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