Under 11's

Oliver Darbyshire

Theo Foster-North

Dylan Garnett

Rafe Gregory

Charlie Martin

Jorge Knowles

Sam Paisley

Luca Palombo

Bobby West

Belper Town Juniors U'11

Leading Goalscorer (29/11/09)

Ben Carwright 13

Will Cummins 10

Dylan Garnett 8

Joe Brumby 7

Kristian Dawson 6

Luca Palombo 4

Jorge Knowles 3

Bobby West 2

Joe Daly 2

Oliver Darbyshire 2

Sam Paisley 2

Rafe Gregory 1

Belper lined up with Luca Palombo in goal with Kristian Dawson and Theo Foster-North flanking the defensive line with strong centre halves, Rafe Gregory and Jorge Knowles. The wings were strong with regard to pace, power and precision with Ben Cartwright and Dylan Garnett in place. Midfield looked to provide quick ball skills and intelligent play by Oliver Darbyshire and Joe Daly. Joel Cain and Bobby West were in front to add instinctive and fast finishing. Sub was Joe Brumby.

The opening minutes saw Spondon putting early pressure on Belper, pressing forward and looking dangerous in the Belper goal area. Luca Palombo was being supported well by Theo Foster-North but was forced to make one of his famous diving saves, another of Spondon’s shots hit the cross bar. Belper worked hard to gain composure and settled down to play good football and take control of the game. With the incredible pace and skills of Joe Daly in the middle supported by Oliver Darbyshire who produced some superb headers, the ball soon found Dylan Garnet who showed great skill to travel past defenders, shoot and score Belper’s first goal. Bobby West and Joel Cain waited for opportunities in the box but it was Joe Daly for Belper who placed a high shot over the heads of defenders into the top corner for Belper’s second.

Belper came out to play some disciplined football in the second half, the defence looking impenetrable with Kristian Dawson beating the opposition for pace every time and Jorge Knowles and Rafe Gregory providing a powerful defensive middle. Joel Cain, Joe Daly and Joe Brumby were linking up play to make Spondon defenders work hard. Spondon’s chance to score from a penalty was dashed as Luca Palombo dived instinctively to save the fine strike keeping his sheet clean. Ben Cartwright showed some powerful play down the right wing to keep the ball forward for Belper and Joe Brumby on up front for Belper threatened the Spondon keeper. A professional and disciplined performance by Belper ended in a well deserved 2-0 win.

SES Man of the Match went to Luca Palombo for a secession of impressive saves

Belper lined up with Luca Palombo in goal supported by a strong defensive four consisting of Kristian Dawson, Theo Foster-North, Rafe Gregory and Sam Paisley. Oliver Darbyshire, Joe Daly and Dylan Garnet controlled the middle, and Ben Cartwright, Jorge Knowles and Will Cummins in front looked to provide opportunities for plenty of goals. Subs were Bobby West, Joe Brumby and Joel Cain.

Hampered by wet and boggy conditions both teams started with a good display of determination, it was Belper Town however who soon took charge netting two goals from corner kicks in the first ten minutes. The first was a corner taken well by Dylan Garnett and then headed in by the ever alert Oliver Darbyshire and the second was finished neatly by Sam Paisley. Ben Cartwright claimed another two goals for Town, his pace and strength proving too much for the Sports defenders. Will Cummins struck one home and then his second opportunity came when a great header made by Jorge Knowles came off the keeper for Cummins to strike into the net. Joe Daly was finding space and making some good runs in midfield creating opportunities for Town to keep up the attack, and defenders Kristian Dawson, Theo Foster-North, Rafe Gregory and Sam Paisley dealt comfortably with attempts by the opposition to push forward. Jorge Knowles finally claimed the final goal for Town in the first half with a fine strike taking the score to 7-0.

Belper Town now thriving on their lead in the first half came out to dominate the game with goals coming thick and fast. Following a scuffle in the box Rafe Gregory put the ball in for Town. Will Cummins positioned himself superbly to strike home another three goals for Town, putting one in with a great volley and taking his total for this game to five. Dylan Garnet showed some impressive footwork to score another two for Town, and Jorge Knowles sent home another two for his hat trick. Joel Cain on for Belper Town in defence did a sound job to support Luca Palombo who confidently took care of any threats. Ben Cartwright placed a brilliant shot into the top corner of the net also to claim a hat trick. Bobby West and Joe Brumby claimed a well deserved goal a piece taking the final score to 18-0 for Town.

Belper lined up with Luca Palombo in goal with Bobby West and Sam Paisley flanking the defensive line with strong centre halves, Jorge Knowles and Rafe Gregory. The wings were strong with regard to pace, power and precision with Ben Cartwright and Dylan Garnett in place. Midfield looked to provide quick ball skills with Joe Daly and Oliver Darbyshire gave strength and power. Will Cummins and Kristian Dawson were in front to provide predatory finishing. Subs were Joel Cain, Theo Foster-North and Joe Brumby.

The game began to see Belper doing some early defending; however they soon pushed the play forward to win a corner that found Ben Cartwright who struck it just over the bar. Despite Oliver Darbyshire playing some good passes out to Cartwright and Joe Daly covering a vast area with substantial pace, Belper couldn’t manage to breach a determined Duffield defence and the first half remained goalless.

The second half remained much the same with little shape to the game. Belper did most of the attacking in this half and Bobby West, Jorge Knowles and Theo Foster-North defended well giving Duffield little chance to get into the game. Will Cummins broke forward to get a strong shot on goal that was saved. Duffield made a quick response and caused Luca Palombo to make a save. Well positioned Kristian Dawson made a break to go one on one with the keeper in a chance for Belper but struck the ball wide of the goal. This was followed with another chance for Belper to take the lead as a penalty decision was given for a hand ball. The penalty kick taken by Dylan Garnet for Belper was saved by the keeper and despite a strong relentless attack by Belper for the remainder of time the goal wasn’t to come.

Belper lined up with Luca Palombo in goal with Kristian Dawson and Sam Paisley flanking the defensive line with strong centre halves, Jorge Knowles and Rafe Gregory. The wings were strong with regard to pace, power and precision with Ben Cartwright and Dylan Garnett in place. Midfield looked to provide quick ball skills and intelligent play by Oliver Darbyshire and Joe Daly. Joe Brumby and Will Cummins were in front to provide predatory finishing. Subs were Bobby West and Joel Cain.

The game opened to see Belper put on early pressure; however Spondon defenders worked hard to prevent Belper from going in front. Some neat passing between Rafe Gregory, Sam paisley and Ben Cartwright lead to a strike by Joe Daly that hit the cross bar in a near miss for Belper. A skilful one touch pass by Joe Brumby put Cartwright into play but despite this show of skill by Belper the score sheet remained blank. Will Cummins with his usual instinctive positioning was close to finishing the ball on some occasions. Jorge Knowles was displaying his usual high standard of defensive play and wasn’t letting anything past him. A slight laps in concentration from Belper saw Spondon with their first chance but Luca Palombo made a good decision to come off his line to beat the attacker to the ball making it safe. The first half ended in a slow start for Belper who despite some talented moments didn’t manage to take the lead.

Belper came out looking more determined and focused in the second half maintaining a relentless attack. Defensive four Kristian Dawson, Rafe Gregory, Jorge Knowles and Sam Paisley were staying well positioned to stop any threats from Spondon. Gregory constantly intercepted any threats with strong accurate tackling and Dawson took his time on the ball to pass it up the field and maintain Belper’s possession. Oliver Darbyshire’s strong presence in midfield constantly broke down chances for the opposition putting Belper back in charge. Belper’s chance of scoring only seemed a matter of time when a free kick taken by Dylan Garnet was perfectly placed for the volley by Joe Brumby to put Belper in front. Joel Cain and Bobby West were brought on for Belper to take over in front and did a fine job to keep on the pressure. A penalty taken coolly by Cartwright took Belper to a 2-0 lead. With Belper again in the goal area Ben Cartwright made a powerful strike that came off a Spondon player to be collected by Joe Daly who composed himself to finish the ball. A well deserved win by Belper who go through to the next round of the cup.

SES Man of the Match went to Oliver Darbyshire whose strong presence in midfield was invaluable to Belper.

Belper lined up with Luca Palombo in goal with Kristian Dawson and Sam Paisley flanking the defensive line with strong centre halves, Jorge Knowles and Rafe Gregory. The wings were strong with regard to pace, power and precision with Ben Cartwright and Dylan Garnett in place. Midfield looked to provide quick ball skills and intelligent play by Joel Cain and Joe Daly. Joe Brumby and Will Cummins were in front to provide predatory finishing. Sub was Bobby West.

On kick off the weather conditions were awful with driving rain and swirling wind, but both sides managed some fluent attractive football.

Belper made a start to this game in a confident mood; they gained early control with disciplined positioning and good passing. As the game progressed St Georges stood firm and upped their pace to match Belper. As St Georges pushed forward Belper defenders Dawson, Gregory and Paisley held the line well. Jorge Knowles cleared a long dangerous looking ball with a powerful header. Joe Daly working hard in midfield was supported by Joel Cain, who produced an impressive over-head kick. St Georges found it difficult to open up their game at this point. An error by the opposition was pounced on by Dylan Garnet who rocketed down the wing. St Georges showed great spirit and determination with a break that resulted in the strike hitting the Belper goal post, shortly after capable keeper Luca Palombo was forced to perform a superb save. A free kick taken by Ben Cartwright for Belper from 25 yards was placed powerfully into the net to take them 1-0 up. Cartwright soon made an excellent pass to Garnett who crossed it in to Joe Brumby who finished bringing the score to 2-0.

Changes made for the second half saw Kristian Dawson up front with Bobby West on in his place in defence. St Georges came out making it clear that the game was far from over. Belper seemed to sit back on the 2 goal lead a little too complacently giving St Georges the opportunity they needed to get back in the game. St Georges picked up pace and seemed to beat Belper to the ball regularly at this point. Kristian Dawson and Will Cummins remained alert at the front, Dawson making some good crosses into the box. The laps in concentration from Belper resulted in Bobby West working hard in defence stopping St Georges on the break. St Georges pushed on and Belper conceded two goals making the score even. An attack by St Georges in the final minutes of the game proved to be the winner.

Fresh from the excellent victory against Chesapeake, Belper travelled to Field Lane where they looked to continue there winning streak. Field Lane got there first win of the season last week and looked for another win.

The good playing surface should have worked in Belper’s favour but was balanced out against the very blustery conditions.

Due to absentees changes were necessary, Tom Chinn started in nets, Theo Foster North, Rafe Gregory, Captain Jorge Knowles and Bobby West provided the defence. Dylan Garnett, Joe Daly, Oliver Darbyshire and Sam Paisley started off in Midfield and Will Cummins and Kristian Dawson looked to get on the score sheet up front. Luca Palombo and Joe Brumby provided the subs.

The first half was very scrappy, Field Lane were tenacious in the tackle and put Belper under a lot of pressure and forcing Belper to work hard.

The first goal for Belper came midway through the half, good work on the right by Garnett, crossing to find Cummins who hit a great first time shot into the net. A second goal followed just prior to the break, with a fine run and strike by Dawson.

Stern words were said at Half time by the Belper Manager and a more disciplined and professional performance asked for. The team responded. Moments after coming on Palombo added a third, Garnett added a brace, Cummins notched his second, a penalty converted by Daly and Brumby getting the eight. Field Lane scored a late consolation.

Credit must go to Field Lane who despite some heavy defeats this season, fought bravely throughout the match and made Belper scrap for everything.

This match proved a test for Belper as they faced a tough challenge against top of the table Chesapeake. However they played a decisive game in great spirit that resulted in a 2-1 win.

Belper lined up with Luca Palombo in goal with Kristian Dawson and Joel Cain flanking the defensive line with strong centre halves, Rafe Gregory and Jorge Knowles. The wings were strong with regard to pace, power and precision with Ben Cartwright and Dylan Garnett in place. Midfield looked to provide quick ball skills and intelligent play by Oliver Darbyshire and Joe Daly. Will Cummins and Joe Brumby were in front to add instinctive and fast finishing. Subs were Theo Foster-North, Tom Chinn, and Bobby West.

Belper started optimistically making an early push forward. Joe Daly was finding plenty of space and managed to put in a long pass to Ben Cartwright who took the ball past the opposition’s defence and then put a threatening cross into the box. Despite this early pressure from Belper, Chesapeake remained strong and forced play into Belper’s half of the pitch. Belper defenders Rafe Gregory and Kristian Dawson held strong positions and were not letting the ball through. At one point Chesapeake’s centre forward made a break for goal to be stopped decisively by Belper defender Joel Cain. Chesapeake continued to make Belper defenders work hard using their only outlet, a long ball to the centre forward, and his hard work earned a penalty after a trip. Chesapeake cashed in on this opportunity to make the score 1-0. Belper’s defence still had work to do and it was Jorge Knowles’s instinctive defending that repeatedly kept Belper out of more trouble. As the first half neared the end there seemed a chance for Belper as Joe Brumby displayed excellent skills on the ball that resulted in him passing the opposition’s defence to take the ball into the goal area. However the equalising goal didn’t quite come as the half time whistle was blown.

Belper had it all to do in the second half and it was clear by their stance that they were determined to stay in the game. Chesapeake created an early chance that was cleared by Cartwright’s strong header. Belper soon began to settle down to go on the attack as Joe Daly put an accurate pass through to Dylan Garnett who travelled fast up the wing causing Chesapeake to fall back. Belper continued to play a tight game and were now working well as a team, with Ben and Dylan swapping wings which the opposition didn’t have an answer to. Will Cummins was finding some good opportunities in the goal area and it only seemed a matter of time before he made one pay. Belper were now attacking relentlessly there confidence growing by the minute. Ben Cartwright using his pace took the ball forward, when challenged he showed superb skill on the ball to pass Chesapeake defenders, take the ball in and finish it in style to take the score to 1-1. Belper were now really on top of the game and within two minutes Dylan Garnett broke down the wing showing outstanding pace, he then took the ball in to shoot hitting the goal post, Will Cummins was instinctively in place to put the ball in taking Belper into the lead. Bobby West and Tom Chinn came on for Belper in attack and both worked extremely hard constantly hunting the ball and looking for chances. Chesapeake fought hard to equalise and a shot on goal was cleared by Oliver Darbyshire’s strong header. Theo Foster-North on for Belper in defence worked hard to keep the opposition at bay for the remainder of the game. Chesapeake kept up the attack causing Luca Palombo to perform some important saves for Belper, but great, clean goal saving tackles kept the opposition out and Belper registered a deserved victory.

Man of the Match went to Rafe Gregory who defended well consistently throughout the game.

Belpers run have hard games seems relentless, and this was no different. However, they will be pleased to come out of so many difficult fixtures with just two defeats to the top two sides. Chesapeake played well and will create problems for most teams in this league – all the players handled the game with a good spirit.

Belper Town Juniors U11’s v St Georges B U11’s – Cup Match – 4^th October 2009

A spectacular opening cup match for Belper Town resulting in a mighty 11-0 victory.

Belper lined up with Tom Chinn in goal with Bobby West and Sam Paisley flanking the defensive line with strong centre halves, Rafe Gregory and Jorge Knowles. The wings were strong with regard to pace, power and precision with Ben Cartwright and Dylan Garnett in place. Midfield looked to provide quick ball skills and intelligent play by Oliver Darbyshire and Joe Daly. Joel Cain and Kristian Dawson were in front. Subs were Theo Foster-North, Charlie Martin, Luca Palombo and Joe Brumby.

Belper put the pressure on immediately pushing forward and causing St Georges some early problems. Dylan Garnett finding lots of space looked threatening. From the first corner ball for Belper Sam Paisley showed great skill, finding a precise cross in to Ben Cartwright who wasted no time in making the score an early 1-0. Joe Daly found the space he needed today to show fine skill on the ball, showing the ability to travel and make sound passes, and Oliver Darbyshire was a strong force in pressing the ball forward and supporting the defence. St Georges attempts to fight back were contained by Jorge Knowles, Rafe Gregory, and Bobby West who held a strong defensive line. Ben Cartwright soon powered in another good ball to hit the bar and eventually winning another corner for Belper. An excellent corner delivery by Dylan Garnet saw Cartwright score again bringing the score to 2-0. Joel Cain was next to find a fine run placing in an excellent cross that didn’t quite connect. Despite the relentless attacking play by Belper, St Georges showed great spirit and fought back to push forward. A free kick for St Georges close to the box caused concern for Belper but Tom Chinn provided a confident save. Shortly after Kristian Dawson showing superb pace broke forward ending up one on one with the keeper to slot in another for Belper making it 3-0. Ben Cartwright ended the first half with a hat trick to make the score 4-0.

Charlie Martin and Theo Foster-North coming on in defence did a sound job to close down any threats, and Joe Brumby came on in a forward position. Belper came out stronger than ever and Dylan Garnett was soon to provide a powerful strike that hit the post in a near miss. St Georges were finding it increasingly difficult to close Belper down as Belper continued to find more space than ever resulting in endless opportunity. These opportunities were not wasted and skilful strikes by Sam Paisley and Ben Cartwright found the net to raise the score to 6-0. Luca Palombo came on to relieve forward play and provide some variety up front. Belper continued the attack and the goals were coming in quick succession, one being a brilliant volley from a corner ball by Joe Brumby and another following a quick pass by Brumby to Luca Palombo who shot and scored, the score now 8-0. The decision to bring on Palombo was paying off and he showed sharp play as he intercepted a goal kick to score again for Belper bringing the score to 9-0. During the remaining minutes Belper’s Joe Brumby struggled with the keeper to bag another goal for Belper, and Luca Palombo managed a hat trick with a skilful turn on the ball to shoot bringing the final score to 11-0. A strong display from Belper and a well earned clean sheet for Tom Chinn.

Belper lined up with Luca Palombo in goal with Kristian Dawson and Sam Paisley flanking the defensive line with strong centre halves, Joel Cain and Jorge Knowles. The wings were strong with regard to pace, power and precision with Ben Cartwright and Dylan Garnett in place. Midfield looked to provide quick ball skills and intelligent play by Oliver Darbyshire and Joe Daly. Joe Brumby and Bobby West were in front. Subs were Theo Foster-North and Charlie Martin.

Belper started slow and never really managed a recovery which resulted in a rather heavy 7-1 defeat.

As the match unfolded Littleover took control of possession providing chances for their strikers on a regular basis, they made it pay netting three early goals making the score 0-3 in the first twenty minutes. Oliver Darbyshire looked lively and managed a fine long pass through to Ben on the wing. Belper continued to push forward but couldn’t quite get a shot on goal at this point. Bobby West worked hard but didn’t quite get the opportunities. As Littleover threatened Jorge Knowles showed some superb defensive play stopping many of Littleover’s opportunities, in particular performing a well timed tackle to stop one of Littleover’s forwards. In a tactical change Theo Foster-North came on in defence and Kristian Dawson was moved to a forward position. Joe Daly in midfield for Belper showed good composure on the ball and using precise ball skills managed to make some good passes, his determination being second to none. Littleover pressed forward and looked like scoring again but Theo Foster-North came to the rescue clearing the ball off the line. Belper attempted to gain control of play to see Kristian Dawson make an intelligent one touch pass to Dylan Garnet who was well positioned to receive it. Belper got the ball through providing an opportunity for Oliver Darbyshire to deliver a fine shot on goal that was saved, keeping the score at the end of the first half 0-3.

Littleover came out fighting in the second half and scored within the opening minutes making the score 0-4. Despite Villa’s relentless attack Luca Palombo made some excellent decisions as he left his line to time his run to beat the opposition’s strikers to the ball. Belper continued to fight seeing the ball through to Ben Cartwright who didn’t waste the opportunity striking the ball and causing the keeper to make the save. Littleover replied, scoring and making it 0-5. Belper’s job seemed a tough one but they kept fighting, Ben Cartwright outpaced his opponents striding down the wing to get a long shot on goal that came off the keeper only to be swiftly finished by Joe Brumby making it 1-5. Despite this goal Littleover continued to dominate and although Belper defenders Joel Cain and Sam Paisley showed great determination Littleover gained another two goals making the final score 1-7.

Chellaston Rams Under 11’s v Belper Town Under 11’s – 20^th September 09

Belper lined up with Luca Palombo in goal with Kristian Dawson and Sam Paisley flanking the defensive line with strong centre halves, Joel Cain and Rafe Gregory. The wings were strong with regard to pace, power and precision with Ben Cartwright and Dylan Garnett in place. Midfield looked to provide quick ball skills and intelligent play by Oliver Darbyshire and Joe Daly. Joe Brumby and Bobby West were in front to provide predatory finishing. Subs were Tom Chinn, Theo Foster-North and Charlie Martin.

As the game unfolded Belper had to deal with some early pressure from Chellaston attacks. However play soon became quite evenly distributed between the two teams as a break by Ben Cartwright caused problems for the Chellaston defenders, Cartwright managed to get the ball through the fiercely defending hosts to the feet of Oliver Darbyshire who was close to scoring. Shortly after Luca Palombo performed a brilliant save following a corner kick by Chellaston. Joe Brumby worked hard to break through for a shot on goal but faced a strong defensive line. Ben Cartwright helped keep the pressure on as he pushed to get a shot in but didn’t quite get the right opportunity to display his powerful shooting skills. Belper kept up the pace as Bobby West battling in the box, forced an own goal putting Belper 0-1 up. A quick reply from Chellaston was stopped by Joel Cain as he provided a strong sliding tackle to make the ball safe for Belper. Dylan Garnett worked extremely hard on the wing getting back to defend when needed. Chellaston kept up the attack and struck the ball home bringing the score to 1-1.

Bobby West and Kristian Dawson swapped positions for the second half and Theo Foster-North came on for Sam in defence. Chellaston came back fighting in the second half and pressed a goal home making the score 2-1. Belper had a real battle on their hands now as Chellaston gained the upper hand and went on the attack. The game was far from over though as Dylan Garnett powered down the wing travelling the length of the entire pitch causing Chellaston some concern. Tom Chinn on in goal for Luca did his job well as he dealt with the attacking opponents. Kristian Dawson and Joe Brumby looked for chances to break for goal but the tight Chellaston line was giving nothing away. Despite heroic attempts by Rafe Gregory, Joel Cain and Sam Paisley to close down play Chellaston showed great pace and netted another making the score 3-1. Joe Daly provided good skill and determination in midfield and at times his precise passing and good positioning looked like paying off. Charlie Martin was brought on to provide added strength to the Belper attack but Chellaston took no chances and gave nothing away maintaining a strong defence to the end.

A match played in good spirit by both sides. Man of the Match went to Luca Palombo for a faultless display in net despite the difficult job he faced today against a strong side.

As the match began to unfold the teams looked evenly matched, both having equal time on the ball. Spondon attacked and a fine shot at goal was dealt with confidently by Belper keeper Luca Palombo. Spondon kept on the pressure at this point and at seven minutes a strong strike was blasted past the reach of Palombo making the score 0-1. Belper worked hard to maintain control of the game with defenders Sam Paisley, Jorge Knowles, Rafe Gregory and Bobby West working hard to hold a strong line. Belper began to settle down and gain composure taking control and resulting in a chance for Ben Cartwright to break down the wing, he finished the ball by powering it into the back of the net from thirty yards in his usual grand style, making the score 1-1. Sam Paisley performed well and fed the ball to Cartwright at every opportunity. A superbly placed corner by Dylan Garnett was headed on target by Joel Cain to be saved by the Spondon keeper. Spondon responded finding a gap to break and score making the score 1-2. Belper were soon on the attack again and Oliver Darbyshire showing great strength scored on his left foot for Belper 2-2. Belper kept up the attacking stance and a powerful finish by Kristian Dawson from just inside the box made the score 3-2 at half time.

The second half saw Belper really take charge of the game. Dylan Garnett was posing constant threats, Joe Daly offered a good display in midfield and Joe Brumby was making some good breaks. Ben Cartwright placed an accurate long pass in to Kristian Dawson who finished the ball in style making it 4-2. Dylan Garnett was soon to score with a brilliant lob making the score 5-2. Belper kept well in control from then on dominating the game with clean passing and good tactics. Tom Chinn, in goal for Palombo took care of any threats posed by Spondon. Theo Foster-North joined the Belper defence doing a sound job. A rough tackle late on resulted in a penalty decision for Spondon, the penalty kick was placed wide of the goal, and the final score was a respectable 5-2 to Belper.

Littleover Villa Under 11’s v Belper Town Under 11’s - 6^th September 2009

Belper Town had a challenging start to the season with this first match away to big time rivals Littleover Villa. Previously unbeaten by Belper Town, Villa posed as strong opponents and presented Belper with a mammoth task ahead of them.

Belper lined up with Luca Palombo in goal with Kristian Dawson and Sam Paisley flanking the defensive line with strong centre halves, Jorge Knowles and Rafe Gregory. The wings were strong with regard to pace, power and precision with Ben Cartwright and Dylan Garnett in place. Midfield looked to provide quick ball skills and intelligent play by Oliver Darbyshire and Joe Daly. Joe Brumby and Joel Cain were in front to provide predatory finishing. Subs were Tom Chinn, Bobby West, Charlie Martin and Theo Foster-North.

Littleover made an early push putting instant pressure on the Belper defence. However Belper’s defensive four, Kristian Dawson, Sam Paisley, Jorge Knowles and Rafe Gregory did a sound job to contain and deal with any threats at this point. Belper responded and Dylan Garnett was soon posing a threat to Littleover looking to travel the wing and deliver a dangerous cross. Littleover kept up the attack and a powerful strike was dealt with confidently by Luca Palombo. Belper went into attack again to win a corner from which Oliver Darbyshire placed a powerful header that the keeper had to work hard to save. Joel Cain worked hard to hunt the ball keeping the pressure on. Joe Daly displayed some superb footwork on the ball to feed Dylan on the wing. Ben Cartwright on the opposite wing was also posing a threat to Villa blasting one of his signature well angled strikes that the keeper struggled to save.

Belper Town had a hard fought first half with Joe Daly and Oliver Darbyshire working hard in midfield, and a solid defensive display.

For the second half Bobby West and Theo Foster-North came on into defensive positions. Bobby showed great strength of character as he confidently cleared an early attack by Littleover. Jorge Knowles outplayed his opponents whenever called upon and was a calming influence on the back four. An inspired tactical decision by Belper Town managers to place Kristian Dawson in a front attacking position paid off within one minute as he powered forward to outpace the Littleover defenders, a hard tackle bought him down but he was up in seconds to finish the ball making the score 1 – 0 to Belper. Littleover kept up the fight to attack again and a powerful strike from twenty five yards was just beyond Luca Palombo’s reach and the score became 1 – 1. Belper were quick to take control again and any threats were dealt with by Theo Foster-North and Rafe Gregory, both working extremely hard to hold a strong middle defensive line, Rafe showing great forward defensive thinking to protect the goal area. Belper soon had Littleover defence under pressure again with another attack. Kristian Dawson using his pace was quick to pose a threat, and putting defenders under pressure forced a mistake resulting in a Littleover own goal for 2 – 1 to Belper. Littleover tried hard to fight back and never let the visitors settle but exceptional and a composed defensive display from the likes of Jorge Knowles proved impenetrable. Ben Cartwright continued to pile on the pressure winning a corner kick and placing it to be headed just over the bar by Kristian Dawson. Oliver Darbyshire held a strong midfield position and Joe Brumby on in place of Joel worked hard persistently hunting the ball. Tom Chinn came on in place of Kristian and did a good job focusing well and looking for opportunities.

A fantastic open to the season for Belper Town. Man of the Match went deservedly to Jorge Knowles who displayed strong, intelligent and consistent defensive play throughout. The game was played in a fantastic spirit by both sides, fully supporting the “Respect” campaign and thanks go to the management and parents from Littleover Villa for hosting such a fair game.