Curtis Williamson, Jake Dodds and Richard Hanslow all scored today in
a dominating performance against some tough conditions to move into
2nd place in the league, level on points with leaders Sherwood Colliery.
United took on Rainworth Miners Welfare FC today in both teams’ 8th
game of the East Midlands County League 20/21 campaign.
The two teams were sat on 15 points each, Belper just a cut above in 4th
, Rainworth in 5th
. Today’s game was officiated by Tolu Sangowawa.
The game started with some good possession from the two teams,
Belper looking comfortable at home, The Wrens with good
communication in the middle of the park thanks to their number 6 Kane
Hempshall, who had a shot well saved by Scott Whittington early on.
Home fans looked worried as Rainworth won a free kick inside the D,
only for Kurtis Bamford to hit the wall. Some stern words from Marc
“Strez” Strzyzewski to his fellow defenders saw United dig deep for the
last 20 minutes of the half.
Curtis Williamson scored the opening goal of the game, against the run
of play, chasing a long ball down and slotting it into an open goal from a
tight angle after rounding the keeper. An exciting example of his pace
and power.
Belper’s confidence only grew after the opener, after winning a handful
of freekicks and winning nearly every second ball, it seemed only a
matter of time before they scored again. Jake Dodds scored in the 37th
minute, calmy finishing past a helpless goalkeeper once he had sold the
defender, cutting inside the box. The half ended 2-0 to United, with a
win looking very possible.
United started the second half as they ended the first, unphased by the
wet weather they pressed on and continued to mount pressure on The
Wren’s defence. Williamson was first to every ball, winning a few
freekicks around the Rainworth end.
After some impressive goalkeeping by Warren Squires, making a double
save to deny Richard Hanslow, he was unable to prevent United’s third
of the game. Unsurprisingly Williamson was involved, nutmegging his
man then whipping in a delicious cross for Hanslow, who headed coolly
past the keeper for 3-0.
Rainworth tried to mount an unlikely comeback; the away fans were
given some hope as the Navy Blues won a penalty in the 73rd minute.
Unfortunately for them, Ryan Ingram was unable to keep his cool as he
ballooned the penalty over the bar. The miss further dampened
Rainworth’s spirits and they failed to create any more opportunities,
picking up a couple of bookings as the clock ran down.
The game ended 3-0, a massive six points for Belper. Curtis
Williamson’s individual brilliance earned him man of the match. United
will now look ahead to next Saturday as they face Rainworth once again
in the FA Vase.
By Alex Burton.