Match Report – 2-0 Belper Town (Friendly) 13/07/21

The Colls continued their preseason campaign with their third game against fellow NPL members Belper Town. It was a great evening for football with the sun shining and the temperature dropping to a comfortable temperature.

Colls lined up almost identically to Saturday, barring one change at left back as Ben Gordon was rested and Fabian Bailey took his place in the side.

Belper got the game underway with the Colls attacking the Skinner Lane end in the first half. It didn’t take Ponte long to register the first shot of the game, Mikey Dunn stepped passed two before shooting just over.

With Seven minutes on the clock The Colls were awarded a penalty. The referee had awarded a corner, despite pleas from the home side. However, the linesman had his flag raised indicating an infringement as the Belper man appeared to handle the ball. After a few seconds of discussions the referee took word from his assistant referee and awarded the spot kick. Vaughan Redford stepped up and dispatched with ease.

Only a couple of minutes passed before Belper had the ball in the net, but their cheers were met by the linesman’s flag again this time ruling the goal out for offside.

There was very little in the way of chances for the remaining of the half, barring two efforts from range first Vaughan Redford was denied by a smart save down low before a strike from Jack Vann which drifted just over. The only real sour note of the night for your host saw Danny Middleton leave the field with what looked like a serious injury (Now confirmed as a fractured ankle). A melee begin in centre field, Danny Middleton was shoved by the Belper man but Danny fell awkwardly ending his night.

The second saw Ponte attacking the ‘Shed End’, putting on some fantastic flowing attacking moves. The forward line of Smith, Redford and Dunn causing havoc for their opposition. Vaughan Redford had two early strikes well saved by the visiting keeper to keep the score 1-0 to Ponte.

Ten minutes into the second half saw The Colls handed a great chance to double their lead. Mikey Dunn latched onto a great through ball after a quick free kick, his first touch was sublime and as he rounded the keeper he was upended by a mix of ‘keeper and defender. A second penalty for Vaughan Redford who stepped up to slot home (see video below).

Ryan Musselwhite made his first real save of the night, he showed strong fists to deny a rasping volley from the visitors to keep his sheets clean. The defensive line stood firm all night with Spencer Clarke hardly losing a duel in the air and Scott Brown dominant in the challenge.

Dylan Collington, who replaced Danny Middleton in the first half, put in a performance well above his age. He alongside Jack Vann controlled the midfield battle and Dylan in particular really put himself about to impress the home faithful.

A great performance and even better to keep the visitors to nil. A good yardstick to show where we are early in preseason and showed we can mix it in tough games as well as playing nice football.