Chorley v Belper Town

OK so once again it’s not exactly “Six Tame Sides” (especially with the chance to watch Curzon Ashton v Nelson), but in my defence I could say I was going to see a couple of Mossley “old boys”, i.e. Jordan Goodeve and Kenny Mayers – both now at Chorley.

The shopping was done – very efficiently – and it was on the 1157 train to Manchester Victoria – one change and I was in Chorley for just after one o’clock. This gave me time to complete the “family presents” jigsaw at the Chorley Argos !

From the underpass @ Chorley Station - remember "Phoenix Nights" ?!?

Got to the ground in good time – to find out both Jordan and Kenny were on the bench !! met up with a few of the Belper faithful in the club – including Davro still “recuperating” from the previous day’s alcoholic exertions !! Outside to an overcast and bloody cold Victory Park to witness what was a real relegation “six pointer”.

Belper certainly made the brighter start, although after 10 minutes, an attempted clearance by new Belper ‘keeper Adam Ogden hit the onrushing Chorley forward before bouncing to safety. After 15 minutes, a long deep cross from the left was met by Belper’s Ashley Foyle – and his looping header (came down with snow on !) managed to evade Chorley’s Danny Hurst (remember him from Radcliffe earlier this season ? to put Belper one up).

Early Belper attack - 60 seconds later - they scored - I missed it !

One the half-hour mark Ogden raced from his box to head the ball clear – to find himself stranded. The ball went back in and Sean Wright’s effort was cleared off the line by Gary Middleton. Within minutes Chorley were level when the ball was played out to Rod Thornley and he unleashed a screamer across Ogden – and excellent goal which was well worth the admission fee alone.

Jordan "sits this one out" !!

The second half was pretty even, with chances at both ends, and some good saves from both Hurst and Ogden. The last 10 minutes saw Belper up the tempo a bit – however they were unable to find a winner. In the end I suppose a 1-1 draw was a fair result. A step in the right direction for both clubs – it actually moved Chorley off the bottom on goal difference (OK Bridlington’s 5-0 home defeat by Eastwood Town probably helped a bit too !)

Across the dug-out - 0.5 of the Belper Management Team - Andy Carney

A word about the officials – I thought they were poor, and rather too easily influenced by the Chorley players and fans (especially the Chorley “moaners end” under the stand). I guess when you’re “down there”, you’ve got to shout for everything though.

A few beers in the bar afterwards – a quick “Merry Christmas” to all my friends from Belper, and then it was back to Mossley via Manchester Victoria – and Stalybridge Buffet Bar of course !!

Back in Manchester - we've got a "big wheel" !

Got home to find that “Snapper” from Belper had won the “camera war” – and even included a piccy of me in his “portfolio” – good job my Mum knows that I smoke !! To see Tim’s pix try..

http://www.timharrisonphotography.com/NailersAction/Chrly/album1.html