Belper United 5-1 Eastwood Community

In the early stages of the game there was little action of any real note with both teams being limited to efforts from outside the area, both were blasted over the bar. It took until the 16th minute for Belper to provide any genuine danger when Sam Vicker's shot from outside the area was palmed away by Andy Fretwell. Belper pushed on and Jordan Ball lifted a lob of target.

Eastwood found their feet soon after, Jake Danby with a great effort from outside the area. They posed a threat through long passes that threatened to catch Belper out and eventually picked out Nick Hewer who ran onto the ball and raced forward, however he skewed his shot and the keeper was on hand to pick the ball up.

The game then tipped into Belper's favour once again, testing Fretwell with a long rage effort that he was able to get across to and tip away.

It was through a similar chance that Belper eventually found a break through, Shaun Roulston was allowed time to unleash a rocket that found the top corner. Belper piled on the pressure afterwards and found another just five minutes later when Alfie Holland tucked in their second from inside the area. Things were beginning to look bleak for Eastwood when Jordan Ball was played in for a one-on-one with the keeper, Ball let them off and put the chance wide just before half time.

Belper immediately put themselves on the front foot in the second half, trying a through ball to their striker that was swept up by Fretwell. There was no respite for Eastwood and Belper found the back of the net again when Ash Dindsa converted a square pass in the area.

The third goal proved to be a real downer for Eastwood and they conceded a penalty only two minutes later, Jordan Ball took it upon himself to step up and rifle the ball in from the penalty spot to open the gap even further.

It would have been easy for Eastwood to give up, but they battled on. They were seeing success down the right wing and Jake Danby whipped in a dangerous ball, Belper were only able to half clear and Jack Havron smashed his effort wide.

Both teams shared possession for the following ten minutes before Lewis Bentley stormed into Belper's box, taking on a few defenders. He was denied by the keeper who was looking after his clean sheet.

Shortly after, Belper were creating problems of their own when a ball inside Eastwood's area proved difficult to clear and somehow found it's way into the back of the net, Sam Vickers claiming Belper's fifth and essentially putting the game to bed.

Eastwood continued to show spirit and their struggles were rewarded in the 88th minute. It was Danby again with a clever ball into the box that pin-balled amongst Belper's defense, Nick Hewer was on hand to score Eastwood's first. No more than a consolation goal on a frustrating day.

There was a fair share in possession and chances, but Belper were the ones to make the most of theirs and continue their charge to the top of the table. Meanwhile, Eastwood remain bottom of the league.

By Dave Mee