Close season, after another year of hard work fundraising, Belper Town U15s once again ventured abroad, playing a series of  games against tough Spanish opposition. They played very well, gaining some excellent experience and results along the way. All the teams we played against were bigger and older, but excellent football was played at interesting venues. Well done to all the lads !

Sunday 6th April 2008 

Belper Town U15 Sunday 4 Codnor Boys 1 

Belper won one more game taking them closer to the title, but this was no push over and Belper had to dig deep to beat a spirited Codnor side. Codnor certainly looked more alive and threatening in the opening few minutes but Liam Marsden settled the opening nerves by converting a cross from Ben Gowing to put Belper into a 1 – 0 lead. Belper started to get into their rhythm although several players looked tired, a Lewis Chambers cross could have given Liam a second goal but he put it just wide, Hayden Hollis shot just over the bar from outside the box, but eventually Belper did get a second goal. The ball was knocked into the box and after a goal mouth scramble Ben Gowing hit the post before putting the ball in the net at the second attempt. Belper should have gone on and finished the game at this point but Codnor came back strongly, Luke Robinson strength was tested, Jack Atkins and Ragulan Ragavan had to be sharp to keep the opposition attack at bay. Belper struggled to get a grip and but for several smart saves by Belper keeper Chris Whitely Codnor could easily been on terms, Ryan Bromyard came on for Ben Willison who had been carrying an injury and the contest continued with some full blooded play. The referee played a big part in keeping the game flowing and passions under control and as the half came to a close Belper had a couple of chances to increase their lead, Jack Atkins put one over the bar and Lewis Chamber saw a strong attempt pushed wide. Belper went in at half time ahead but in no way out of sight.

The second half started with Codnor totally in control Chris Whitely again had to be at his best in Belpers goal ,first he tipped a dipping shot over the bar then he dived bravely at an attackers feet to stop the ball crossing the line. Belper gradually worked their way back into the game, Ben Rushby came on for Louis Nichols who appeared to be under the weather, hard work from Liam Marsden Graham Rigg and Ryan Bromyard started to give Belper some openings and a third goal finally came when Ben Gowing battled his way through from midfield and forced the ball home. The result was secured a couple of minutes later when Liam Marsden ran onto a Lewis Chambers through ball and neatly slotted the ball past the keeper. Four nil was enough to secure three vital points but Codnor never gave up, Chris Whitley was again kept busy in goal, he pulled off several smart saves, this along with his intelligent distribution would earn him a joint man of the match award with Liam Marsden who worked tirelessly all morning. Codnor scored a conciliation goal with the last move of the game which was probably deserved for their determination right up to the final whistle, but Belper took three deserved points and one step closer to winning the league            

ARG 

Team:  Chris Whiteley, Ragulan Ragavan, Luke Robinson, Jack Atkins, James Rigg, Ben Willison, Louis Nichols, Lewis Chambers, Liam Marsden, Ben Gowing, Hayden Hollis,

Subs: Ben Rushby, Ryan Bromyard both used

Thursday 3rd April 08

Belper Town U15 Sunday 1 Tansley Juniors 1

Sunday 9th March 2008 

Belper Town U15 Sunday 4 Long Eaton Utd 0 

Belper got back to winning ways after their disappointing result last weekend in the cup, this was an interesting contest against one of the form sides in the league and Belper had to be at their best to carve out a victory. The game was played at Belper Towns home ground on a bright and pleasant morning, the pitch was in perfect condition so all was set for a decent game of football. The visitors were impressive from the start they played some neat football and only the intervention of the Belper defense partnership of Jack Atkins and Luke Robinson kept them out. Belper gradually worked their way into the game Louis Nichols was very active and Ben Gowing worked hard to get the ball up to the two Belper attackers Hayden Hollis and Josh Thompson, but a well drilled defense caught both the Belper strikers on numerous occasions. Belper finally got a break through when they were awarded a penalty for holding in the box, Louis Mundin took the penalty only to see his strike superbly save by the keeper. From the resulting corner taken by Josh Thompson there was a goal mouth scramble and the some how the ball was cleared off the line. This action seemed to encourage Belper to push on Ben Gowing headed a decent chance just wide and the shortly afterwards got his goal when he hit a sweet shot left footed into the roof off the net from well outside the box. Long Eaton were far from beaten they fought back and James Rigg and Ben Willison were kept busy in defense, one attack lead to a strike on goal which was headed clear off the line by Luke Robinson. At the other end Belper continued to fight the offside trap, a strong shot from Hayden Hollis was parried and Lewis Chambers was in the right place to tap the ball into make it 2 – 0. Belper pushed for more goals as half time approach but despite their best efforts the score remained the same, Liam Marsden came on for Josh Thompson just before the break.

The second half started brightly for Belper Hayden Hollis nearly scored and Ben Gowing saw a shot tipped just wide, the third goal came when Hayden Hollis turned provider with a superb cross and again Lewis Chambers was on hand to finish at the back post. Ryan Bromyard replaced Hayden who had run tirelessly and Ben Rushby came on for Louis Nichols, the fourth goal was more or less a solo effort Louis Mundin picked the ball up in midfield pass several defenders drove into the box and finished with some confidence. Even at 4 – 0 Long Eaton were not done  they continued to press only a fine save from Chris Whitely and then the width of the post stopped them from scoring. Belper never looked like being beaten in the second half but Long Eaton looked a quality side and will be decent competition next time they meet.

A good all round performance by all meant their was no man of match award all played their part and as such all the players deserved part of the man of the match award 

ARG 

Team:  Chris Whiteley, Jack Atkins, Luke Robinson, James Rigg, Ben Willison, Louis Nichols, Lewis Chambers, Louis Mundin, Ben Gowing, Hayden Hollis, Josh Thompson

Subs: Ben Rushby, Ragulan Ragavan, Liam Marsden, Ryan Bromyard

Sunday 2nd March 2008 

Belper Town U15 Sunday 0 Priory Celtic 2 

Derby City League Cup Final

Belper suffered a shock defeat, the first of the season, in Sundays cup final played at the Moorways stadium in Derby, they lost to a side who they beat soundly in the league. Belper didn’t play particularly badly they just came up against a side who defended resolutely and took their chances at the other end with ruthless accuracy. The opening exchanges were frenetic and it looked like Belper were the stronger side, they could have easily been three up inside 10 minutes after Haden Hollis, Ben Gowing and Josh Thompson all went close but failed to score. Priory Celtic started to battle their way back into the game and Belpers defense were kept very busy keeping them out, Luke Robinson and Jack Atkins need to be at their best, James Rigg and Ben Wilison played their parts, Ben in particular made a very telling challenge which prevented the opposition getting a clear strike on goal. At the other end Josh Thompson was busy but at times isolated, Hayden Hollis battled hard but got no reward, Belper were awarded a corner which was whipped in from Louis Mundin and was scrambled off the line by a desperate defense. Very much against the run of play Priory Celtic scored with a strong shot from outside the area, in fact their first clear shot at goal, and Belper were one down. Belper appeared rattled and the opposition took full advantage they pressured and pushed Belper into rushing their play and their normal silky smooth football was reduced to hit and hope and a string of mistakes. Chris Whitely made a series of saves to keep Belper in the game, the midfield worked hard to stem the flow Lewis Chamber did his best to open play onto the wing, Louis Nichols was active in the middle and Ben Gowing tried to push the play into the opposition half but Belper just couldn’t find the final finish, 

After the half time break Belper came out in determined mood Lewis Chambers went close Josh Thompson forced the keeper into a fine save, Hayden Hollis put a decent chance over the bar but it looked like it was not to be Belper’s day. Mike Nichols and Colin Chambers decided to ring the changes to try to make some progress, a series of substitutions and formation changes unfortunately didn’t have the desired effect and when a second goal was scored by the opposition it was all hands to the pumps to try and grind out a victory. Belper fought right to the end and could have drawn level or even won with the chances they had in the last ten minutes, Liam Marsden forced two good saves, Ben Gowing went close hitting the bar, Ragulan Ragavan dug deep to push the play forward and Ryan Bromyard tried to influence the game when he came on. The game ended in a flurry of chances unfortunately none of them ended in the net for Belper. Ben Wilison was rightly named man of the match for an inspirational performance a disappointing day for Belper so now it’s back to the league to secure the title

ARG 

Team:  Chris Whiteley, Jack Atkins, Luke Robinson, James Rigg, Ben Willison, Louis Nichols, Lewis Chambers, Louis Mundin , Ben Gowing, Hayden Hollis, Josh Thompson

Subs: Ben Rushby, Ragulan Ragavan, Ryan Bromyard Liam Marsden All used

Sunday 6th January 2008 

Belper Town U15 Sunday 9 Mickleover Sports 2 

Belper kept their unbeaten record in a one sided match which Belper never looked like loosing, Belper started slowly and gave some hope to the opposition but their intentions were soon apparent when Josh Thompson headed wide from a Ben Gowing cross. Mickelover then completely against the run of play took the ball up to the other end and scored a very soft goal, the ball rolling over the line after hitting the post, the Belper side now pulled their socks up and started to play. Lewis Chambers scored two goals in quick succession the first a rebound off the keeper the second from and inch perfect through ball provided by Liam Marsden. Hayden Hollis was next to show he was unlucky not to score and Belper seemed to grow in confidence which let their skills show, Louis Nichols worked hard in midfield along side Ben Gowing and at the back Ragulan Ragavan looked extremely assured along side Luke Robinson. As the half drew on Belper pushed on and it was only a matter of time before the goal tally would rise. The third goal was a good example of direct football a ball from Luke Robinson at the back was flicked on by Liam Marsden in midfield for Josh Thompson to run onto and score in the bottom corner. Josh scored the fourth goal shortly after showing a great touch and a clinical finish in the process, Belper went in at half time three goals to the good and in control.

At half time Ben Rushby and Ryan Bromyard came on in place of Liam Marsden and Josh Thompson, Belper won a free kick straight after the re start which Ben Gowing put just over the bar, Ben Rushby then put a decent effort just wide and Ryan Bromyard was only stopped from scoring by a last ditch effort from the keeper diving at his feet. Hayden Hollis kept the score rolling on when he hit the back of the net after being put through by Josh Thompson and Ben Rushby made it six with a well struck goal which was great reward for his efforts and his patience. Belper scored a seventh and eighth both finished by Josh Thompson the first was an individual run down the wing beating several players on the way, the second a team effort staring from the back with Ben Willison being helped on by Lewis Chambers to Louis Nichols who put the final ball for Josh to finish. At 8 – 1 there seemed to be no way back for Mickleover but all credit to them they continued to battle and nicked a second goal, which really didn’t tell a true story Belper always looked solid at the back Ragulan Ragavan had an excellent game and easily could have been named man of the match James Rigg never put a foot wrong and with a keeper of the quality of Chris Whitely in goal it must be very difficult for any opposition to get motivated. Belper finished off a good mornings work with a ninth goal scored by Lewis Chambers, an all encompassing victory which will put all the players in the right frame of mind for next weeks cup final game. Josh Thompson was named man of the match for scoring four but there were a number of players who could easily have been awarded the honor

ARG 

Team:  Chris Whiteley, Ragulan Ragavan, Luke Robinson, James Rigg, Ben Willison, Louis Nichols, Lewis Chambers, Liam Marsden, Ben Gowing, Hayden Hollis, Josh Thompson

Subs: Ben Rushby, Jack Gerard, Ryan Bromyard All used

27/01/08

Riverside (Under 15) 0 Belper Town (Sunday, Under 15) 9

Cup Semi Final 

Belper opened strongly against Riverside (Division Two).  The windy conditions were difficult to master and although Belper totally dominated the first half they were unable to take full advantage of their superiority because they frequently over hit passes which ran out of play.  Riverside from Division Two who were always going to find the task of containing the Belper side difficult, they were physically overwhelmed and completely outplayed by a very strong Belper side.  Nevertheless they never gave up and great credit goes to them for their determination and sportsmanship.   

Belper took sufficient advantage of the wind to lead 3 – 0 at half time, putting the game beyond the reach of Riverside.  Like many good football teams Belper played better into the wind than they had with it.  The passing improved and Belper looked like scoring whenever they attacked.  They created (and missed) countless chances.  Only a combination of poor finishing and courageous defence (and goalkeeping) from Riverside prevented a very high score.   As it was Belper’s domination was such that they scored a further six goals to win 9 – 0.  They should not get carried away with this success against a smaller and less experienced team; undoubtedly a much sterner test will await them in the final where Belper will need to be at their best if they are to succeed in winning the cup for the second time in three years.  

Team:  

Whiteley, Riggs, Robinson, Atkins, Chambers, Gowing, Nicholls (captain), Mundin, Thompson, Hollis.  Subs: (all played) Rushby, Bromyard, Ragulan, Marsden 

Goalscorers:  

Chambers (2), Hollis, Thompson, Nicholls (2), Marsden, Rushby (2) 

SW

Sunday 6th January 2008 

Belper Town U15 Sunday 3 Tansley Juniors 2 (Cup)

 Belper finally got back to playing football after a long lay off due to the weather and the Christmas break, they were pitched in the cup against their long term rivals Tansley Juniors. Belper who had soundly beaten Tansley in the league prior to Christmas started full of confidence and dominated the opening play and certainly looked the most likely to score. A series of attacks and corners certainly put the visitors under pressure and a rash challenge in the box on Lewis Chambers left the referee with no option but to award a penalty. Louis Mundin struck the ball just over the bar but an infringement meant the penalty had to be taken again and with great confidence he slotted the ball into the bottom corner to put Belper into a well deserved lead. Belper pushed on but as ever Tansley proved stern opposition, a cross from Louis Mundin was met by Lewis Chambers and he guided it just wide of the post with the keeper left stranded. The next attack resulted in a corner, Josh Thompson lofted a lovely ball into the box and Lewis met the ball with a firm header to make the score 2 – 0. Belper carried on attacking but failed to add to their score in the first half despite Ben Gowing, Hayden Hollis, Josh Thompson and Louis Nichols all having clear chances. As the half drew to a conclusion Tansley seemed to sense the game was not over and applied pressure of their own, only some sterling work from the Belper back four and some smart interventions from Belper keeper Chris Whiteley kept the score at 2 – 0.

The second half began with Belper once again looking bright Hayden Hollis played a lovely ball through only for Lewis Chambers to knock it just over the bar, Ben Gowing then put Josh Thompson through his shot skimmed the post and went wide. Tansley started to come back into the game again, Ben Willison showed some smart skills and a lot of maturity on the left whilst on the right James Rigg held firm against an aggressive attack. Tansley finally got some reward for their endeavor a low cross from the corner was knocked in at the near post and again it was game on. Belper reacted well, Louis Nichols chipped the stranded keeper only to see the ball just go over and Hayden Hollis saw his header also just go over the bar. Belper decided to make some changes Liam Marsden came on for Josh Thompson and the midfield was reorganized the changes worked a shot from Lewis Chambers was parried and Liam Marsden tapped the ball in to put Belper two goals clear again. Belper continued to try to score but Tansley defended stoutly and Belper were not quite as sharp as they usually are at finishing, two shots hit he bar and several were just wide, Lewis Cambers must have believed he had scored when he chipped the oncoming keeper only to see him make an incredible recovery and tip the ball over the bar. Before the game came to a conclusion Scott Rogers replaced Ben Gowing and Ben Rushby came on for Hayden Hollis. Tansley got a second goal near to the end but Belper kept their nerve and ran out worthy winners, next stop the semi final.

ARG 

Team:  Chris Whiteley, Jack Atkins, Luke Robinson, James Rigg, Ben Willison Louis Nichols, Lewis Chambers Louis Mundin, Ben Gowing, Hayden Hollis, Josh Thompson

Subs: Ben Rushby, Scott Rogers, Liam Marsden All used

Sunday 25th November 2007 

Belper Town U15 Sunday 7 Tansley Juniors 1 

 Belper laid some ghosts to rest with an all encompassing victory over a side that over the years have always caused them problems. This victory is a measure of how far Belper have progressed recently it wasn’t that the opposition played badly it was just Belper played much better. Belper dominated the first half Liam Marsden was unlucky not to open the scoring, and Ben Gowing could have scored but his shot went just wide, although Belper had most of the ball and the territorial advantage Tansley were always in the game and had a real threat. Belpers defense was kept busy and only some smart interventions by Louis Mundin and Jack Atkins kept a busy attack at bay. The midfield worked hard and eventually seemed to be winning a tough aerial battle, Lewis Chambers was playing well and Josh Thompson always looked like he would score, but some what against the run of play Tansley scored. Going one goal down which is new experience this season seemed to give Belper the extra push, Josh Thompson picked up a ball from the back made a long run past several players his shot was blocked but he finished at the second attempt to even the score. Belper pushed on and should have scored three more goals before half time, Liam Marsden nearly scored after the goalie fumbled, Josh Thompson had a shot saved off the line and Louis Nichols put a one just over the bar.

After the break Belper again went on the hunt for more goals Lewis Chambers headed wide and the next attack saw Josh Thompson’s parried shot tapped in to give Belper the lead. The next few minutes of he game were the most telling Tansley tried to get back into the game a fine save from Chris Whiteley and a timely intervention by Luke Robinson kept them at bay, James Rigg was solid and showed some clever distribution skills. At the other end Belper looked sharp Hayden Hollis who played well in midfield hit a rasping shot from long rage to make the score 3 – 1 and really take the wind out of the oppositions sails. Belper now started to run riot Josh Thompson was put through by Ben Gowing he out ran the defense rounded the keeper and put the ball in the net to put Belper four one up. Thompson nearly got a hat trick two minutes later but the keeper made a fine save only to see Lewis Chambers pop up and tap he ball in to make it five. Scott Rogers was brought on to give Liam Marsden who had worked very hard a break and Scott Rogers relived James Rigg, the change of players and formation made no difference to Belpers domination. The sixth goal and a well earned hat trick from Josh Thompson was a joy to see Josh picked up a cross skillfully brought the ball down, turned on a sixpence and rifled the ball into the bottom corner. A seventh goal really rubbed salt in the wounds Scott Rogers not to be out done by Thompson showed his silky close skills before hitting the ball  past  the keeper. Belper ended the game at a canter, a fine all round performance by the whole team made it hard to single out a man of the match, nice to beat an old rival soundly and nice to see Josh Thompson back to scoring ways. 

ARG 

Team:  Chris Whiteley, Jack Atkins, Luke Robinson, James Rigg, Louis Nichols, Lewis Chambers Louis Mundin, Ben Gowing, Hayden Hollis, Liam Marsden, Josh Thompson

Subs: Ben Rushby, Scott Rogers,   All used

Sunday 11th November 2007 

Belper Town U15 Sunday 3 Priory Celtic 1 

A top of the table clash which proved to be Belpers stiffest test yet this season, a game that was fought right until the end by two evenly matched sides. In the opening exchanges Belper certainly had the territorial advantage and could have been one up when Lewis Chambers had an effort scrambled off the line by a defender with the keeper well and truly beaten. Ben Gowing was the next to show he had good effort pushed away and shortly afterwards Hayden Hollis had his effort also cleared off the line. Belper looked threatening but at the other end Chris Whitely was kept busy and Luke Robinson was having a physical battle with a player who looked old enough to play in a senior side, Jack Atkins had a busy game and his reading of the game allowed him to snuff out many attacks before they were given a chance to develop, as ever he was supported very well by James Rigg and Louis Mundin. Belper continued to try and their persistence was rewarded, a through ball from Matt Lawrence found Ben Gowing and he rifled a left foot shot into the bottom corner, Belper one nil but game far from won. Prior Celtic reacted positively to going one down and fought back strongly Belper held them at bay and could of gone two up if Louis Mundins free kick had been inches lower, but just before half time a scorching shot from outside the box beat everyone and all was equal, directly after the re start the ref blew up for the break. 

At half time Josh Thompson came on for Scott Rogers he added a different dimension with his pace on the wing but it was still very much nip and tuck. A second goal was scored by Belper Ben Gowing, who would eventually be made man of the match, to settle nerves. Belper tried to finish the match off with efforts first from Hayden Hollis then Lewis Chambers, Josh Thompson saw an athletic overhead kick go just over but nothing would go in. Liam Marsden came on for Matt Lawrence who had worked very hard all game, Liam seemed to alter the balance of play there appeared to be more width and Belper looked more likely to score. The third goal did come a neat through ball by Lewis Chambers was picked up by Liam and with great confidence and a cool head he lifted it over the oncoming keeper and into the net. At 3 – 1 Belper looked like winners but all credit to the opposition they threw everything at Belper right to the end in fact Priory Celtic could have had a goal in the dying seconds when a free kick was awarded on the edge of the box, but Belper held firm and strengthen their position at the top of the league.

ARG 

Team:  Chris Whiteley, Jack Atkins, Luke Robinson, James Rigg, Louis Nichols, Lewis Chambers Scott Rogers, Matt Lawrence, Louis Mundin, Ben Gowing, Hayden Hollis,

Subs: Ben Rushby, Liam Marsden, Josh Thompson.

  All used

Sunday 4th November 2007 

Belper Town U15 Sunday 12 Chesapeake 0 (Cup)

Cup week for Belper and they march on with a comprehensive victory but it has to be said at the start it didn’t look that way. Chesapeake started the stronger side and for the first 15 minutes dominated the play, only some smart saves from Chris whitely kept the score Nil Nil. Belper started to get into the game but the opposition looked more likely to score Luke Robinson and Jack Atkins were kept busy in defense and it was only when Hayden Hollis picked up the ball in the opposition box turned and put the ball in the net that the early nerves started to go away. Belper started to force the play and several chances went begging Matt Lawrence put one into the side netting, Hayden headed one over the bar but the opposition held strong. A second goal did come for Belper Louis Mundin put a tempting cross into the box and Ben Gowing headed it home, just to remind Belper they were still in a game the opposition took the ball up the field and only a superb tip over the bar by Chris Whitely save an instant repost. Josh Thompson came on for Ben Gowing his pace caused the opposition some discomfort but it was Ben Rushby who put the third goal in beating the keeper from close range. A forth and fifth goal followed quickly the first a headed effort from Hayden Hollis the second another Ben Rushby special, as half time approached Belper were in control and the opposition looked lie they had the stuffing knocked out of them.

Belper carried on where they had left off in the second half Lewis Chambers was first to go close then Josh Thompson put in number six from a perfect cross provided by Lewis, it must be said in this game Lewis showed his talent at making telling crosses and many of Belpers goals or near misses were due to is precision balls. Hayden Hollis made it 7 and Ben Rushby made it 8 by chipping the keeper, Liam Marsden came on for Hayden who had really put his mark on the game. What followed next was an incredible series of event Josh Thompson hit the post, then Liam Marsden did the same and to make it a hat trick Lewis Chambers did the same again, it was obvious more goals would come, number 9 came when Josh Thompson ran through the defense rounded the keeper and waked the ball in the net. Number 10 and 11 belong to Liam Marsden who not only looked the part but proved his point with two sweet goals. Goal number twelve finished the scoring Belper played well enough but after the first 30 minutes weren’t really tested they will surely meet stiffer opposition but all credit to Chesapeake who never gave up

ARG 

Team:  Chris Whiteley, Jack Atkins, Luke Robinson, James Rigg, Louis Nichols, Lewis Chambers Scott Rogers, Matt Lawrence, Louis Mundin, Ben Gowing, Hayden Hollis,

Subs: Ben Rushby, Liam Marsden, Josh Thompson.

  All used

 Sunday 28th October

Belper Town U15 Sunday 2 Alvaston Rangers 0 

 Belper managed to grind out a win against a side that are notoriously difficult to break down, the uneven pitch and swirling wind also made playing football extremely difficult. Belper dominated the first passages of play and had several chances to score, Josh Thompson hit the bar with the goal keeper stranded and after several other close attempts Belper were awarded a corner kick. Louis Mundin whipped in a wicked cross and the defender had no option but to try to deal with it but he only succeeded in putting the ball in his own net. Belper continued to push forward Hayden Hollis had a scorching shot saved at close range, Ben Gowing had an attempt saved at the second or third attempt and Josh Thompson should have made it 2 – 0 but the uneven surface managed to upset his final effort. As the half drew on Alvaston came more into the match, their hard style of play and some very dubious tactics unsettled Belper and only some stout defending and a couple of telling saves from Chris Whitley kept the score at 1 - 0.

At half time Liam Marsden replaced Josh Thompson as Belper strengthened the midfield. Alvaston were in the ascendancy for a while but never really looked like scoring Louis Nichols and Scott Rogers worked hard in midfield to keep Alvaston at bay and when you have a defense like Belper have its difficult for any team to get any real chances. Jack Atkins and Luke Robinson have for a long time been at the heart of the Belper defense James Rigg who joined the club this year compliments the others and Louis Mundin has performed extremely well this year in an unfamiliar role. Belper withstood the onslaught and as the game drew on finally got back on top Lewis Nichols and Lewis Chambers both had chances and eventually nerves were settled when Hayden Hollis headed home a corner to make the score 2 – 0. Belper never looked threatened after the second goal, Matt Lawrence replaced Scott Rogers and Ben Rushby came on for the last few minute replacing Lewis Chambers. A difficult match which really was not so enjoyable to watch, Chris Whitely was awarded man of the match and all the spectators hope for more exciting football next time.

ARG 

Team:  Chris Whiteley, Jack Atkins, Luke Robinson, James Rigg, Louis Nichols, Lewis Chambers Scott Rogers, Louis Mundin, Ben Gowing, Haydn Hollis, Josh Thompson. 

Subs:, Ben Rushby, Liam Marsden, Matt Lawrence, All used

Sunday 21st October 

Belper Town U15 Sunday 6-1 Stanton Ilkeston

Sunday 14th October

Belper Town U15 Sunday 7-1 Sandiacre Town

Belper played away against their main rivals Sandiacre, who were top of the league and like Belper had a 100% record. Belper were focused and on their game from the start, Ben Gowing racing onto a Haydn Hollis through ball to slot calmly into the net after three minutes. Chris Whiteley made a world class point blank save, and from then on Belper never looked back.Despite missing a penalty, a second goal soon followed , Hayden Hollis hooking the ball past the keeper folowing a defensive mix up.In defence Luke Robinson and Jack Atkins were solid as ever, Ben Willison on the left and James Rigg on the right were outstanding. Matt Lawrence and Louis Nichols battled in the midfield.Liam Marsden making his first start, latched onto a through ball by James Rigg to lob the keeper.The fourth goal followed Ben Gowing supplying lewis Chambers to knock past the keeper.

At half time a number of changes followed, as injuries took a hold, before Scott Rogers scored a great shot from the edge of the area following another assist by Ben Willison. Sandiacre then pulled one back, Chris Whiteley parrying a shot into the path of an oncoming striker. Spurred on, Lewis Chambers and Ben Rushby twice played nice one twos with each other,both scoring, to make it 7-1 to Belper.Louis Mundin as ever looked composed on the ball, Josh Thompson, played despite being ill. A fantastic result,and squad effort.

James Rigg was outstanding-winning the man of the match award. 

Sunday 23rd September 2007

 Belper Town U15 Sunday 4 Codnor Boys 0

Belper ran out comprehensive winners in a game which could have proved troublesome for them, right from the start Belper looked determined to win this one in style. From the kick off Belper pushed the ball through and Lewis Chambers was judged to be marginally offside when he was clear through on the keeper, the next move saw Josh Thompson go close and it was not long before Ben Gowing popped up at the back post to put the ball away after a move which involved most of the Belper team. A rare attack at the other end saw Codnor hit the post, but in fairness this was the only opposition attack of any note all morning, Belper defense looked solid as ever, Jack Atkins and Luke Robinson in the middle looked assured, James Rigby and Ben Willison both looked like they had been in the team for a long time, both played their parts to the full and started many positive moves. In the middle Matt Lawrence and Louis Nichols worked hard Ben Gowing had a great game which would eventually earn him a joint man of the match award with Lewis Chambers who had one of his best games for a long time. Belper continued to press the play in the opposition half, Josh Thompson had several chances only to see the keeper save them or for them to go  marginally wide, other teams should be worried because sooner or later Josh will score a hat full. Codnor dealt with the pressure but in truth it was very one sided and when Ben Gowing got a second goal the result was really no longer in doubt, the half time whistle went with Belper ahead by two.

Obviously Mike Nichols half time talk worked Belper came out of the blocks at full speed they earned a corner from the first play Josh Thompson lofted a beautiful ball into the box and Haydn Hollis rose magnetically and nodded the ball home to make it 3 – 0, I think we will see a few more of those this season. Belper now rang the changes Scott Rogers and Ben Rushby came on for Haydn and Josh and Belper continued to pepper the Codnor defense with shots and crosses, one tipped the bar and Ben Rushby dragged on right across the face of the goal. Further changes were made Liam Marsden came on and as ever looked effective, Louis Mundin was given a run  and as ever was straight into the action. The pressure was relentless which caused some frustration in the opposition team and crowd but it was obvious to any fair minded observer that Belper were clearly the best side, any doubt was put away when Lewis Chambers placed the ball deftly into the far corner after running onto to a neat through ball 4 – 0 , game over. The last ten minutes were played out with Belper still in charge and Codnor chasing the game. A fine result for Belper and hopefully the shape of things to come for the rest of the season

ARG

Team:  Chris Whiteley, Ben Willison, Jack Atkins, Matt Lawrence, Luke Robinson, James Rigg, Louis Nichols, Lewis Chambers, Ben Gowing, Haydn Hollis, Josh Thompson.

Subs:, Ben Rushby, Scott Rogers, Louis Mundin, Liam Marsden, All used

Sunday 16th September 2007 

Belper Town U15 Sunday 3 Ilkeston 1 

After a faultless pre season Belper continued their winning ways with a decent victory over Ilkeston, this was a good victory for Belper but they never really killed off the challenge and the opposition were still in it right up to the final whistle. Ilkeston started the brightest until Belpers side settled down, Haydn Hollis put Josh Thompson through on the keeper but unfortunately he was just offside and was stooped from making a proper effort on goal. The provider then turned finisher Louis Mundin put Hayden Hollis through and Haydn made no mistake hammering the ball home putting Belper in front and settling some early nerves. Belper now had its best period of play, they passed and moved and showed some imagination in their play. Lewis Chambers deft flick completely wrong footed the opposition keeper and made the score 2 -0 to Belper. From this position should have finished the game off but despite their best efforts they could not score a third. Lewis Chambers went close, Ben Gowing shot over the bar and Scott Rogers could have scored with his first touch when he came on for injured Matt Lawrence but the ball would not go into the net. As half time approached Belper were given a wake up call when a long range shot from a very active opposition striker hit the post and went wide.

After the break Belper took time to get into their stride, the opposition took advantage of this and only a couple of decent saves from Chris Whitley and some sterling work from Jack Atkins and Luke Robinson in Belpers defense kept the score sheet clean. At the other end Belper had plenty of chances but none went in, Haydn Hollis and Josh Thompson were a continuous threat and Scott Roger with Ben Rushby also looked potent. The third goal came from a player who was on the top of his game on Sunday, Ben Willison first of all made a goal saving challenge in defense the shortly afterwards popped up in the opposition box  to strike home a goal to make the game safe, a fine performance that rightly won him man of the match. Belper had several more attempts on goal notably an overhead kick from Lewis Chambers but they were unable to add to their score, Ilkeston scored a late conciliation goal but it was too late to change the outcome of the game  

ARG 

Team:  Chris Whiteley, Ben Willison, Jack Atkins, Matt Lawrence, Luke Robinson, Louis Mundin, Louis Nichols, Lewis Chambers, Ben Gowing, Haydn Hollis, Josh Thompson. 

Subs:, Ben Rushby, Scott Rogers, James Rigg, All used