BELPER WIN AT PINXTON MAKES THEM FAVOURITES FOR RUNNERS UP SPOT

PINXTON 1 V BELPER UTD 3
CMFL SOUTH AT VAN ELLE WELFARE GROUND
5 MAY 2016 ---7.45PM

PINXTON FC WITH ST HELENS CHURCH IN THE DISTANCE

Belper secured a victory that made their grip on the runners up spot more likely but for much of the first half it looked unlikely and they had to come back from 1 down to grab the valuable three points.
As ever the blog is now in end of season mode and trying to take in as many games as possible and this warm spring evening was welcoming enough prospect at Wharf Lane as we entered the tight ground that offers that lovely non league feel of being close enough to the action that you can actual feel involved.

BURNLEY FAN DAVE OVERSEES THE GROUP OF REFEREES

Before the game there was the change to catch up with the usual collection of loyal non league followers including Richard Lane of the Newark Parish.  There was even a collection of referees including assessor's not sure what the terminology for this would be?  But it was good to catch up with Malc, Rob and Graham who all posed with our good friend Dave who had just a small Burnley pin badge on his jacket tonight to show his allegiances.

HERE COME THE TEAMS

Pre match we had decamped to the local Coop for provisions and after paying our admissions Mick ventured off for drinks in the Old Pavilion Café.  Thankfully the teams were gained from referee Gareth Davies who the blog had not caught up with since last season but it was good to catch up with him tonight as ever he is always very courteous and over the 90 minutes controlled the game well in what was a testing encounter.

The first period was very much dominated by Pinxton but the visitors defence was holding strong and it looked like the home side would not break through.  The lead did fall their way on 33 minutes though when Tom Ellis drove home from close range but within 7 minutes Belper had risen to the challenge and equalised through a James Slack header after a poor punched clearance from home keeper Gareth Briggs.

The second half started with Belper looking to force home their need for three points when Slack saw his shot well saved by Briggs before on 55 minutes they did take the lead with Shaun Roulston rising to head home.
Pinxton came back and refused to lie down with a goal disallowed for handball and then a rasping 25 yard free kick from Jake Vernon hitting the bar hoper were raised of an equaliser.

The game was put beyond doubt when in the 3rd minute of stoppage time when Luis Mundin broke through and coolly slotted home to make it 3-1 to the visitors.

A slightly harsh result for Pinxton but a much required three points for Belper who move on towards the runners up spot they desire to gain promotion to The East Midlands Counties League.  It looks likely that they will be located at Borrowash Vics ground in Derby next season and of course hope they do well there although at nearly 15 miles away from their base this is a challenging move.
Overall a good night out and a very entertaining game too.