After a looooooooong break it was great to get back playing today, a game I was excited for as I felt it would be a really good test. Belper are a good, well organised side not used to loosing..... pretty much like us !!!
As the game kicked off we were in control and passing the ball nicely, you wouldn't have thought we hadn't played for so long or that we weren't used to the surface we were playing on. Belper did grow into the game though and there quality was there for all to see. As half time came the score was 0-0 which I honestly felt was a fair reflection. Both sides were on good form with the majority of football being played in the middle of the pitch, each team cancelling out many chances. A great game from a neutral position however Brendan and I are far from neutral so the half time speech needed to be fair.... but firm ! and that's exactly what it was.
The second half kicked off and again we were on the front foot, chances were coming and their goalie was definitely back in the game where Josh at times looked a lonely figure. We just needed that break and soon enough it came, straight to the feet of Karsen who took his chance fantastically and about tore a hole in the back of the net as it hit. 1-0 to Chellaston and fully deserved.
As the game went on so did the chances, Connor hit one over and one wide, a fantastic bit of skill from Jamie created the best of chances which we just couldn't quite convert and then Tom made a great run through the middle, struck the ball well and into the net it went. Great individual goal which topped off a great performance from Tom as he worked relentlessly in the middle of the pitch all day.
That is how the game ended 2-0 to Chellaston keeping our 100% record in tact against a very good Belper side.
Some note-able performances .....Will again doing everything right at the back, Ben outstanding wherever we asked him to play ! Shaun impresses more and more each week, Issac grew into the game looking far more confident in the second half, Karsen and Jamie full of that bulldog spirit, a brilliant save from Josh, but man of the match for me was Connor. Strong both on and off the ball, not scared to shoot and his first half performance for me was one of the best I'd seen him play. Another point worth mentioning was how vocal he was. I think I heard him say something positive about everyone on the pitch throughout that game. Yeah there was a few moans aswell but thats just because he's passionate. A great captains performance for me and one worthy of man of the match. Keep it up Connor and keep shooting as the goals are sure to come !!
Now onto next week where we hope to play Heanor Town Juniors (weather and pitch permitting). Another strong side currently sitting second in Div 3 having played 4 games wining 3 and loosing only 1 against 3rd place Toton. Ive a feeling they're going to be more worried about playing us than we should be of playing them so early nights for all the boys next Saturday and lets show them what we're made of !!
