This was a solid and fairly confident performance from Belper and promoted cautious optimism that there could be a more consistent change for the better in their home form and results.
It was one of Belper’s best performances in that for all but twenty minutes of the game, the Nailers looked to be comfortably in charge.
One defensive lapse in the first half allowed the visitors to draw level at the break, but rather than collapse and allow the opposition to take command as has happened in other games, this time the Nailers pushed on and forced a victory that could have easily been more convincing without the efforts of ‘keeper Ben Chapman.
“It was a very satisfying result for us and we deserved to win by a greater margin,” said manager Peter Duffield.
“It’s now three wins from five league games which is definitely an improving trend, but the difference with last Saturday’s performance is that we played well and dominated for long periods.”
Duffield made two significant signings last week that could change the pattern of this thus far, disappointing campaign.
Steve Warne, whose loan spell earlier in the season coincided with Peter Duffield’s arrival and a seven game winning streak, was suddenly made available and transferred his allegiances to Christchurch Meadow having been allowed to leave by Matlock Town.
An undisclosed fee was paid for the services of the midfielder and he has committed himself to the club until at least the end of next season.
“Steve’s arrival is a huge boost for us,” said Duffield, “and I have the board of directors to thank as they asked me if I still wanted him, and I obviously said yes, so they went away and made it happen and I’m very grateful to them.”
Mark Ward has also joined Belper Town for the second time from Stocksbridge Park Steels, having first appeared for the Nailers in 2002 following his release by Sheffield United.
“Mark rang me and asked if there was an opportunity to join us,” said Duffield, “and I was only to happy to have him on board to strengthen our striking options.”
“We’ve struggled to score goals recently and I felt things needed livening up a bit, although to be fair both our regular strikers had excellent games against Newcastle and played a vital role in our victory.”
Meanwhile, attempts to extend the loan of Scunthorpe United winger, Aron Wint have stalled due to an injury crisis at the Lincolnshire club.
It is hoped that Wint will eventually rejoin the Nailers for a further loan spell once Iron's injury situation has eased.
Duffield took time out to see Belper’s reserve side recently and was hugely impressed by what he saw.
“I thought they were excellent and gave a performance full of energy, skill and endeavour and there’s certainly a great deal of talent in the side,” he said.
“Andy Roe and Louie Rusga have done a great job with the team and they are always giving me feedback on how players are performing, and recommending which ones I should take a closer look at.”
The reserves had another impressive away victory last Saturday with a 2-0 away victory over Hilton Athletic in the Derbyshire Divisional Cup quarterfinal.
They are in action at Christchurch Meadow twice this week when they face Holbrook Sports reserves on Wednesday evening (7.45pm), and then Borrowash Vics reserves on Saturday (3.00pm)
The first team now have a two week break before facing Loughborough Dynamo at home on Saturday 4 February.
Nigel Oldrini
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