Not exactly the result expected and slightly misleading with regards to the overall performance from Town’s youngsters but a good lesson in how to take chances when presented at this higher level and what to physically expect.

Town have restructured with new management, coaches and a higher degree of professionalism and are going into the season with a very young squad which they hope to bring on over the next few seasons, all bar three of the new squad are under 20 years and the average age 18.5 years.
Town weathered an early 10 minute spell of pressure from a strong, direct and experienced Belper side who are one of the favourites for the title.

Once relaxing and getting into their stride Town began to put Belper on the back foot with some neat passing football and should have taken the lead when Olisah Chibuzo cut inside from the right hand side and with the goalkeeper to beat chipped over him but saw the ball roll just wide of the far post.

Ola Ajewole started to have joy down the left wing and delivered several tantalising crosses that should have been met with more purpose.

A Craig Maddison effort was blocked and Chibuzu crossed hard and low but Ajewole was not able to reach for a tap in.

With Town controlling and Belper relying on long balls all appeared to be going well until two unpunished robust challenges (Chibuzo being sent over the pitch railings from one) changed the dynamics and unsettled Towns passing game – and following another long ball which should have been dealt with comfortably Belper took the lead as their striker Jay Harrison gambled on a mix up between James Beddingham in Town’s goal and centre back Macauley Barber and scored.

This along with the withdrawal of Town’s veteran midfielder and mentor Craig Maddison through injury unsettled them but they could not have expected what the second half would bring.

Forced to make another change at half time with Ben Waplington feeling the effects of a challenge Town made the worse start possible as a corner swung in appeared to miss everyone and curl out for a goal kick was deemed a corner and this time Harrison netted from an unchallenged header.

Town barely recovered from this set back before another error allowed Gyle Wadsworth to score and see no way back for them.

Further goals from Adam Taylor and two excellent goals from substitute Mark Brewster sealed Towns fate.

To their credit Town continued to play from the back and on the floor and did not abandoned their pattern by just looking for the easy option of route one but on this occasion they were beaten by a physically stronger side who to their credit took chances ruthlessly when presented to them.

A hard lesson but Town’s youngsters will hopefully learn a lot from the game and use it to their advantage as they gain experience at this level throughout the season.

James Beddingham, Josh Henry, Alex Arnold, Macauley Barber, Ben Waplington, Olisah Chibuzu, Sam Smith, Craig Maddison, Ola Ajewole, Ben Middleton, Kyle Pemberton.
Subs used: Jordan Sanders, Clifford Butau & Joe Lomax.