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Belper men ease their relegation fears with a hard-fought victory
EHL Conference North Formby 0 Belper 2*
Belper further eased their relegation fears with a hard-fought victory away at rock bottom Formby in a game that could and should have been so much easier.
With both sides desperate for the points with Formby lying seven points behind the Derbyshire side before the game, a win for the hosts was equally as important.
The 2-0 win nows leaves the Nailers ten points ahead of Formby with only 15 left available to play for.
A delighted head coach Ben Lamb said: "The result was massive today, although we can play better, the three points was essential.
"We're in a better position now and with a home double-header next weekend we can secure our Conference North status with the right results".
Formby started the game with 11 men behind the ball showing very little endeavour which made breaking them down hard work.
Belper were soon in control but with Formby's negative tactics the openings we few and far between.
The best chance of the first half fell to Luke Davies after being played in by Ben Inshaw down the right but his shot was smothered by the Formby goalkeeper.
Belper managed to squander further good chances from penalty corners as again their routines were sadly ineffective.
Failed to convert
Amazingly, the Nailers have now failed to convert from the last 14 penalty corners they have been awarded, a statistic that will need to change sooner rather than later.
With Belper unable to find the breakthrough frustrations grew and ill-discipline started to creep into the game as half-time arrived with the game goalless.
With some harsh words exchanged at the interval, Belper came out more determined in the second half.
Indeed, within the opening few minutes Tom Sherratt was presented with the best chance of the game but the Formby keeper again made the save.
With tensions mounting, Belper finally got the goal they deserved. A great pass down the line from Dan Mills at right back found Nick Morris who entered the circle to square to Sherratt who found the corner of the net.
With relief evident Belper were ready for the Formby reaction, but as their league position suggests it never came.
In fact it was Belper who looked to improve the scoreline and indeed the game was made safe with just n ine minutes left on the clock as James Blackwell netted his first goal since returning to the club.
After robbing the Formby defender at the top of the circle, Blackwell fired the ball home off the post to secure a crucial 2-0 victory and move the Nailers further away from danger.
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Weather for Belper
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
