2nd Game of the Season

Last night saw Belper play their second league game of the season (and the first at home) against Brigg Town. Brigg turned out in a most unusual away kit - a very odd shade of green. No sign of the two brothers that normally follow the Zebras, Simon & Tim Harris. Possibly they couldn't make the trip as it was a Tuesday night game or they could have left the club after the big shake up of last season at the Hawthorns.

The Nailers started the game well (again) and took the lead after 17 minutes thanks to a rush of blood from the Brigg keeper, who came for a ball he was never going to get and Jamie Smith lobbed him for 1-0.

Deon Meikle clashes with Greg Archer

A nasty clash of heads (left) saw the Brigg centre half finish the game with his head swathed in bandages. Belpers Deon Meikle seemed to come off better but had to leave the field due to developing double vision. The paramedics came but thankfully he didn't need to go to hospital. His departure made a big difference to Belpers shape. Despite this Froggy made it 2-0 and the Nailers looked to be heading for their first win of the season. It wasn't to be as Brigg hit back and then a bizarre goal leveld the scores. A chip towards the back post saw keeper Andy Richmond retreating towards his goal then he seemed to slip and fall backwards as the ball dropped into the empty net. Brigg pushed on and it was a bit 'backs to the wall' finish as Belper held on for a point in the end. I can't say anything than it was a disappointing result for Belper but we have to think it's early days. And I refer you back to my post from the weekend when I said the Brigg game was a banker draw - why didn't I put some money on it ? The rest of the photographs are here:
Belper v Brigg Photos

On the cycling front I went out on Monday night after a pasta tea and felt good. Got round my 7.46 mile course in a best time of 31.36. Today was a different story - struggled due to heavy legs. Shortened the circuit to 7 miles and got round in 30 minutes but it was real hard work tonight. I plan to try and cycle out to Duffield and back along the A6 on Friday which should be  the longest ride since I got back on the bike.