Unfriendly Town

Colin Atkinson goes to Belper Town v Runcorn

Being in Derby on a Saturday recently gave me the opportunity of finding a match somewhere in the area - and the nearest of a decent standard was an FA Trophy 1st Round tie between Belper Town (second from bottom in the Unibond League Division 1) and Runcorn FC Halton (mid-table in the Premier Division of the same league).

You might have seen Belper featured on Football Focus' 'On the Road to Cardiff' recently when they lost to Worcester City in the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. Seven miles north of Derby, Belper is a small town on the southern edge of the Peak District, climbing up a hillside. The ground, Christchurch Meadow, is close by the Rover Amber and, as can be seen from a photo in the clubhouse, has been under water when the river has burst its banks. For some interesting views of the ground, click on www.belpertownfc.co.uk.

'Unfriendly' Town

Elsie Price goes to the McAlpine Stadium to witness a 5-1 defeat…

The usual family outing for Huddersfield away.

It was quite a pleasant day. We got to the ground and were politely treated by the stewards and the turnstile chap. I was always under the impression that Yorkshire people were friendly, but I had my opinion changed by the treatment Hector Sam received when he was warming up on the touchline - it was disgraceful. I couldn't see the reason for it - as they too were fielding black players.

The game did nothing to lift my spirits, especially when Rogers got injured. No disrespect to him, but I think we need an experienced goalkeeper. I am not used to seeing poor goalkeepers at Wrexham, having been used to Keelan, Schofield, Livsey, Gaskell, Lloyd and Davies, to name but a few!

I think it will be a long tome before I visit Huddersfield again. I have also written to HTFC to tell them what I think of their fans.

Basically, there are two stands, one terraced and one seating, down the sides, and behind the Church End is some raised terracing. Ground admission, both standing and seating, was Ł5, which seemed a bit steep when you consider that standing at both Rochdale and York City this season is Ł9. The programme cost Ł1 - 50p would have been a fairer price for the contents. Bizarre things in the programme? The league round-up reported on the Challenge Shield played at the end of October between Stalybridge Celtic (2000/1 Champions) and Lancaster City (League Cup holders). Lancaster fielded an eleven of reserve and youth team players and lost 11-0!

The only name I immediately recognised in the programme was Andy Quy, the ex-Hereford goalkeeper, now with Belper. There were a couple of soundalikes - Tony Ward of Runcorn. Didn't Madonna use to go out with him? And Belper had a Barry Horne in their side - hang on, it's THE Barry Horne! What's he doing at Belper? Apparently he knew the Belper manager, Martin Rowe, possibly from Loughborough University (that's what I was told) and he had only recently signed for them. At present he's not sponsored, so if anyone fancies forking out Ł40, phone Martin Benfield on 01773 880878. Oh, and another bizarre thing is the Belper striker Karl Payne's kit sponsor - the Crystal Palace Supporters Club (Belper Branch).

The clubhouse was a good size and smart - but, oh dear! A pint of Keg Mansfield Bitter was Ł2. A bit over the top for a clubhouse, surely?
From the kick-off, it was clear that Runcorn were the better side - stronger, quicker and more skilful. Two goals in the first half hour by Runcorn's centre-forward, Paul McNally, looked to have given them a cushion as the break approached, but it could sop easily have changed five minutes from half-time when a farcical mix-up in the Runcorn defence saw a central defender lob his keeper for a Belper forward to run on to. From a tight angle, and with a defender chasing him, but with an open goal, he went for a power shot rather than precision, only for the ball to hit the post and go out. Belper's best chance.

As the second half progressed, Belper's play became very ragged and Runcorn were shooting at will. They added another two goals but should have scored more. A bit one-sided to be an enjoyable game. The attendance was 303.

As for Barry Horne, well, he basically stayed in the centre of midfield with the intention of dictating play by using his head rather than his legs. Unfortunately, the rest of the Belper team were so poor that BH was never going to impress.

His best moment came just after the re-start when he tracked back and made a great last-ditch tackle in his own penalty area and then played the ball out. Five minutes later he was substituted; he didn't look injured so I would guess that the Belper manager had decided to go for a more direct approach. It didn't work - as Runcorn controlled the midfield thereafter and Belper went from bad to worse.

He's not doing his reputation any good - and I can't see him wanting to stop there too long. However, Barry could probably do a good job at that level - but in a stronger team. A bit sad, really.