Proud Duffield demands more of the same

Belper Town manager Peter Duffield is proud of his side's winning run after the Nailers took maximum points from their three festive fixtures but is warning against complacency.

Belper followed up a 5-1 win at Sheffield on Boxing Day with a 2-0 home victory over Mickleover Sports on New Year's Day and on Saturday completed an impressive hat-trick of wins with an another away victory in Evo-Stik NPL First Division South, the Nailers winning 3-1 win at Rainworth Miners Welfare.

Duffield's side welcome Market Drayton Town to Christchurch Meadow on Saturday and he said: "We’ve scored ten and conceded two goals in the last three games, but more importantly we look strong now in all areas of the park. We are very resilient nowadays and the spirit and togetherness we have in this squad is shining through in my opinion.

"We are looking strong throughout nowadays and with Chris Adam coming back from Sheffield and defender Matt Millns joining us we have got competition for all positions and that's a great position to be in as a manager."

Belper's manager also thanked Matlock Town for their role in the weekend's win at Kirklington Road after they allowed Glyn Cotton to return to his old club. Cotton went straight into the side and gave an all action performance, including scoring with a stunning shot to put Belper ahead.

"I'd like to thank Matlock for waiving the seven days notice so he could play on Saturday," said Duffield. "It was good timing because Richard Stirrup is considering moving away to get regular football and we are about to lose Colin Marrison to a three game suspension following his sending off against Mickleover.

"Glyn’s goal was the one piece of quality in a scrappy first half, and he was tremendous throughout, but then again all my players were excellent."

Defender Karl Colley was withdrawn as early as the 34th minute at the Wrens after being booked and seemingly at odds the referee's decisions. Apart from saving him from the possibility of being sent off, Duffield revealed his withdrawal benefitted his replacement Richard Adam.

The Nailers manager said: "We thought it best to replace him to avoid any further conflict with the referee and with Richard Adams available on the bench it gave him the opportunity to get back into his stride and he did really well, considering how long he’s has been out action."

Duffield also moved to put the record straight on the departure of former fan’s favourite Dan White who was on the bench for Rainworth. White had enjoyed a successful spell last season and Duffield added: "It wasn't clear why he left Christchurch Meadow after such a successful spell last season. Dan's been quoted as saying that we have had 'a fall out' but that's not the case as far as I'm concerned.

"There's no way I wanted him to leave and I even made him captain. But for some reason he kept letting me down saying he wasn't available for games and in the end he stopped coming in for treatment for injuries and training. He's a great player and I wish him well but I didn't drive him away from the club it was his decision to move on in the end."