League Play-Off

Rising Bridge Park
Spectators: 39 (Terracing: 30, Seating: 9, VIP seats: 0) Rising Bridge AFC's Patrick Shephard started the match with a crisp pass. The crowd had been anticipating this game for weeks and the excitement in the stadium was easily visible. In the 11th minute, Gerry Davey hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. After 13 played minutes Rising Bridge AFC got a freekick which was hit by Leon Archer. Alfie Day sent away a hard shot on goal in the 16th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Patrick Shephard in the 19th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Jerry Wright saved Belper from getting behind. In the 19th minute, Doug Blewitt hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. In the 21st minute of the match, Fred Day got a very nice opportunity to score, but Jerry Wright was well-placed and pushed the ball away from the goal at the left post. Jerry Wright showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Patrick Shephard, who was totally free with the ball in the 22nd minute. Leo Langdon kicked well hit freekick during the 22nd minute of the match. Patrick Shephard's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Jerry Wright read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 23rd minute of play. Jerry Wright stood for a superb save when he managed to get hold of Patrick Shephard's shot from short distance in the 27th minute. Leo Langdon hit a great freekick 29 minutes into the match. Rod Chamberlain took a chance and fired a shot far from the goal in the 30th minute, but it turned out to be a dangerous situation for Jerry Wright. Belper's goalkeeper really had to stretch himself to stop the ball from crossing the goal line. Fred Day took the ball and in the 33 minute, shot a rapid shot to the right of a surprised Jerry Wright. Jerry Wright dived to the right, and did manage to get a hand on the shot, but it still went into the right corner making it 1-0. Jerry Wright showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Patrick Shephard, who was totally free with the ball in the 37th minute. 41 minutes into the match, Belper's Leon Deacon sent off a blazing shot straight on target, a shot that Trevor Archer narrowly saved just below the crossbar. After 44 played minutes Rising Bridge AFC got a freekick which was hit by Leon Archer. The away team players looked dejected as the walked off the pitch at half time. They had fought hard, but were still losing 1-0.

Both teams looked relatively alert before the second half when the referee blew his whistle to tell Leon Deacon to make the kick off. Leon Deacon sent away a hard shot on goal in the 54th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Trevor Archer stood for a superb save when he managed to get hold of Leon Deacon's shot from short distance in the 56th minute. Rising Bridge AFC's Rod Chamberlain couldn't find anyone to pass the ball to, so he shot a long shot towards the goal in the 65th minute. The shot went wide which resulted in a goal kick for Belper. The long shot by Dylon Harrison in the 70th minute really tested Trevor Archer's skills. The ball was on its way into the goal to the left of him when he managed to stretch himself and save the shot and avoid a goal. Leo Langdon kicked well hit freekick during the 74th minute of the match. When the match clock showed 77 minutes, the score became 2-0 when Fred Day sped through Belper's defense and sent away a curving shot that went into the net to the right of Jerry Wright. In the 81st minute, Alfie Day made a precise shot to the right of Trevor Archer. Rising Bridge AFC's defense was at fault, and the scoreboard reflected the new score, 2-1. After having played for 86 minutes, Fred Day managed to get in a good position for a shot on goal. Rising Bridge AFC's supporters crossed their fingers, but Fred Day was, after a quick turn that froze the defenders, out of balance and shot the ball just to the right of the goal. Alfie Day received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 92nd minute. Trevor Archer tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Alfie Day struck a weak shot in the 95th minute. Trevor Archer didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Belper. The crowd rose to their feet and cheered when the referee blew the final whistle. Rising Bridge AFC had won after a very even match.