Belper`s East Mill has overlooked more football matches over the years and now bears the flag of the team it`s overshadowed for many a season.It`s part in history coincides with a small piece of history for Rainworth, the Wren`s now occupy their highest position in the football pyramid since their foundation, hopefully they can maintain it this afternoon.
Rainworth mugged Grantham on Tuesday night, grabbing all three points whilst spending most of the game under siege, but as they say it`s goals that count!!
Tommy Taylor on the other hand will be looking for something more substantial from the Nailers who have only taken one point from their opening two games.
There`s something about Christchurch Meadows that draws me in, don`t know what it is. When we made our maiden visit back in February the place captivated me, a very good set up in a with a lovely back-drop, it just has a good aura about it, needless to say we didn`t need an invitation to come back.
We arrived with twenty minutes to go to kick-off so Dudsey decided to sample the delights of Derbyshire Catering who provide the food and refreshments at the ground (highly recommended for any Ground-hopper who appreciates decent food on-site).
The game started quick, but stoppage after stoppage prevented it from gaining any real momentum, and although it was a very different Belper side on show today it was the more senior players, Froggatt and Wiggens-Thomas who lit the way for the new members of the squad.
Rainworth`s back four is probably as good as they`ve had, Fearon, Timons, Kennedy and Joe Carter are quickly becoming a very tight unit and work well for each other. Belper where knocking on the door but it wasn`t opening and Tbh at this point I couldn`t see where a goal was coming from and that`s how it remained until half-time. 0-0
Rainworth came out better in the second half but the game was still floundering and I honestly thought today was going to be my first goal-less game since "God knows when".
Slowly but surely The Nailers where starting to turn the game around and Froggatt produced a peach of a shot which looked a dead cert as he scooped a rasper over the defence towards the top right-hand corner, only to see it return off the right angle.
The introduction of Andy Rushbury tipped the scales in favour of the home side, match fitness also started to play a part in the game, Belper looked a lot more comfortable in the latter stages.
Dion Meikle tested Saxby from a corner but it was Rushbury who spoiled Rainworth`s reign at the top of the table as he found space just outside the box, thrashing it home with five minutes to go.
Rainworth rallied in an attempt to gain an equaliser but it wasn`t to be and TT`s lads scooped all three points.
Today for me saw another game where despite the valiant efforts of a very good back four, Rainworth have still to find an out-and-out striker, that natural predator, the one who can turn a defence inside out and find the target. Let`s hope he`s not far away!!
My Men of the Match - Belper John Froggatt, Wrens - Joe Carter
Admission - £7
Attendance - 170
great blog! i will follow
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