Duffield calls for early redemption

Nailers manager Peter Duffield is looking to see his side put things right at Frickley Athletic in the Doodson Sport Cup on Tuesday night after Saturday's uncharacteristic defeat at the hands of Lincoln United in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, writes Joe Malone.

Belper were beaten 4-1 in First Division South at United and Duffield, pictured, was left upset by the manner of his team's first defeat in six outings as he prepared for Tuesday’s Second Round clash at Westfield Lane.

He said: "It was bitterly disappointing. I accept defeats as every team suffers them, whether you like it or not, but what I always expect is a professional approach. My team didn't answer the question that Lincoln asked of us, and we warned the team prior to the game that Lincoln had certain qualities that we need to react against, and we didn’t do that.

"We improved in the second half, although we still didn’t play anywhere near the standard required for Belper Town Football Club. After last week’s win I was elated, but this week I feel the total opposite which is very frustrating, just as we had begun a good run of results.

"Team’s suffer the odd shock result - even the best sides, and as long as it’s a one-off then fine. But if it happens again in quick succession then we’ve got problems. Fortunately for us we have two games now this coming week, which is a great chance for us to put Saturday’s game behind us, and of course places are up for grabs in this side as you always learn more of an individual when the team loses."

Duffield was also disappointed that late injuries forced him to make changes before the weekend reverse. "We missed Simon Harrison badly," admitted the Belper Town manager. "He’s in a rich vein of form and his delivery is vital to us. Of course one individual doesn’t make it all better, however he certainly would have added something to our performance should he have been fit."

He added: "Philip Watt is still a few weeks off from fitness, and we will be much stronger when he is back as he is one of the best centre halves in the league. Shaun Roulston is now fit and ready which is great news and Aaron Pride is closer to a return."