘Smudger’ Smith went close on two occasions to snatching all three points for Belper but was denied by former Nailers keeper Marc Furniss.

A short trip back round Chesterfield and we’re home again looking forward to the biggest game of the season on Saturday at Retford united.

Next Up - Retford United

January 31st 2009

Lincoln United 2 Belper Town 3

Our happy band of travellers set off for the flatlands of Lincoln to see if the Nailers could keep up their terrific league form. A midweek defeat in the Presidents Cup didn’t really leave anyone crying in their beer – we are happy to concentrate on the league and closing the gap on the (three) teams above us.

Ashby Avenue was another new ground on the list for me having never made the trip before. Scribbler arrived at the allotted time of 12:30 and my first question ‘do we need the sat-nav’ was met with the his usual response of ‘no I know where we are going’ – my heart sank and I remember thinking I wish I’d got some Kendal mint cake in for the trip.

We collected Ian on the way and we set off along the A38 looking for the turning to take us towards the A46 – we missed the turning and had to make a detour via the Kings Mill Hospitals ground (doing a u-turn just next to the ‘no u-turn’ sign ! I think the problem with Scribblers directions is that he seems to recall the roads as they ‘used to be’ as he tells us the way he previously got to places. Having said that my sense of direction is terrible anyway so I’ve no room to talk, infact only Ian seems to know his way around by car but he has a tendency to fall asleep at the crucial moment – more of that later.

After the initial short detour we made it to Lincoln without a problem and arrived just after 2pm – plenty of time for a cup of tea and a stroll round the ground. The chap on the turnstile saw my camera bag and said that I needed written permission to take photographs in the ground, which seemed odd. We found the boardroom and had a refreshing drink and a biscuit before trying to find who I needed this permission from. As it turned out there was no requirement for this, previous photographers had asked if they could stand on top of the dugouts !!

Ashby Avenue is a very pleasant ground with stands on three sides and the changing rooms behind the goal at the cricket ground end. We elected to watch the game from the stand past the dugouts as the low winter sun made it difficult to see if you took advantage of the slight warmth that it was giving off by standing in it. It did mean we were slightly sheltered from the bitter wind that was heading in from Siberia allegedly.

A flase start to the game when the ref spotted a gap in the net under the crossbar. A quick fix with tape initially failed and a 'piggy-back' approach was required to get the game restarted. The first half was quite end to end. Although Belper had the upper hand Lincoln looked dangerous on the break. This proved a correct observation as their red hot striker Sean Cann fired past Dave Clarke in the 35th minute to give them the lead. A minute later the Dark Destroyer headed Belper level and the scores were level at half time.

Hobbo almost saw red for a deliberate handball on half-time but the ref saw it as only a yellow - much ot the consternation of th locals who were definitely seeing it as a staright red.

The boardroom was quite packed at the break – the food was nice but included an odd combination which must be a Lincolnshire delicacy. Some sort of malt loaf with a square of cheese on the top – only Robbo was brave enough to try it – he advised it wasn’t something he would be doing again.

Second half started with a flurry as Ryan Hindley (Massive) scored after just 2 minutes, then the keeper had to be replaced by Andy Carney. Sean Cann fired in his 7th in 6 games to level the scores after 69 minutes. Massive was subbed by Rush and was warming down infront of where we were standing. We all thought it and Massive said it, ‘we’re going to lose this’ as Lincoln pressed for a third. Instead Belper took over as Ben had a great chance to score when he robbed the full back and chipped wide of an open goal with the keep in no-mans-land. Then another Belper attack saw the ball drop to Willo who rolled the ball into an empty net for 3-2.

After that (81st minute) the remaining 9 minutes plus 5 minutes stoppage time (‘it’s only a minimum of 5’ as Ian Wright likes to point out) was like the Alamo as the Nailers hung on for another memorable victory. As it turned out all the top sides won so it was a VITAL 3 points.

We set off back along the A46 but somehow Scribbler missed a turning (about the same time that Robbo was nodding in the back) and we headed towards Leicester. There was an element of panic of panic in the drivers side of the car as we passed signs for places none of us had ever heard of. I reassured him that there were a lot of lights ahead that looked like a town of some sort. Eventually we saw a sign that said Nottingham A52 and we all breathed a sigh of relief – and the desire for mint cake abated.

So a detour via Trent Bridge and the Nottingham ring road saw us home at 6:40 pm safe and sound.

Next Up: Willenhall UniBond Division 1 South

January 24th 2009

Goole AFC 0 Belper Town 5

January 24th saw us making the trip to the Victoria Pleasure Ground – not our favourite away ground due to the coldness and the running track around the pitch, a la Grantham. If ever there was a football ground less aptly named I don’t think I’d like to see it. There is nothing ‘pleasurable’ about Goole in January (except in hindsight todays result, but more of that later). On the two trips I’ve made there it’s been like that line in the Smiths song ‘Everyday is like Sunday’ which goes ‘this is a seaside town, they forgot to shut down’ although of course is not really a seaside town, but has it’s own docks. It was sunny when we left Belper but overcast when we got to Goole. Just as the kick off time arrived the sun decided to make a first half appearance which was very welcome (except for the players kicking towards it ie Belper)

Ian Robinson joined us for this trip as he was making his own way up there which seemed a bit daft. Off we set along the A38, M1, M18, M62 on the 66 mile trip – a nice clear run saw us there even before the famous Goole pie was ready for serving. Eventually we got the nod from the catering ladies and we all endulged in Pie & Peas (some people also had gravy – oh the lavishness of some peoples lives !)

A fair contingent decided to sample to pleasures of the Victoria, as familiar face after familiar face entered the gate (and headed to the food bar). Darloss & Young Winson somehow made it all the way there on the train, and before kick off too !

When the team sheets came out we saw that Ant Wilson had returned to the starting line up after his latest suspension and was to be marked by none other than Mick Norbury. Anyone who knows Mick will understand how we all thought this was a lethal combination. As it turned out Ant played the perfect game and it was Norbs that was substituted in the 2nd half to avoid another red card.

The first half was memorable for a two-footed challenge on Barney which bizarrely saw both the Goole full-back (who committed the atrocity) and Barney himself being sent off after 21 minutes. The ref decided they BOTH went in two-footed. One interesting fact was that the linesman on the main stand side and the referee were father and son.

A tetchy half concluded with the Goole keeper failing to hold a vicious shot on 45 minutes, leaving Stevo to knock in his 20th of the season. Before the match we would have settled for a point from the game but we went into the directors portacabin for a warming cup of tea with the scent of victory was in our nostrils.

The second half started with a flourish as first Ben Walker lashed in a 30 yarder and then Ant Wilson scored with a spectacular overhead kick for 3-0 with just 52 minutes on the clock. That was the end for Goole who imploded, Norbs and Stuart Copnell were shouting and swearing at the Goole fans in the far side stand. When Copnell went in like a madman on Kots the Goole management did the sensible thing and subbed him. We all watched in amazement as he mounted the perimeter wall and made for the main stand to confront a fan who was giving him some lip. Someone intervened and it all calmed down eventually.

On the field Belper were running the show, playing decent football on a terrible pitch and only the skill of the Goole keeper kept the score down. Substitute Dean Oliver came on and scored two late breakaway goals in the 89th and 90th minute to give us a more reflective scoreline than the 3-0 would have suggested.

So lots of smiling faces wearing the yellow and black on the way home. The table shows that we are now up to 4th with enough games in hand to go above Retford should we win them all – a tough ask but on this type of performance not many teams are going to stop Belper taking all three points.

And yes it was cold at Goole !

Next up – Lincoln United UniBond Division 1 South

December 20th 2008

Glapwell 4 Belper Town 0

The final Saturday before Christmas and a trip to Glapwell. The kick off was moved to 1pm due to Glapwell having their Christmas party scheduled for later today. It was scribblers turn to drive and as his car was in dock following what is commonly termed a ‘coming together’ with another vehicle, we had the luxury (?) of a Renault Clio no less. We realised on the way home that the Clio was fitted with a ‘state of the art’ cassette player. As a 57’ plate – who on earth uses a cassette player in this MP3 age?

Glapwell is a short drive up the A38, 1 junction up the M1 and turn left at the Young Vanish public house. What sort of name is that for a pub ? This was turning into one weird sort of day, cassette players and pubs with strange names, whatever next? Ant Wilson getting sent off? Surely not !

We arrived about 5 past 12 – again a strange feeling for a Saturday game but at least it meant that the light should still be with us come the final whistle at about 15:50. First news of the day was that Pets was not in the side, fuelling the rumours that he was about to sign for Matlock Town. This meant that Oggy was back between the posts for the Nailers.

After a quick cup of tea and a mince pie (well it is almost Christmas) we heard the second news of the day. Despite the fact that Rush was named in the 11 he wasn’t at the ground as he’d forgotten it was an early kick off and was still in bed when the call went through to see where he was. This meant a team change which was to affect the whole performance.

A spare looking crowd (128) seemed to be made up of about 50% Belper fans and officials – sadly the black and white half were to go home happiest. The officials in the form of the ref and one linesman were very poor. Shirt pulling was rife but went virtually unpunished. A blatant pull on Ants shirt was ‘missed’ by the linesman standing a few feet infront of us in the stand on the far side. To add insult to injury Glapwell played the ball forward to their forward (in an offside position according to the nailers fans watching from the other side) who then beat Oggy for 2-0 with just 20 minutes gone.

The incompetence was qualified by the sending off of Ant Wilson in the second half. I didn’t see the actual offence although fellow Nailers say that he did catch Kendo with his elbow. Kendo, playing the professional footballer went down and stayed down holding his head to ensure maximum effect. The referee came to the linesman infront of us (the same one form the other side on the first half) and asked what had happened. After a quick talk the ref said ‘straight red’? to which the liner agreed. The official then walked back to the players and produced a yellow card, realised his mistake and fumbled for his red card. After saying that the smell of sour grapes was in the air at Gresley it will sound the same when I say we had poor officials for this game. Having said that we were beaten by the better side fair and square

Two more second half headers from the home side made it a comfortable 4-0 win and ensured a happy Christmas party was ensured for the men of Glapwell. For Belper it was their second league defeat of the season, both away from home, both to teams wearing black and white stripes.

Next Up – Kidsgrove Athletic UniBond Division 1 South

December 6th 2008

Gresley Rovers 0 Belper Town 1

A trip to Gresley is never one we look forward to as Nailers fans. Normally because the result is not favourable and also (with all respect) because the ground is a bit of a dump.

We did however travel in hope as Gresley are currently in a crisis whereby they cannot pay the players due to financial difficulties. The loyalty of the players at this level being what it is at some clubs, most left as soon as the money ran out. So Gary Norton has had to cobble together a team from lower league players prepared to play for nothing.

The trip to Gresley is quite straight forward when you know it but can be a nightmare if you don’t. It was my turn to drive and we ended up with a car full as I collected Scribbler and his dad Jack. Andy Carter made up the numbers when the Selby v Mickleover Sports game fell foul of the weather.

We set off on the 40 minutes drive to Church Gresley (not to be confused with Castle Gresley next door). Down the A38, off at the Willington turn (despite Scribbler insisting we should have gone on the A50). Right through Repton and into Woodville. Some disagreement about which turning to take, Andy C saying turn BEFORE the park, Scribbler saying AFTER but it made no odds, we ended up in the place – the scrap of land infront of the ground they laughingly call the car park (although we can hardly complain, ours is a scrap of land behind the goal until the TESCO deal comes through.

We had decided as a committee (well, me and scribbler as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Ops committee) to donate £50 from the funds to Gresley in their bid to stay afloat. The new chairman seems a decent guy and of course his name is Harrison so he must be ! I was pleased to see that Elvis Gresley was in attendance at the game. I still think we should have a Nobby Nailer at the Meadow

The hospitality at the Moat is set on high. Approached by an external set of steps that only people of a certain mobility can access. Presumably the disabled access rules athat apply to just about everywhere else have not reached Gresley.

As is the norm at Gresley there is a distinct lack of team sheets available, probably because they insist on printing them rather than photocopying them. We seem to have them everywhere at Belper but at the Moat you have to go in search of them cap-in-hand. Dave Ryder said that they only had one in the press box, which was odd. Eventually I tracked one down and we were set for the game.

The sun shone low over the Church Gresley houses so I needed to retire to the shade (and cold) of the far side to be able to take the photographs. A sparse looking crowd ended up as 238 – just 9 short of our best home league attendance this season. A scrappy first half with Belper having more of the chances and really we should have gone in at the break better than 0-0. Gresley look to have put together a half-decent set of players who look proud to be wearing a Gresley shirt.

The second half was more end to end than the first, like a typical cup tie (although obviously this wasn’t a cup tie). Gresley looking the more dangerous early on. Eventually the breakthough came through at the other end when a suspiciously offside looking Ben Walker slide the ball past the Gresley keeper for the only goal of the game.

The game then took an ugly turn when Rovers Liam Hebbard (son of former Rams player Trevor) elbowed Richard Haigh in the throat. A red card for Hebbard and a stretcher for Haighy. Belper held out for the win and could have scored more goals before the final whistle.

The locals were unhappy with the performance of the officials and the alleged ‘play acting’ of the Belper players. After the final whistle there was a definite smell of sour grapes in the air.

A win at Gresley is a rare thing and being scribblers birthday it was even more welcome.

Next up - Glapwell UniBond Division 1 South

November 15th 2008

Brigg Town 1 Belper Town 2

My third trip to the Hawthorns to see the Nailers play the Zebras of Brigg Town. On neither of the two trips have Belper come away with the three points. This time we travel in hope as the hosts lie bottom of the table with just three points from their previous 12 games, but no game at Brigg is easy and this one would prove the point.

Although Brigg is one of the longest trips this season it is also one of the easiest with a jaunt of 75 miles made up mostly of A roads and motorways (A38, M1, M18, M180). Always a warm welcome from friendly people at Brigg, although it has to be said the temperature is usually the opposite. Today was no different as the early sunshine gave way to a cold afternoon which thankfully stayed dry.

I shared the first half with Belpers very own James Galway look-a-like Ian Robinson. Always a balanced view from Robbo, always a pleasure to stand beside him at a football match. I think he may be a bit of a Tory but I’m not going to hold that against him. Belper started confidently but Brigg looked dangerous on the break, especially the nippy number 11 who looks a little like a reject from McFly.
The big talking point from the first 45 was the penalty awarded against the Brigg keeper for a challenge on Willo. It was a bizarre decision as Willo had long since lobbed the ball over the bar before the keepers’ momentum resulted in a collision with Ant. A yellow card later and Stevo smashed In his 14th goal of the season form the spot. It’s rare for fans of both sides to agree that a penalty decision was wrong but that was the case in the boardroom at halftime, while the referees assessor stood around looking embarrassed on the referees behalf.

The second half was a scrappy affair. The lull in the action allowed the photographer in me to capture a 'sunset over Brigg' shot through the net behind the goal at the Boardroom end. Just afterwards Belper took a two goal lead when Danny Hudson stooped to head in a left wing cross. Straight form the kick off Brigg got a goal back and it was backs-to-the-wall with the odd break where better use of the ball should have seen the Nailers home safely. As it was we held on for a good away win and three points. No doubt Brigg will feel hard done to but as they said themselves, when you’re down at the bottom that’s the sort of luck you get.

Just time to capture the illuminated Brigg Town sign in the car park before a straight forward trip back saw us safely at home for 6:20 pm and another travel with my camera is over.

Next Up – Gresley Rovers UniBond Division 1 South

November 1st 2008

Quorn 1 Belper Town 1

This was my second trip to Quorn. The previous one being for a Boxing Day fixture last year that kicked off at midday. Since then they have built a covered stand with turnstiles at the end of the ground where the car park is located. Reminds me very much of the stand at Brigg (and also the one stand they already had on the far side). I hear that the stand has been built with money from the sale (or sell-on) of the Chairmans grandson to Charlton Athletic. Turns out it was a handy thing to have as the heavens opened towards the end of the second half.

In contrast the first half was freezing cold and dark. For any Togs reading this I was shooting at 1000 ISO at 3:30 in the afternoon! For anyone not into photography, just ignore that last bit, it won’t enhance your life to know what it means, honestly. One person who would understand is Mossley Smiffy who was the game looking more like a Pro Tog than ever – now sporting fingerless gloves.
On the way to the match we picked up Tony T and his Grandson Josh. Tony knows the way to Quorn like the back of his hand (assuming he is aux fait with the back of his hand, if he isn’t then he probably knows the way to Quorn BETTER than he knows the back of his hand). This fact didn’t stop scribbler offering suggestions of ‘alternative routes’ from the back seat – already I’m wondering which way we’ll be taking to Brigg Town in two weeks time!. Despite the faulty back seat Sat Nav we make it safely to the ground in time for a cup of tea and a biscuit.

We are surprised to hear that we have a new signing in the team in the shape of Ryan Hindley from Retford Town. He is a wide right player and the sight of Jimmy G in his tracksuit drinking a cup of tea and watching from the sidelines makes us think his days at the Meadow are numbered. (post note: Jimmy joined Buxton the following week)

The game itself saw Belper dominate the first half and really should have been out of sight by the break. Andy Rushbury scored a diving header and then scored an absolute screamer which was ruled out for shirt pulling during the build up. I captured the shot just perfect but sadly it counted for nothing – shame that. Oh well.

The game broke at 1-0 to the Nailers and it was a quick trip to the boardroom for tea and food. Only thing is Quorn are former southern leaguers where they serve the food at the END of the game not at half-time ! so it ended up being Tea & Biscuits. Second half was much the same initially with Belper on the attack but failing to find the back of the net. Stevo missed a penalty, or rather the Quorn keeper saved it. We all thought that would have won the game for the Nailers. It then became one of those matches where you just felt that the other side would snatch an equaliser and sure enough 5 minutes from the end Quorn snatched an equaliser - ! Both myself and smiffy had retired to the Varney stand to get out of the rain as Jenkins fired Quorn level.

It later transpired that a Quorn fan had died in the club despite the best efforts of the paramedics and our very own Penfold (aka David Baines). When you hear that you can’t help thinking that perhaps Bill Shankly was a bit out with his oft quoted ‘Footballs not about Life and Death, it’s much more important than that’. With all respect Sir Bill (RIP), I don’t think it is.

Next Up - Brigg Town UniBond Division 1 South

October 26th 2008

Droylsden 0 Belper Town 0
FAC 4th Qualifying Round

This game was always going to be a big one for the Nailers. It has been over 100 years since we made the 1st round proper so to be so near must have put extra pressure on the players and management.

Droylsden is a suburb of Greater Manchester and as we all know Manchester (pronounced MAN–CHES-TA) is one heck of a place to get to, even though it’s not that far from Belper. The sat nav said 55 miles and 1 hour 20 minutes – obviously it hadn’t heard about the roadworks and traffic in the surrounding villages !
Before setting off I went down to the triangle to get a few snaps of the Belper fans getting on the coaches. What a great sight to see, masses of Nailers fans boarding a coach to an away game, must be like the old days – I think I saw a tear in Foggy Laughlins eye (but then again it was quite windy at the time).

After seeing the fans onto the coach I called round for the chauffeur (Mr Carter) and the Jaguar. Take me to Droyslden and don’t spare the horses, all 4.2 litres of them. We left Carter Towers at approximately 11:55 and after a quick stop for petrol it was up the A6. We eventually arrived at the Butchers Arms ground at about 1:45, almost two hours to travel 55 miles (I said that I thought his car was faster than that…). Having said that, we arrived before the Belper coaches. Oddly enough it was raining in Manchester – who’d have thought that? – and it continued to rain for most of the afternoon. It reminded of the lyrics to a Beautiful South track “If rain makes Britain Great, then Manchester is Greater” It didn’t make for great photographing that’s for sure.

Droylsden itself looks like it’s going through some regeneration, like the places you see on Location, Location, Location. The sort of town that is just outside a larger more expensive City.

After a cup of coffee in the boardroom I made my way into the club bar to see if either Smiffy or CarlF had made it through the rain. Smiffy was sat in the corner chatting to Carl’s dad – the Droylsden snapper himself was outside having a cigarette (obviously to calm his nerves before the big game. After all the pressure was really on them as the side from two divisions above us). Eventually Carl returned and we said hi. Apart from Smiffy, Carl is the first Tog I’ve met from the non league photographers forum. Turns out to be a nice bloke (for a Manc ;-) ). While me and Smiffy decide where we can stand to keep out of the (now torrential) rain we both know that Carl will be huddled on the touchline with his waterproof camera cover and his Parker .

It was a good to see so many Nailers fans in the crowd, I chose the far side stand as my location for the first half. As I stood waiting to see which was the teams would be kicking I hear a local ‘youff’ say to his mate “What the f*ckin’ ‘ells he doing standing there with that camera?”, it was about this time that I decided the half-way line was not the place to shoot the action from.

A bit of a backs to the wall first half ended somehow still 0-0. A quick nip back to the boardroom for a cup of tea to warm us up, along with a couple of cobs for good measure before venturing out for the 2nd half. The game had already started even though I heard a buzzer despite the boardroom being located about 10 yards from the changing rooms. When I got outside Belper were attacking and had just won a corner – thankfully I hadn’t missed the only goal of the game.

Belper played more attackingly in the 2nd half and could have scored on a few occasions if the shooting had been more accurate. One great moment in the 2nd 45 was when Micky Harcourt was waiting to take a throw infront of the aforementioned stand. The locals were having some banter with him and I snapped him just as they said something really funny (I have to ask him what was said as I couldn’t hear myself) and he cracked up.

The game ended in a 0-0 draw which meant we both went into the live draw on Sunday lunchtime on ITV. At the end the fans (who had been tremendous throughout) were acknowledged by the players and management – it felt really good to be a Belper Town fan at that point.

The trip home took about one hour and forty five minutes and all I can say is that I’m glad it’s the Droylsden lads that are travelled to us on Tuesday and not the other way round.

Next Up Quorn UniBond Division 1 South

September 20th 2008

Shepshed Dynamo 3 Belper Town 0

My Second trip to Butthole Lane and for those of you who have never heard of it that is not any sort of euphemism but the location of Shepsheds ground. A great day weather wise with the sun shining and a forecast of 21 degrees meant the polo shirt made another outing (after being put away for the autumn after the last game). Very different to the last time when we were freezing cold and in the dark of an October evening.

Having been once before there was no need to get there too early so it was a 1:30 set off from Belper for the 30 mile trip. As we walked through the turnstile we were met by the raffle ladies and a chap who obviously recognised me and said ‘I bet snapper will have a programme’. The next person I saw was Andy Mac (right), who has become a committee member at Shepshed since our last visit. A conversation was had about he was looking very smart in his Shepshed Blazer and Tie, within earshot of Mr Laughlin, who couldn’t resist the opportunity to have a dig because I wasn’t wearing my Belper Tie. What Foggy seems to forget is that I am required to wear a shirt and tie 5 days a week at work while he has the choice of sitting around in his underpants and vest should the mood take him now that’s he’s retired. On a nice sunny day a Belper Town polo shirt is all that should be required, especially at a place called ‘Butthole Lane’.

The day took an upturn when Rex told me I had won £100 on the Super Draw. I rang Sally to tell her, she eventually called me back to say that the letter had arrived earlier in the week but she thought it was junk mail and had thrown it in the recycle bin. Luckily it wasn’t recycle week and so had managed to retrieve it (along with a cheque for £100).

The people at Shepshed are really friendly and a trip there is always a pleasure, even if the games always seem to end in a defeat for Belper. Today was no different; a defeat ended our unbeaten start to the season in a game where there was only ever one team in it after Dynamo took an early lead.

By half-time it was two nil and even the sight of chips in the boardroom couldn’t raise the Belper officials spirits as we all knew what was coming. No real improvement in the second half despite the sun bathing the pitch in glorious light for the camera.

A third Shepshed goal near the end ensured that we would return up the M1 with no points and a distinct feeling that the bubble had well and truly burst.

Next Up

Droyslden FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round

Tuesday September 9th

Glapwell v Belper Town – Postponed - Waterlogged pitch

Next Up
Shepshed Dynamo - UniBond Division 1 South

August 30th 2008

Glossop North End 1 Belper Town 2
FA Cup Preliminary Round

Although still in Derbyshire, Glossop is one heck of a trip from Belper Approximately 57 miles within the same County, and starting from the middle of it at that.

Scribblers turn to drive, so It’s a trip in the Mitsubishi Lancer today. After a brief stop at Ambergate to get some petroleum on board we head off up the A6 towards Matlock. Sadly we only make it to a mile outside of Cromford before we join the back of a long queue. After a couple of minutes we both agree that a swift U-turn is required and we head back to Whatstandwell and off towards Middleton & Wirksworth. Comforted by the feeling of making progress we’re soon cursing the tourist in the people carrier who pulled out infront of us and the proceeded to drive at approx 35 mph. Next up we managed to ad a tractor to the growing convoy of vehicles heaing northwards. As we travelled through a small village we came across a fleet of EON work vans that had parked strategically to stop the tractor getting passed so all progress ceased as the disgruntled driver had to move one of the offending vehicles to allow old MacDonald past.
Finally we made it to the A515 Whitehaven Road – at last a chance for Scribbler to get his foot down and make up some time, or so we thought. For the first time in my driving life we got stuck behind a motorbike. Not one of these annoying mopeds that sound like a wasp stuck in a bottle, but a full blown mans bike ridden either by someone who had been caught speeding before or was lacking confidence. On more than one occasion scribbler was tempted to overtake but resisted and eventually we lost him near Buxton. Surely now it was a clear run to Glossop? Well yes to Glossop, but not to the ground itself. The sat nav took us straight to Surrey Street but there was no sign of the ground. What we didn’t know was that the street had been closed off just up from the ground which meant you couldn’t get to it from this side. Confused we turned round and tried the other end of the street – again no football ground (how do you lose a football ground????). Scribbler had a scrap of paper with some directions on, which he had copied from a picture on the Glossop website. He had Brook Street as the street you turn up so we put that into the sat nav – just round the corner. First attempt we missed it. Having turned around we headed back down the High street and turned into Brook Street – BIG MISTAKE. Brook Street is about 4 feet wide with pavements of about three feet high on each side ! After a 46 point turn and a few scratches on the new alloys (ouch!) while I was ringing Foggy Laughlin for directions – we finally headed back up the High Street (for the Third time) and turned into the retail park which leads to the Ground (about 30 feet from where we started in Surrey Street – on the other side of the blocked off road. If you ever need to go to Glossop make sure you have good directions, that’s my advice.

The ground was, like Rushall, rather basic. No cup of tea or programme as is the norm in the UniBond on arrival, but again made up for by the friendliness of the staff. The first half ended in a 0-0 scoreline and then it was off to the portacabin that doubles as a hospitality suite. A quick cup of tea and biscuit, then I headed into the bar to buy a club badge.

Just before the start of the second half, one of the locals saw my camera and asked me about photographs – the usual question “Did you get any good action shots” – the conversation then moved to the subject of the ground.

The story he told involved a previous chairman who (allegedly) sold the ground to the council in a pub for a brown bag full of money, and then ended up in jail. The Council now own the ground and won’t give it back, but a new ground is planned, not far from the current location. I’m not sure how much of that story is actually true but it’s a fact that right next to the ground is some sort of old factory (pictured) which is in the process of being demolished, presumably to make way for more retail units. This would suggest that the ground itself is probably worth a fair amount of money in it’s current location.

The second half saw Glossop take the lead, Belper finally find an equaliser from Ben Walker and then a last minute winner from Ant Wilson to see Belper into the 1st Qualifying Round with relief.

At the end of the game we headed back to the motor and I took a photo of the semi-demolished factory next to the ground. When I turned round Scribbler had made friends with a local feline. Back in to the car and we set off back along the twisting roads to dear old Belper.

Next Up

Glapwell – UniBond Division 1 South

August 23rd 2008

Rushall Olympic 1 Belper Town 1

Two new grounds in two games with this trip to Rushall Olympics Dales Lane. Turned out that it was a fairly short trip of 40 miles from Belper to the district of Rushall. Taking no chances Scribbler had printed some directions off the internet and I had the Sat Nav programmed for the postcode in the UniBond handbook.

We set off about 1pm from Oldrini Towers in Kilburn and a steady drive down the A38 saw us well on the way by about 13:40. Despite Scribbler trying to get us lost by insisting we turn left at EVERY set of traffic lights after we reached the roundabout at the end of the A38, I stuck to the sat nav directions and we arrived at the ground well in time for a cup of tea before kick off.

A bit sparse is probably the kindest way to describe it with seating in a shallow stand down one side of the pitch and open standing on the other three sides. A very sloping pitch – from one side to the other rather than end to end. The people were very friendly and the hospitality good – I added another badge to my growing collection and the Rushall programme is streets ahead of any I’ve seen at this level (helped by the fact that someone at the club runs a printers no doubt).

The match itself was one to forget with the ball spending much of the time in the air where it threatened the aircraft coming in to land at some nearby airport (presumably Birmingham). A penalty in each half, both scored by sending the keeper the wrong way totalled the scoring. One interesting note was the linesman on our side of the pitch for the first half was wearing glasses ! – now call me naïve but is that not just asking for trouble? As it turns out that’s exactly what the poor guy got from the locals. When their leading scorer Nathan Lamey went through on goal and appeared to be tripped by Richard Haigh, the referee (who also came in for a lot of stick from the nearside homers) choose to discuss this with the said linesman (I refuse to call them assistant referee’s) and after a long talk to Haighy and Hobbo gave a yellow card. At this point the ‘Pic fan to my right was apoplexic and almost had to be carried off.

Decided not to hang around after the game as we had another match on the Monday with it being Bank Holiday. Another easy drive home discussing the game saw us safely back in Belper (and Kilburn) by 6pm.

Next up – a trip to Glossop in the FA Cup

August 19th 2008

Leek Town 1 Belper Town 1

Another short trip, this time to the Staffordshire town of Leek. If there was any justice then Leek would be in Wales but sadly it’s not – although it does make for a shorter drive.

We set off (once again in the Jag – I really could get used to this form of travel). The weather forcast is for a dry evening after a very wet day. As we travel past numerous speed cameras on the A5123 the weather actually gets worse. We arrive at the brilliantly named Harrison Stadium in Leek (well I think it’s brilliantly named – but then I would, wouldn’t I?) in the middle of a total downpour. After a dash to the far end of the car park to the club shop to purchase the obligatory badge, then another run across the car park to the door marked Directors and Visiting Officials. As we splash run towards it through the puddles a Steward opens it – very accommodating I thought – and advised that if we were Belper Town officials we have to show our passes at the turnstile. So, that will be turnstile at the other end of the car park, next to the shop that we’ve just splashed our way from then will it? Back across the sodden (sodding?) car park to the turnstile. Once inside we are advised to go along the front of the stand, up the steps, down the stairs, turn left at the bottom, along the corridor and into the boardroom. As we eventually make the dry sanctuary of the big stand, descend the stairs and turn left along the corridor, who should we pass but the same Steward standing by the door we were turned away from about 5 sodden minutes earlier !! Is it me????

Once inside the ground I take note of the interior. The main stand is very large and built to league standard. As with these stands there is copious amounts of room underneath that accommodate the offices and the changing rooms. Photographs adorn the walls including Leeks trip to Wembley a few years back. Maybe one day we will have photographs of some great triumph – which reminds me that we need to get a decent sized photo of Hobbo with the DSC for our Boardroom.

There is also a feature on Mark Bright taken from what looks like SHOOT! magazine showing that he started his career at Harrison Park.

After a cup of tea I wander off to snap the ground for my collection. On the way round Mickey Harcourt shouts ‘Oy I want a word with you’ but I just smile and keep walking, no doubt he will have a word at the next game (especially when he sees the Photo CD I gave his dad has written on it ‘Michael Harcourt – not posing in any way shape or form’ written on it.

I snap the ground through the drizzle and then return to the back of the stand in front of the press area – out of the rain. The Stadium announcer starts to read out the teams and has everyone in fits when he gets to Andy Rushbury (Belpers number 11) and says “Oh I can’t read that one” and then moves on to the subs, where, oddly he gets Kris Kotylo without a problem.
From the high viewpoint I get some interesting shots of the first half before we once again descend into the bowels of the stand for refreshments. Again everyone is very friendly and we chat about the first half entertainment.

Back out for the second 45 and the skies have cleared so I venture onto the terrace in front of the stand then to the open terrace on the far side. No goals in the second half so the game ends 1-1 Due to the rain on the way in we didn’t have time to do one thing but in the way out I saw what I wanted and set it up. A photo of me stood by the ‘Welcome to Harrison Park’ sign – well you have to don’t you – it’s not everyday you attend a ground with your name on it now is it?

Next up – Rushall Olympic

July 15th 2008

Shirebrook Town 1 Belper Town 2

A pre season friendly at Shirebrook Town. “Friendly” and “Shirebrook” not normally words you hear in the same sentence. As it turns out they were friendly and the game itself was ‘very friendly’. Had a lift to the game with Andy Carter in his Jag – very nice, if I ever find I have a spare £30K I think I’ll have one of those although with the price of petrol and a 4.2 litre engine I’d probably need the same amount again to run the thing.

First person we bump into on arrival is Dave ‘Foggy’ Laughlin closely followed by Rex coming out of the bar (no surprise there then). Next supporters to put in an appearance are Ken & Sheila (Mr & Mrs Nortoner) looking very tanned after a break in Hornchurch. Ken insists it’s rust but I’m not convinced (if I’m completely honest there is a distinct hint of fake tan in the air).

As I try to enter the turnstile I meet Ant Wilson (aka the Dark Destroyer) coming the other way. He hands me a pound coin and asks me to get him a bottle of Lucozade from the bar. Turns out that the cost is £1.12 – little chance of getting the extra money so I do the decent thing and tell him I’ll stand him the 12p – this once.

Last time we went to Shirebrook the pitch looked like a meadow following a prolonged spell of dry weather (see photo left). This time it looks greener but no less hard or uneven. It makes it difficult for the players to control the ball. This, combined with a ‘first match after the summer break’ feel made it a bit of a stroll in the sunshine really, although not a bad game by any stretch of the imagination. Shirebrook play the ball about well and look comfortable, they also sport two ex-nailers in the shape of Ryan Cancellara playing left back and centre half Adam Yates who looks a decent player and possibly one for the future. Just before kick off we are joined by the chip & pie eating Nigel ‘scribbler’ Oldrini. I snap a picture of him eating his food (I know how people love to have their photos taken while they are eating) to put on the website later.

Most of the game was spent trying to work out who the new faces were and remembering how to take photographs of (fairly) fast moving objects after a summer spent snapping still life, flowers and weddings. The first half saw the Nailers kicking down the slope and creating quite a few chances, the Dark Destroyer hits the bar with a cracking effort early on and new signing Ben Kistell has enough chances to record his first hat-trick in a nailers shirt. The Shirebrook keeper makes some cracking saves despite his ‘Pettingeresque’ frame. Pets himself makes a good save from former nailer reserve player Ant Lynam and typically in a game with so many chances the teams end the first half at 0-0.

A brief break for a cup of tea and a chat with the officials in the portacabin hospitality suite and it was back on duty for the second 45. Changes saw Rush and the Wasp enter the fray. There is also the introduction of a small lad wearing the number 16 shirt. He has long shorts and his socks pulled up which gives the impression that he has no knees – at least that’s what Rex comments when he sees him. Scribbler suggests he may have ‘magic powers’ – I question what was in the pie he ate before kick off. A few minutes later a cross into the box sees the ‘man with no knees’ leap like a salmon and head past the static Shirebrook keeper, who replaced their first half hero at the break. I look at Scribbler and start to wonder…

Not long after that Rush gets free in the box and curls a cracker into the net from about 12 yards – a Shirebrook official walks past and nodding towards the keeper says “He did the same thing in a game the other week. We were 2-0 up and he took over, the next thing it was 2-2” I feel his future career lies elsewhere.

As second half goes on and I find my concentration wandering. I spot a good photo opportunity of a rusty metal girder that the sun is illuminating and then I turn my lens on the floodlight pylon that I am standing next to. I don’t seem to be missing much on the pitch as more changes in the Nailers line up results in a disjointed end to the game although Belper remain on top barring the odd break from Shirebrook.

No sign of Scott Lowe tonight or Kris Kotylo. The talk is that Kots has been promoted at work and cannot make the midweek games or training. A big loss to the side. Rumours that Lowey is at a health spa are (I’m quite sure) greatly exaggerated. Micky Harcourt is there but I don’t get close enough for him to tell me he’s still the best looking player at Belper (although he did tell me the very same thing at the last game of last season up at Carlton, and again at the first training session this season. I’d like to think he’s joking but there’s a glint in his eye that tells me he actually believes it).

No hanging around tonight after the game so it’s a quick hello and goodbye to Jim & Eric who have spent the game basking in the sun on the far side of the ground, and Sheila and Ken. I advise that I won’t be at the game on Saturday due to photographing a wedding but I’ll be there next Thursday for the match with Worksop

After that it’s back in the Jag for the trip home. As the temp has dropped Andy asks if I want the heater on – not the car heater but the seat heater! Luxury! I sit back and wish Belper was a longer drive back than it actually is.

Next up – Leek Town

July 8th 2008

The fixtures are out !!! Yes it's true, the 2008/09 UniBond fixtures came out at 9am on Monday. The nailers start the new season at home to new boys Loughborough Dynamo. Coincidently they also end the season with a trip to Loughborough Dynamo.

I also know that I'll miss the trip to Garforth Town in the Preliminary Round of the FA Trophy on October 4th due to a wedding commitment. I'll also miss the 1st round game if we get through due to another wedding. I know I'll hate missing the games when they come but when the cheques come in it will make me feel better I'm sure.

Need to complete a form for the tax people, which, as with all tax forms, a simple form is very complicated to fill in. Chances are I'll complete it and then they'll send it back or send another form asking for more information. Oh well, better to keep filling the forms in than to risk a big fine later !

Good to see that Annan Athletic have been allowed to joint he Scottish League in place of the bankrupt Gretna. Shame for the Gretna fans though.

July 6th 2008

Here we are then, just happen to be passing the blog and remembered that I haven't updated it for ages (as per).

The new fixtures are out tomorow so we'll know who we're playing on what dates. The cup competitions have already been drawn and I'll miss two of the games in the FAT due to wedding commitments.

First game of pre season is at Shirebrook Town on July 15th (next Tuesday). Already been to Shirebrook so it won't be a new ground for me. I recall it was like a field last time we went due to a long dry spell - won't be like that next week !!!

Even by my standards this is a late update

Yes it has been 8 months since I last 'blogged' - excuse ? none really, just been really busy with the photography and the football and trying to fit in a full-time job. Apart from that nothing much. Belper failing to make the play off was very disappointing but winning the Derbyshire Senior Cup after a break of 28 years was without doubt the highlight of the season. After going to the Impact Arena two weeks before and winning 3-2 it was all back to the Meadow for the 2nd leg.

0-0 at half-time was an acceptible result for the Nailers but midway through the 2nd half the Reds took the lead. Level on aggregate and away goals not counting for anything we were looking at extra time (and possibly penalties). Who else but Ross Hannah then becomes the hero by being pulled back in the area, PENALTY ! Ross took on the responsibility and fires low past the keeper for 1-1 (4-3 on aggregate). A final minute goal-mouh melee results in the Nailers holding firm and the cup is staying at the Meadow !

Captain Fantastic (Jon Hobson) collects the cup and Belper are Derbyshire Senior Cup winners for 2008 - did they quite like that ??????

Holiday 2007 - Take 2

It's been a while (as it looks like it always will be) between posts but I have the excuse of a few days away in Yorkshire (trying to make up for the godawful week in Scotland back in July).

This time it was wall-to-wall sunshine and we made the most of it visiting Bridlington, Sarborough, York, Filey, Flamborough Head and yes WHITBY.

People in the know will be aware my last trip to Whitby resulted in a smashed camera. broken lens and five stitches in my chin following an encounter with an aptly named slipway.

We had to revisit the scene and photograph it and here it is (left). If you look carefully you will see the patch of green algae that I avoided by walking to the left on what looked like a clear bit of concrete. Unfortunately this was like glass and thats where the accident happened. I feel I must point out that the sea was nowhere near as high as in the picture otherwise there would have been no need to venture so far down to get the shot of the seas crashing onto the rocks.

The whole week was taken up photography wise using my new Point & Shoot Canon Ixus 800 is (a birthday present for my 44th on Friday). I tried it on Monday and was so impressed withe quality of the pics it was turning out I used it for the rest of the week and left the 1D in the cottage (except for a few brief shots of Whitby which never made it to the album). It makes all the hours of research on the net looking for the perfect pocketable camera worthwhile.

Incase you're wondering what it looks like and what they say about it that convinced me to buy it have a look here:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06022110canonsd700is.asp

(it is als known as a SD700is to avoid any confusion)

More pictures from the week can be seen here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7203487@N08/sets/72157601899675878/

I think my favourite photograph of the week has to be the Groynes at Bridlington. I know it's a typical cliched shot of the seaside but I think I got this one just about right. I may even go as afar as getting one enlarged and framed for my office wall at work.

Although the cottage (converted barn) was fantastic I was especially taken with the TV built into the bathroom wall (who wouldn't be?) as smiffy says a touch decadent, but hey isn't that what holidays are all about Mr S ?

On return from the holiday it was a trip to Gresley Rovers to see if the Nailers could manage their first league win of the season. Sadly in a game devoid of any passing ability (from either side) it turned out to be 90 minutes of a 1-1 draw (two penalties in the first half). Oggy managed to stay on for the full 90 minutes without kicking anyone and a point at Gresley is always welcome its just that we are in need of that first league win. Tuesday sees a visit from Sheffield FC - looks like a difficult game.

I'll try and update this blog in a week or so but as ever don't hold your breath.