Match Report  |  Gresley FC vs Belper Town

Gresley managed to break their dismal run of consecutive defeats with a well deserved and earned win over local neighbours Belper Town at the Moat Ground.

Both sides have struggled this season but that didn't stop the game being end-to-end entertainment with Gresley coming out on top through goals from Jack Langston and an own goal from Jack O'Brien - Ben Watkis got Town's consolation goal with two minutes of the game remaining.

With manager Gary Ricketts still suffering from a slight hamstring problem he placed himself on the bench and pushed John Guy up front in his place. Loanee Brad Smith took the left back slot otherwise the team was unchanged from last Saturday's game at Stafford.

The visitors made the first chance on 8 minutes when Jonathan Williams sent Brad Wells in on goal but a good block from Gresley keeper Matt Cottrell denied him the first goal.

At the other end a good pass to Jack Langston let the midfielder have a shot on goal but Belper keeper Dan Haystead also made a fine save to keep the scores level.

It was end to end with Cottrell having to make another good save this time to deny Williams' free kick from the edge of the area finding the back of the net.

Another good chance for the visitors came and was squandered. A cross from Williams found Watkis in space but he could only head over the bar. This was quickly followed by a good ball to Alex Steadman who should have done much better as he skewed his effort wide of the far post. Robert Stevenson then fired a shot which was comfortably dealt with by Cottrell.

Belper were having a good spell of pressure with Steadman having his shot from the left blocked by the legs of Cottrell.

Gresley withstood those ten minutes or so and went close themselves when a good passing move involving Guy, Langston and Martin Smyth ended with the latter shooting just wide of the post.

Now it was Gresley's turn to apply the pressure and it paid off with four minutes of the first half remaining. Smyth raced into the area only to be brought down by Eric Graves. Referee Mr Price did not hesitate in awarding the penalty. Langston took the kick giving his side the lead after sending Haystead the wrong way.

Gresley ended the half with two more chances at increasing their lead when Guy narrowly headed Liam Holt's corner wide and Michael Pearson firing straight at Haystead after a good run into the Belper area.

Within 6 minutes of the second half starting Gresley had doubled their lead. Awarded a free kick on the edge of the area Guy swung a high ball into the box but just as Smyth was ready to head the ball home the unfortunate O'Brien beat him to it and put the ball into his own net.

Gresley went close again when Smyth flicked a ball on to Langston but his shot was well blocked by Haystead.

Haystead came to his side's rescue again when Guy headed powerfully Pearson's cross goalwards but the keeper did superbly to tip the ball over the bar. Holt then tried a long range shot which Haystead held.

Belper were threatening again and almost reduced the arrears on 70 minutes. A ball sent Steadman through on goal, he rounded the advancing Cottrell and slid the ball towards goal but Jamie Barrett had recovered ground and was able to clear the ball off the line.

Three minutes later a cracking volley from Belper substitute Laurence Constable was superbly tipped over the ball by Cottrell.

With two minutes of normal time remaining Belper scored what proved to be their consolation goal. Constable was denied twice by Cottrell but the ball came out to Watkis who fired the loose ball home.

Gresley were denied a clear third goal in time added on. A poor kick by Haystead hit Guy in the midriff who then fired the ball back into the empty net but before the celebration could start the referee unbelievably gave a free kick to the visitors for hand ball when he'd been 20 yards behind Guy who's back was towards the official and his assistant not flagging the offence.

The relief around the Moat Ground at the final whistle was palpable as Gresley's poor run finally came to an end.