Belper 1 - Chelmsford 0
Scorers: Sam McCambridge
In their first competitive game for over 2 months, Belper finally ended their run of four straight league defeats with a win at home to bottom club Chelmsford and in the process kept their first clean sheet in over a year!
"I'm delighted with the 3 points obviously, as our run in the league has not been too good recently" commented Ben Lamb, Head Coach. "The hockey we played today wasn't great, but I'm thrilled the guys stuck to the task and we got the win we needed". "This sets us up nicely now for the long trip to Guildford next weekend" Lamb added.
The game itself wasn't pretty with Chelmsford setting out their stall to put every man behind the ball and hit Belper on the break. With only 11 men in the Chelmsford ranks this seemed an obvious ploy but worked to a great extent in the 1st period as Chelmsford caused one or to scares to the Nailers goal. Neill Slane had to be smart on several occasions to keep Chelmsford out. The Nailers created the best chance early in the half as McCambridge slid the ball across goal for Walton to put narrowly wide. Apart from that miss though, Belper struggled to create any real chances. Although Belper controlled possession and the tempo of the game as it progressed mistakes started to happen with the ball being given away at regular intervals. By the end of the half Belper were struggling to put 2 passes or more together.
The second period started better, but still little opportunities came the way of the Nailers. With Chelmsford camped deep in their circle, the game looked destined for a bore draw. However, after a slick move down the right, Mark Lamb, Captain, found himself in the right back slot. A brilliant lofted ball into the circle followed and McCambridge smashed the ball home on the half volley to give the Nailers the lead and Chelmsford furious with the decision. With a goal to the good the Nailers pushed on, as no reaction from Chelmsford was forthcoming. Jack Wells, with a rush of blood to the head, had the best chance of doubling the lead, but a solitary goal was all the Nailers needed to take the victory and 3 points 1-0.
The Nailers now travel to Guildford next week, another team below them in the table, looking to build on the 3 points picked up against Chelmsford. "We will have to improve against Guildford" said Lamb. "We have a hard weeks worth of training ahead and I'm sure we will be fully prepared to face Guildford".