Nailed On Good Afternoon - Belper Town vs, Carlton Town

Imposing backdrop at Christchurch Meadow

This weekend I underestimated the power of the wind to dry out pitches and the games I looked at west of London - Wallingford, Milton and Bradford - all survived, however my cautious approach meant that I visited the fantastic ground of Belper Town. I'd seen pictures of the old mill and church towering over the ground from pictures online but they don't do the sheer size of these buildings justice. Belper's opposition in this Northern Premier League Division One East game was Carlton Town which meant that the game had a little bit of a Derby vs. Nottingham feel to it (to an outsider at least). The two sides need the points for different reasons, Belper to stay in touch with the play offs and Carlton to pull away from the relegation zone. Any points gained made a big difference as only six points separated thirteenth from fifth.

More rural setting for kick off

There is a frantic start to the half when Belper hit the bar with a close range header following a corner kick. They repeat the trick shortly afterwards but this time from a free kick as Carlton are in danger of being overrun. The home side get the lead their early pressure deserves as the forward finishes from close range after being found with a pull back. Carlton's first chance comes when Belper don't fully clear a long throw in but the defence is able to block the eventual shot. Late in the half, Belper make it two with a shot from the edge of the box goes in off the post.

Throw in front of the cover on the mill side of the ground

The second half isn't as frantic, Belper should really make it three when the attacker is found in plenty of space but the ball goes well over the bar. Carlton get the late consolation goal but the result is never really in doubt.

Belper looking for the third goal in the second half

Like a lot of recent trips it's a long but simple journey to Belper from London. The first part of the trip is a train to Derby from St Pancras and you change there for the train to Belper with the overall journey taking just over two hours. There were a couple of cracking pubs in Belper, the first being Arkwright's Real Ale Bar which had an extensive choice of ales. Then on the way to the ground there is Pump It Up which is the smallest pub of the season but again had a great selection of ales. If you just want somewhere to watch the early kick off then The George And Dragon just around the corner from the ground is a good shout. The clubhouse had the usual selection of beers and one ale and Christchurch Meadow is perfect if you want a ground with a fantastic backdrop.

Side on view of the main stand