Venue: Worksop Van hire Stadium, Clipstone
Treated like royalty again - thanks to all at Clipstone for their friendly welcome, team sheets, half time refreshments and giving us a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
Anyone who really knows us will tell you we have never been, nor will be, scroungers. We always want to pay our way and put some money (even if it's not a lot!) into the game. But on occasion it's difficult to say no, and this was one of those occasions!
Belper Utd currently lie second in the CMLS, having played 6, winning 5 and drawing the other.
Clipstone have made a creditable start to their NCEL1 season, but on looking at the team sheets it seemed there would be only one outcome - a Cobra win. Ed Eley is a fantastic addition to an already strong squad - a squad that has more than it's fair share of last season's Brett Marshall Hucknall Town team.
Clipstone went close as early as the fifth minute when Gavin King was picked out by Rob Paling and unleashed a shot that cannoned off the far upright before flying safe. Carl Snowden then found space on the edge of the box and tried to chip Adam Jablonski, but succeed only in lobbing the ball into the keeper's arms.
Belper had a free-kick blocked by Matt Austin on 23, and the resultant free-kick was well cleared by Brandon Shaw.
The home team should have gone ahead in the 27th minute, but Rob Austin's wayward near post header didn't do justice to Shaw's magnificent cross from the left wing.
Clipstone took the lead that their play warranted on 40, after United full back Adam Moss tripped Nathan Millington in the box. Rob Austin was injured in the build up to the penalty, and had to receive treatment.
ROB PALING had to wait three of four minutes before taking the spot kick - but the wait didn't bother the defender and he drilled the ball low and hard past Jablonski.
Adam Moss knows what he's done...
James Leggitt came on to replace Austin, taking up the left full back spot with Shaw slotting into the centre of the defence alongside Liam Pride. It has to be said that SHAW didn't look out of place, and when he went up for a free-kick on 44, he managed to sneak in at the far post and head the ball past a surprised keeper who looked around as if to say "where did hell did he come from?" H-T 2-0
Invited into the Barry Clarke Hospitality suite for tea and cobs during the break - very nice indeed!!
Pete Stubley had been having a good game leading the Clipstone line, even though Manager Marshall had said he was "as strong as Woolworth's perfume" after he was bundled off the ball on several occasions in the first half.
Marsh bustin some moves!!!!
He didn't get pushed off the ball six minutes into the second half though, and after forcing his way to the by-line he fired the ball into the danger area. Snowdon connected well with the cross and his powerful drive brought out a smart save from Jablonski, but the loose ball fell straight to the feet of IAN HILLER who toe-poked home from close range. Turned out Stubley was Chanel no. 9 really!
In the 65th minute, Kyle Wadsworth saw his header cleared off the line by Shaw as Belper strove to get back into the game - then shortly after Tim Sterland headed just over as the home defence wobbled a little under the pressure.
Snowdon brought out another good save from Jablonksi on 68, but the keeper could do little to prevent the Clipstone 4th goal on 71. Stubley again reached the dead-ball line and crossed to the far stick where Sterland tried to clear the danger - unfortunately for him the ball fell sweetly to CARL SNOWDON six yards out, and he was never going to miss from there!
Belper still tried to take the game to their hosts, despite being four down and Tim Parry's eyes must have popped out of their sockets when Eley misjudged a cross and the ball fell invitingly for the no.6 at the far post. Not his day though as he blazed well over from just a few feet out. F-T 4-0
Referee was Simon Swain from Lincoln - not over fussy, but allowed one or two strong challenges to go unpunished, whilst a few more innocuous ones incurred his wrath!!
Admission - thanks Brett!
Programme - sold out
Attendance 57
MOM - Stubley was superb leading the line, and probably merited the MOM award, but it was defender Brandon Shaw who caught the eye, especially when he was drafted in the centre of defence.
