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Duffield has sympathy for players

Duffield has sympathy for players

David Laughlin29 Aug 2014 - 09:03
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https://www.belpertownfc.co.uk

There was a mixture of pride and frustration for Peter Duffield after a "gut-wrenching" result against local rivals Matlock Town on Monday.

The Nailers led 3-1 but had to settle for a point after conceding two late goals.

They were also denied victory by a last-gasp leveller at FC United last Saturday.

That means Belper are still searching for their first Evo-Stik League Premier Division victory following promotion, though they remain unbeaten, having drawn all four games so far.

Duffield has been delighted with the efforts of his players, despite the late blows in consecutive matches.

"If you'd told me we'd be unbeaten after four games, I'd have probably laughed but, at the same time, we could have been in the top three or four," he said.

"There is some frustration but I can't fault the players, who've been brilliant.

"A point away to FC United is a great result but it was disappointing to concede a late equaliser.

"And for it to happen again on Monday, in a local derby, was gut-wrenching – a real sickener.

"I'm more disappointed for the players than disappointed with them. They put so much into both games and I couldn't have asked any more of them.

"Their attitude has been first class and I'm chuffed to bits with how we're playing.

"We should have beaten Matlock. It was just a bit of inexperience towards the end that cost us.

"The thing about this level is that a game is never done and dusted. They are all good teams.

"Maybe that was a bit different in the division below. There were some games where, if you went 2-0 up, it was all over – but that's certainly not the case here.

"We're a young side and we need to learn quickly – but they've been superb as a group."

Duffield expects to have a full squad available for tomorrow's trip to Grantham Town, with former Derby County defender Mark Dudley (pictured) having recovered from a dead leg following his recent arrival from Rainworth MW.

Source: Derby Telegraph

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