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It was important that the
Nailers got off to a winning start against league new boys Loughborough
Dynamo and although they edged out the Leicestershire by the odd goal in
three, the manner of victory wasn’t too convincing.
Chance for chance, the Nailers
won hands down and this aspect was the redeeming feature of a frustrating
90 minutes.
Ben Walker was hero and
villain as he missed two or three very good chances, but to his credit
his overall contribution was very good – and his winning strike was
brilliantly executed.
The match sponsors Alan
Benfield Ltd. selected Jimmy Ghaichem as man of the match and he indeed
looks to be a gem of a signing.
His skills on the ball are at
times mesmerising and he has the ability to bisect defences with
perfectly times passes and he did this many times against a Loughborough
back line who frequently found themselves looking back over their
shoulders and showing immense relief when the Nailers couldn’t take
advantage.
Although the visitors sometimes
looked bewildered at the back they had the ability to cause Belper
problems at the other end and Paul Pettinger had cause to be on full
alert more than once to prevent a goal being scored.
Having said that Loughborough
created very little in front of goal but the threat always seemed to be
there and when their goal did arrive, Pettinger and James Colliver were
left wondering how the ball had ended up in the net when either of them
could have easily cleared it.
In fact Colliver apologised to
his teammates after the game for not dealing with the situation
effectively and joint manager Danny Hudson admitted that it hadn’t been
one of the team’s best displays in general.
“I reckon we were only 60%
effective against Loughborough but a year ago we would have only drawn or
possibly lost a game like that.”
“We got the three points and
that’s what mattered at the end of the day but we are capable of
performing much better – and we will need to if we have any
ambitions of promotion.”
Anthony Wilson strength and leadership
was clearly missed in this game but in truth Belper shouldn’t noticed his
absence too much if they had snapped up the innumerable chances.
Richard Tracey brilliantly set
up the equalising goal in the 74th minute with a delightful
cross from the bye-line that dropped perfectly over the ‘keeper’s head
and allowed Danny Hudson to force the ball over the line.
The release of frustration
amongst the Belper support was immense and produced a cheer that no doubt
could be heard on King Street, however this was surpassed when Ben Walker
drilled a low shot just inside the near post to put the Nailers in the
driving seat.
Hudson acknowledged Walker and
Ghaichem’s contribution to the game saying, “Ben worked really hard and
the timing of his runs was spot on.”
“He was unfortunate not to get
on the score sheet earlier than he did, and if he had done I think we
would have been looking at a much greater margin of victory.”
“Jimmy has a wealth of ability
and he showed what he can do with his tricky skills on the ball and
passing ability, but I thought in the second half he held on to the ball
a little too long when he could have brought his team mates into play
more frequently, however he will be a very important player for us.”
He also praised Richard Tracey
who set up Hudson’s equalising goal.
“Rich is a very good player
and he will play a big part for us this season,” said Hudson, “fitness is
the key with Richard and we are working very hard on that.”
A third goal would have added
some respectability to the score line but in the end the Nailers were
hanging on as the referee played far beyond the three minutes signalled
for added on time.
The Nailers break new ground
on Saturday when they travel to Rushall Olympic for a UniBond League
fixture and if anyone wants to travel on the team bus then it will leave
the Triangle at 12 noon.
Grantham Town are the visitors
to Christchurch Meadow on Bank Holiday Monday and this game has a 3.00pm
kick off.
The Nailers’ FA Cup opponents
in the Preliminary Round will be Glossop North End of the North West
Counties League after they overcame Pegasus Juniors by 4-1 last
Saturday. The tie will take place at Glossop on Saturday 30th
August.
Belper Town’s reserve side
began their season with 4-1 defeat at Rainworth Miners Welfare last
Saturday and are next in action at the ‘Meadow’ this coming weekend when
Arnold Town Reserves are the visitors (kick off 3.00pm)
Nigel Oldrini
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