Vs Belper Town

www.afcmansfield.net Tuesday 25th September 2018—Kick-Off 7.45pm2018-19 Programme Sponsored by
The Evo-Stik East DivisionTHORPE UNIQUE & MEMORABLE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
AFC MANSFIELD Vs BELPER TOWN
£2
TONIGHT’S MATCH SPONSOR

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Good evening and Cup fixture losing 2-1.
welcome to the players
officials and supporters On the day I thought
from Belper Town for Kettering were worthy
tonight’s Northern Premier winners, but we gave them
East fixture. a fright in the last 20
minutes, nearly forcing a
Since my last programme replay.
notes we have played 4
games and we have won 2 and lost The league table is now taking
2. In our last league game here at shape and we sit in 10th place with
the Forest Town Arena. We 10points from 6 games a very
narrowly beat Gresley 2-1.On the credible position for our first season
night I thought Gresley were well at step 4 football.

worth a point but we hung on for Hopefully come 9-45 we will have
the win. The following game at another 3 points in the bag.
Stocksbridge we were well worth a
point but lost out by the same
score. The league cup game and
we triumphed 3-1 away to Wisbech. Enjoy the game

Finally last Saturday we made the
journey to Kettering Town for an FA

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Chairman/Secretary Child Welfare Officer AFC MANSFIELD
Directors
Hospitality Manager Nickname: The Bulls
Manager
Forest Town Arena
Vice Presidents Asst. Manager Clipstone Road West,
Goalkeeping Coach Forest Town, Mansfield,
ylor Physio Nottinghamshire. NG19 0EE
Club Captain
Match Secretary Club Entity: Limited Company
Programme Editor
Northern Premier League Members
Commercial Manager
Associate members of the FA
Kit Manager U19 Managers
Member of Nottinghamshire
Youth Section County FA
Chairman

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Rudy’s Thoughts

Good evening to all and a very warm welcome to the Forest Town “we are confident
Arena for our Northern Premier League East Division fixture against in our abilities
Belper Town.
and know that we
What a busy past couple of weeks we have had. Five games in two can get a positive
weeks is always a challenge for any semi-professional football
team, but I think we have given a decent account of ourselves over result tonight.”
that period and I expect us to continue doing so tonight.

We have had three away games in a row since our 2-1 win over
Gresley, so it is good for our team to play at home for once,
although we fully believe in our ability to win regardless of whether
we are at home or away.

After we lost to Stocksbridge two Saturdays ago, we got back to
winning ways with a win over Wisbech in the League Cup, a very
pleasing result considering the very long trek we had to make on a
Tuesday night.

It was disappointing to bow out of the FA Cup on Saturday after we
were narrowly beaten by Kettering, a very good side who are top of
their league in a division above us, but we are very proud of the
boys’ efforts and we came very close to snatching a replay at the
last minute. We wish we could have progressed further, but we
cannot complain about the result and we have taken plenty of
positives from that game.

Just two points separate our two sides tonight, so we most
certainly expect a tight and competitive game with Belper. We
will have done very well if we come away with three points, but
we are confident in our abilities and know that we can get a
positive result tonight.

Regardless of the result, I hope that all those from Belper have
a safe journey home after the game.

Enjoy the game and thank you for your support.

Rudy Funk

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SATURDAY 25 SEPT 2018—Emirates FA Cup 2nd Q—Att: 504

Referee: Mr Kevin Saunby - Assistants: Mr Mariusz Tomon & Mr Matt Jackson
By Oliver Mooney

AFC Mansfield boss Rudy Funk felt that his they gave a fantastic account of themselves (in
side’s 2-1 defeat to Kettering Town in the FA the second half), so I am disappointed but at
Cup Second Qualifying Round was a fair result, the same time very upbeat about how the lads
but was pleased with AFC’s never-say-die put themselves about today.”

attitude as they came close to causing an Assistant manager Mark Ward reckoned that

upset. the Bulls were not at Kettering’s level in the first

-half.

“We got outmuscled and out-thought,” Ward
said, “We looked a little bit nervous and a little

bit edgy.

“But they gave a good account of themselves in
the second half. We took more risks, we went
forward, and to be fair it was two set pieces that
had done us.”

After Southern League Premier Division side The hosts were awarded a penalty with 21
Kettering built a two-goal lead over the visiting minutes played when Jack Broadhead was
Bulls, Brad Wells’ late header almost inspired a adjudged to have brought down Rhys Hoenes,
last-gasp comeback in AFC, but they were and Brett Solkhon stepped up to send Jason
denied by brilliant goalkeeping to edge the White the wrong way and gain his side a

Bulls out of the FA Cup.

“I have to hold my hands up and say well done
to Kettering,” Funk said after the game, “In the
first half they played extremely well.

“We certainly weren’t happy with our display in
the first half, we dropped off.

“For us, as a club, it’s been a massive learning deserved lead.
curve. We played against a very good side.”
The Poppies went into the break just one goal
Despite being displeased with his side’s first- up despite having numerous chances to put the
half display, the gaffer praised the character game out of sight, but did eventually find that
they showed after half-time. vital second goal when Ben Milnes curled home

“I’ve got nothing but admiration for our lads,

www.afcmansfield.net 9

an exceptional free-kick via the goalpost. we did our jobs, we competed with a team that’s sat
at the top of their league.”

The Bulls host Belper Town on Tuesday night in
search of a return to winning ways in the Northern

Premier League East Division.

MATCH DETAILS

KETTERING TOWN XI: White, Berry, Solkhon,
Stohrer, Richens, Meikle, Milnes, Hoenes (Borg
90’), Kelly, Towers (Toseland 75’), Rowe-Turner.

Not used: Hotter, O’Connor, Rhiney, Davidson-
Miller, Elsom.

As the game entered the final 20 minutes, AFC AFC MANSFIELD XI: White, Marsden, Dudley,
stepped up a gear and looked for a way back into D’Laryea ©, Broadhead, Annable, Karkach (Dear
the game, and a nervous finish was set up when 51’), Lindley, K. Wells (Daniels 55’), Ghaichem, B.
Brad Wells headed home Jimmy Ghaichem’s cross Wells.
at the back post on 79 minutes.
Not used: Guest, Buxton, Peace-McDonald, Burton,
Deep into injury time the comeback was almost Crosby.
made reality, but Kettering ‘keeper Paul White
Man-of-the-match: Liam Marsden.

brilliantly denied Cameron Dear with a point-blank Attendance:
save to palm away his close-range effort which was 504.

destined for the top corner.

“The ‘keeper made an unbelievable save to keep it
at 2-1,” said Mark Ward, “So there are a lot of

positives to take from the second half especially.

“When we were at it, when we believed and when

10 www.afcmansfield.net

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Jamie Vardy has gone on to forge a At the age of 20, Klose was splitting his
remarkable career in football from his time between pulling on the colours of
earlier days in the lower leagues. But fifth division side FC 08 Homberg and
he is someone who has become so bricklaying before a move to
widely written about everyone from Kaiserslautern II in 1999 saw his career
Land’s End to John O’Groats has come come into fruition.
to groan whenever they read his name
and ‘Non-League’ as the subject of a 125 goals for Bundesliga sides
news headline. Kaiserslautern, Werder Bremen and
European giants Bayern Munich
It is a little bit like when you would flick followed, as well as a five-year stint in
through the TV channels and you find Italy with Lazio where he averaged one
Clare Balding presenting Crufts, then goal every two-and-a-half games.
she’s on the BBC fronting coverage of
the athletics and on Channel 4 doing For the national team, Klose became a
the horse racing. And, in this regard, it’s much-needed puzzle piece that had
similar when you see Jamie Vardy and been missing since Oliver Bierhoff’s
another Non-League angle taken by a retirement. In 137 caps for Germany
sportswriter who is tapping what’s left Klose scored 71 times, including 16
of an empty keg. goals at World Cups to pass Ronaldo’s
record.
His story is not unique to him and is not
unique to Non-League football in this Fernando Llorente (Spain) - CD
country or, indeed, in other football- Basconia

loving nations. But that should not Granted, Basque country club Basconia
diminish the feats of his career – Clare act as a feeder club to Athletic Bilbao
Balding is still a great presenter after but they are a club established in their
all, that’s why she is getting all the TV own right and with their own history.
gigs.
For Vardy, seeing his career ascend to Llorente was a teenager when he
the international stage was something turned out for the third-tier side
few footballers can dream of. But here reaching double-figures in the 2003-04
are a few who have trod the same path season.
as the former FC Halifax Town forward. Eight years with Bilbao followed and so
Miroslav Klose (Germany) - FC 08 did international honours as Llorente
Homberg provided the grunt to back up the skill
and finesse of David Villa and Fernando
Torres in Spain’s World Cup and
The record goalscorer in FIFA World European Championship double of 2010
Cups was a bit of a late-bloomer in the and 2012.
sport before becoming a force for Die
Mannschaft. By Adam Ellis

www.afcmansfield.net 13

14 www.afcmansfield.net

Liam Marsden Cultured Right Back, ex Jack Broadhead Commanding centre half
pro at Mansfield Town, started his career at
Sponsored by Jimmy Ghaichem other previous clubs Sponsored by Mark Dudley Chesterfield and had stints at
VOLVO@CLAYTONS include Guiseley and Frickley, Buxton, Matlock and
OFMANSFIELD.COM Phil Buxton Matlock Town where he GRAHAM CALLER Jason White Boston Utd.
played regularly in He scored against the Bulls
Sponsored by 2016/17. Local lad and Sponsored by last season in the FA Cup.
an excellent signing for It is a real coup for the club to
COLIN DOBELL the club. Always looks TOBY SAUNDERS sign such a quality defender.
comfortable on the ball.
Sponsored by Gets forward well and Sponsored by 5th season at the club for ‘Mr
delivers quality balls Reliable’. Won both Players
HARWORTH into the box. LES NORMAN Player and Managers Player
ARMSON in 2014-15 season..
Youth team player at
GROUP.CO.UK Mansfield Town and Sheff An attacking left back who
Wed. Made 3 appearances can also play in midfield.
at Peterborough Utd. His
Non-league clubs read like a Part of the furniture and
who’s who, Ilkeston, another player who instils
Harrogate Town, Frickley and confidence in the players
Scarborough Ath who he left around him.
to join The Bulls plus many
more. A ‘duracell’ stamina Ex professional with
Jimmy never stops running Mansfield Town and brings
although could improve his that professional attitude to
goal tally. His favourite every game he plays. A
saying is “Oh my God!”. great organizer and shot
stopper.
2nd spell for ‘Bucko’
having played most of the Jason kept 13 clean sheets in
2016/17 season at 42 appearances last season.
Rainworth MW. Jack of
all trades Phil has played No1 again this season and
in midfield, at full back exudes confidence to all
and even up front. Has a around him.
tremendous engine,
previously at Mansfield
Town and Arnold Town.
Currently holds the
record for club
appearances.

www.afcmansfield.net 15

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www.afcmansfield.net 17

FA Cup action Vs Kettering Town
18 www.afcmansfield.net

After 6 games

Sponsored By

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5 pts will be awarded to your top pick, then 4, 3, 2 and 1. Points will be added each game and
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www.afcmansfield.net 19

AFC Mansfield were formed in 2012 the League Cup at Alfreton Town's ground but
with weary legs and still league games to play it
and have signed a 10 year deal to play at was a game too far for the club. After having
Forest Town Arena. two players sent off for 2nd bookable offences
The club joined the non-league pyramid in The AFC eventually conceded an injury time goal to
Central Midlands Football League. Clifton All Whites who lifted the cup after being
The club are a community club with the aim of runners-up last season, that as it turned out
giving something back to the community. The was an omen!
club’s nickname is ‘The Bulls’ and the original For the 2013-14 season the club entered the
management team were Micky Taylor, Doug FA Vase and were eventually knocked out in
Etches and Graeme Rodger. the 2nd Round by Step 5 side Huntingdon Town
AFC Mansfield competed on four fronts in the after a replay.
2012-13 season and came so close to winning The club further expanded by starting an U19
the lot in their first season. side and also taking on U7 boys, U10 boys,
Despite losing just 2 games all season and U11 boys, U15 boys and girls sides and an U16
amassing 176 goals for and just 20 against boys team for the 2013-14 season.
'The Bulls' had to settle for runners-up to The 2013-14 season bought more success,
Dronfield Town who put in an amazing league the 1st team were crowned CML North Division
run dropping just 5 points all season. Champions and completed the double with a
Better news came in the Notts Intermediate win over Thorne Colliery in The League
Cup where 'The Bulls' took the trophy with a 2- Challenge Cup. Once again the treble eluded
0 win at Eastwood Town's ground against them when they went down 2-1 to Bulwell FC in
Beeston AFC. This was AFC's first ever the Floodlit Cup Final.
silverware. Promotion was achieved when AFC Mansfield
were accepted into The ToolStation Northern
Counties East League for the 2014-15 season.
The club further extended its community based
teams and had 13 teams competing in the 2014
-15 season from U9’s to the 1st Team.
Having had Micky Taylor since formation the

This success was quickly followed up by a www.afcmansfield.net
superb win in The Floodlit Cup Final at Sutton
Town's ground against a physical and
competitive Newark Town. 'The Bulls' ran out 4
-1 winners on the night and added another
trophy to the cabinet.
'The Bulls' were hoping to make it a treble with

20

club were forced to look for another manager 2016-17 season and the club finished 7th in its

10 games into the season when Micky stepped 1st season at step 5. Manager Rudy Funk was

down. Dean Short was appointed with given an extension to his contract for another 2

promotion still the ultimate goal. 10 points seasons in January 2017. He and assistant

were dropped in 7 games and Short’s stay Mark Ward had recruited well for the coming

was, well, short. The directors of the club season and the anticipation was high.

secured the services of Rudy Funk midway 2017-18 started with The Bulls winning The

through the season. A creditable 7th place Toolstation Charity Cup, 3-2 away against

finish in their first season in the NCEL was Street FC from the Toolstation Western

achieved. A last 16 place in the FA Vase and a League.

Semi-Final place in the League Cup made it a Another great run in The FA Cup with The Bulls

good season for The Bulls. reaching the 3rd Qualifying round again.

The 2015-16 season began with an 11 game

unbeaten run in the league, promotion was the

priority and as the season went on any cup

competition took a back seat. Always in the

top 4 throughout the season a poor January

saw The Bulls drop 11 points and allowed

Hemsworth MW the chance to pull away. With

an automatic spot still to play for AFC

Mansfield went on an 11 game unbeaten run to

finish as they had started and claim the

promotion they had been planning for since the

first game of the season. Narrowly beaten by Conference side Boston

United in front of a record home crowd of 613.

Major drama at the end of the season, the club

thought it had been edged out of promotion on

goal difference after Pontefract and Pickering

were given an extra week to finish their fixtures

due to the appalling weather throughout the

season.

Everybody was gearing up for another season

in the NCEL when a week later The Bulls were

Manager Rudy Funk further strengthened the offered a place at Step 4 after Andover Town

squad for the club’s first season at step 5 and decided to drop out of that level.

everybody at the club were looking forward to Again, Rudy and Mark have prepared well for

the challenge. the coming season, the clubs 1st at Step 4 and

The 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA cup and the everybody is looking forward to new grounds

last 32 of The FA Vase were achieved in the and making new friends.

www.afcmansfield.net 21

Ellis Wall Signed from Clipstone Nick Guest Finished top goal scorer for
FC. Ellis is an attacking Hemsworth MW two seasons
Sponsored byJordan Annable midfielder who can pick Sponsored by Cameron Dear ago. Previous clubs include
a pass and works Goole AFC, Frickley Athletic
ADIE MOSES Lynton Karkach tirelessly for the team. JOHN JENKINS Jon D’Laryea and Farsley Celtic.
Previously at Staveley
Sponsored by MW. Another player Sponsored by Has a turn of pace and is
who had spells of injury lethal in the box.
BARRY COLEMAN last season but came STEVE DEAR
back to put in some Club Captain Injured for a long spell last
Sponsored by quality performances season but still managed 14
towards the end of the Sponsored by goals from 30 appearances.
CAIDEN NAYLOR season.
MIKE ABBS Ex Mansfield Town, Derby
Youngster plucked from County and Boston Utd
the U18 and U21’s Youth team player and
squads where he has previously at Retford Utd and
been superb. A right Clipstone. Cameron is a
back with speed style pacey midfield player and
and a maturity beyond scored on his debut in The
his years. Converted to ToolStation Charity Cup for
centre half and never The Bulls. Looks a really
looked back. Has exciting player and
already made 82 established himself as a 1st
appearances for the club team regular last season.
with 46 last season.
Made 1 appearance for Man City
Talking of young players, against Arsenal after coming
Lynton was signed from through their youth academy.
Gainsborough Trinity Played 162 times for Mansfield
where he came through Town. Spells at Northwich
the youth set up. Has Victoria and Eastwood Town
already endeared himself followed before 97 appearances
to all at the club with his at Gainsborough. This was split
ability to turn and run at into two spells with 34 games at
defenders. Has a great North Ferriby Utd in-between.
turn of pace with two An extremely fit central midfield
good feet, popped up player who rarely gives the ball
with some important away. Will be starting his 3rd
goals last season. season with the club after
making 101 appearances so far.
22
www.afcmansfield.net

Bradley Wells Bradley signed from Kieran Wells A Prolific striker Kieran’s
league rivals Stamford, previous clubs include
Sponsored by Brad lists Gresley, Long Handsworth Parramore,
Eaton, Spalding, Belper Basford Utd and Stamford
DARREN SHAW and Gainsborough AFC.
Trinity as his previous
Sponsored by clubs. A character in the dressing
room and a terror to all
NEIL BIRZULIS A tall dominant striker opposition defenses. Brother
who can play out wide of Bradley. Workrate 2nd to
Sponsored by as well as down the none.
middle. Brother of
PETE CRAGGS Kieran. Sponsored by

THE66POW-ROB WAITE

Jack Steers Towering Centre Half Pat Lindley Brad Peace-McDonald Signed from Boston United
signed from Hemsworth last season and made
MW. Sponsored by important appearances at full
back and centre half.
Jack is dominant in the EDWINSTOWE
air and has pace along PROPERTIES Quick across the ground and
the ground, one of the good in the air.
1st targets identified by
the management to Brad will be looking to
bring to the club this cement a place in the starting
season. XI this season.

Tyrone Burton Nottingham based player, Experienced midfielder lists
recently at Carlton Town Sheffield FC, Ossett Albion,
and also played for Handsworth Parramore and
Arnold Town. Another Clipstone as previous clubs.
player looking to force his An industrious player with a
way into the 1st team. good touch and a winning
Composed defender, mentality.
good in the air and can
pick a pass. Fearless in the tackle and
creative going forward a real
Sponsored by asset to the club.

TERRY AUSTIN

www.afcmansfield.net 23

MANAGER Rudy Funk ASST. MANAGER Mark Ward COACH Graeme Rodger PHYSIO Jason Truscott

Sponsored by Charlotte Kirkpatrick Sponsored by Sponsored by Tom Crosby Sponsored by

PAUL DEAN BILL TAYLOR BRYAN Keeper signed this
& season and already has
ASST. PHYSIO MORE 3 wins and 2 clean
PLAYERS ARMSTRONG sheets to his name.
Sponsored by Good awareness and an
Sponsored by excellent shot stopper.
Possess a very good
kick out of his hands
and off the ground.

TOP 7 ALL TIME APPEARANCES

24 www.afcmansfield.net

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BELPER TOWN PEN PICTURES CAMERON CLARK (Defender)

GRANT BLACK (Manager) Cameron became a Nailer in June 2018 after making
his way from Athersley Recreation from the Northern
Grant was appointed as the Nailers first team manager Counties East Football League. Manager Grant Black
in May 2018 following the departure of Aaron Webster. sung Cameron Clark’s praises when he said he was an
Prior to taking the reins at the Belper Town, Grant was admirer of the left back and is confident he is able to
manager at Ossett Town FC and led the club away from make the step up to the Evo-Stik League comfortably.
the relegation zone and to the play-off final within 16
months. Grant brings with him a wealth of playing expe- ANDY HAWKSWORTH (Defender)
rience in a career that started at Barnsley and went on Andy has been described as a player who loves defend-
to include spells at Harrogate Town, Stalybridge Celtic, ing and putting his head where people don’t even put
Buxton, Bradford Park Avenue and North Ferriby Unit- their feet. The tough tackling old fashioned centre half
ed. joined the Nailers after a spell at Ossett Town where he
played under the current Belper Town managerial team.
MICK NORBURY (Assistant Manager) Andy sees his time at Belper Town as a new challenge
Mick arrived at Belper Town during the same period as and can’t wait to shine during the 18/19 campaign.
Grant Black and will be assisting in the Belper Town
dugout and dressing room. Mick had previously worked DAROL LUCAS (Defender)

alongside the first team manager at Ossett Town and Progressing through the ranks at the Ingfield stadium,
has previously held an assistant managerial role at Darol began his career at Ossett Town under Grant
Goole AFC. Prior to his career in football management, Black’s guidance. Darol has also featured on the team
Mick enjoyed a varied playing career and has previously sheets for Ryton & Crawcrook Albion FC in the Northern
donned the Belper Town shirt alongside enjoying spells League and Glasshoughton Welfare in the Northern
at Cambridge United, Preston North End and Doncaster Counties Eastern League.
Rovers respectively.
FENWICK BUTCHER (Defender/Midfield)
MAX BEARDMORE (Goalkeeper)
Max joined Belper Town in June 2018, shortly after a Fenwick is another player who has graduated through
successful season with the Tamworth Under 21 squad the Belper Town youth teams and Under 21s to become
who won the quadruple. Prior to his recent triumphs, he a highly regarded member of the first team squad. Im-
pressive performances for the Under 21s side have
began his development at the Birmingham City Acade- seen him graduate into the first team where he played
my. The young goalkeeper has served his time at Tam- with surprising maturity. Fenwick has also played in the
worth well and is now ready to cement a number one locality for Holbrook St. Michaels. Fenwick will also
spot in the Evo-Stik League to kick his career onto the manage the Under 21 side for the 2018/19 season.
next level.
SAM COLBEAR (Defender) JOHN GUY (Defender)
A genuinely versatile player, John joined the Nailers in
As a 2018 summer arrival, Sam joined Belper Town FC June 2016 from Derbyshire neighbours, Gresley FC. He
following a spell at Goole AFC in a bid to strengthen the originally joined the Moatmen from Mickleover Sports at
Nailers defence. The 6ft 5in defender is big, strong and the start of the 2013/14 season and played predomi-
dangerous in the air. In addition to his time at Goole nantly at left back and in midfield, but he successfully
AFC, Sam gained experience at this level when playing converted to a striker in his final months at Gresley,

for Sheffield FC. scoring some important goals to stave off the possibility

JACOB STURGESS (Defender/Midfield) of relegation. His versatility is always a great asset to

Jacob, was part of last season's Bedworth United's play the Nailers.
off winning squad and has the ability to play both centre KANE BINGLEY (Midfield)
back and central midfield, which will give the Nailers A product of League One outfit Doncaster Rovers, cen-
more versatility as in what is always a gruelling season. tral midfielder Kane joined the Nailers after a spell at
Ahead of signing for the Nailers, Jacob learnt his trade Ossett Town. 18-year-old Kane began his career at the
as a youngster at Burton Albion before wearing the Keepmoat stadium side before being released. Unde-
jersey for a host of teams such as Kettering Town, Carl- terred, he joined Ossett Town and was a too good of a
ton Town, Kidsgrove Athletic and latterly at Bedworth talent for manager Grant Black to resist when he made
United last season.
the switch to the Nailers.

www.afcmansfield.net 27

NATHAN CURTIS (Midfield) played a leading role in Sports winning the Evo-Stik First
Division South title before picking up a knee injury. Cal-
22-year-old Yorkshire born and bred Nathan began his lum joined Matlock Town in the summer of 2016 and has
career at Bradford City where he played in the academy fought his way back to fitness after a serious knee injury,
side and making an appearance in the first team as a joining the Nailers from our Derbyshire neighbours in
substitute in an FA cup tie for the Bantams. After being
released, Nathan moved to a number of non-league December 2017.

clubs such as Ossett Town, Scarborough and Goole ALEX PETERSON (Forward)
AFC. He is a good passer of the ball and knows where Upon his arrival at Belper Town in June 2018 he was
the back of the net is if given the opportunity in the box. immediately given the captain’s armband by the manager
after gaining his trust during their time together at Ossett
JORDAN DEACEY (Midfield) Town. The 23-year-old centre forward, Alex began his
career at Doncaster Rovers coming through the club’s
The son of the former Bradford Park Avenue manager centre of excellence and signed a professional contract
John Deacey, the experienced central midfielder joined
the Nailers for the 2018/19 season on the back of spells
at National League North Ferriby United and at Ossett before joining Ossett Town where he met Grant Black.
Peterson is hard working and has been described by the
Town. manager as everything you want in a captain.
JAKE ELLAM (Midfield)
Jake Ellam put pen to paper in June 2018 and was one JOEL AMBALU (Forward)
of the manager’s first of many signings who made their
way from Ossett Town. The midfielder was a key feature 23-Year-old Joel began his footballing career under the
within the Ossett Town side in which was managed by guidance of the current West Bromwich Albion manager
Darren Moore as an academy player at the Baggies
before enjoying spells at Vanarama National League
Grant Black. At his time at Ossett, he won the ‘goal of the sides Torquay United and most recently North Ferriby
season’ award with a thunderbolt against Burscough. In United FC. With his power, pace and technical ability,
addition to his spell at Ossett Town, the youngster Grant Black believes he will succeed at Belper Town.
gained experience when playing for Tadcaster Albion. Joel played in the National League North last season and

DANNY GORDON (Midfield) is hungry to progress.

Danny arrived at the Belper Town on the back of suc- MARCUS DAY (Forward)
cessful spells at a number of clubs including Heanor Marcus joins the Belper Town first team for the upcoming
Town, Mickleover Sports and at Ilkeston FC where he 2018/29 season from Vanarama National League outfit,
donned the captain’s armband during a difficult time in Harrogate Town. He began his career with loan spells at
the club’s history. The midfielder’s prior on-field leader- Wetherby Athletic and Harrogate Railway before being
ship experience will serve the Nailers well and will be a given the opportunity within the Harrogate Town first
powerful summer addition for the club. team in the 2016/17 season. Additionally, he has gained
experience at Alfreton Town and Ossett Town respec-
RIKKI PAYLOR (Midfield)

Prior to spells at a number of Northern Counties East tively. Described by the manager as being quick, strong,
teams such as Bridlington Town, Rikki joined the Nailers and a good finisher, the club is looking forward to seeing
from Ossett Town where he developed through the ranks his name on many scoresheets this year.
from the Under 19’s squad through to the first team.
Ricky has previously played under Grant Black’s man- DYLAN GARNETT (Forward)

agement during the pair’s time at the Yorkshire side. Dylan is a product of the Belper Town Juniors section
CALLUM LLOYD (Midfield) Aged 32, Callum is a mid- who then made the step up to the Burton Albion Under
fielder who began his career at Mansfield Town where he 16s team in 2014. He was awarded with a 2-year ap-
played 41 first team games, scoring on his debut against prenticeship by the Brewers in 2015 and played 40
Bristol Rovers in 2005. He was released in 2007 after a games for the Youth Team scoring 18 goals. He was
loan spell at Alfreton Town initially joining Kettering Town rewarded with his success in the Youth Team with 10
before spending two years at Hinckley United. Then appearances for Burton Albion Reserves and scored 4
came a brief stay at King’s Lynn Town before he joined goals. He was disappointed not to be offered a profes-
Hucknall Town, where he won the supporters player of sional contract at the end of his apprenticeship and de-
the year in 2011/12. He then spent two seasons at Rain- cided to rejoin his home town club, where his goal scor-
worth MW before joining Mickleover Sports where he
ing talents will be a real asset to the club.

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www.afcmansfield.net 31

Belper Town's unusual nickname, 'The Nailers', came about Christchurch Meadow in those days.

because the craft of nail making began In Belper in the middle Season 1958/59 was a turning point as the Nailers
ages when it was the site of a hunting lodge for John of Gaunt. outshone wealthy Heanor Town and Ilkeston Town,

The huntsmen needed nails for the shoes of their horses and the their strongly backed neighbours, with 2,000+ gates to
trade in nails eventually grew. win the Central Alliance League championship and

Nail making was a domestic industry with the Nailers working the Derbyshire Senior Cup.
in family groups but, in 1861, the introduction of machinery to
manufacture nails was the begin-ning of the end for the local Three years later, they were invited to join the
trade which died out altogether at the beginning of the century revamped Midland Counties League although three
to be replaced by modern industry and commerce in the town. times the Club finished bottom of the League, the last
time in 1978/79, when only the charitable overtures of
Like the nail making industry, Belper Town FC has faded away member clubs at the League AGM saved Belper from
in the past. Origi-nally formed in 1883, the Nailers went out of comparative obscurity once again.
existence three times through lack of finance.
Under the astute managership of lvan Hollett and John

The main highlight in those early years was an FA Cup 1st Harrison, the Nailers responded to the challenge in
Round tie against Sheffield Wednesday on 15th October 1887 magnificent style by winning the Midland Counties
in which the Nailers were narrowly defeated 2-3 by the League championship in the very next season and, just
Yorkshire giants. for good measure, the Derby-shire Senior Cup as well.

The Club reformed, possibly for the fourth time, in 1951 and The Midland Counties League merged with the
took up residence at the current ground at Christchurch Yorkshire League in 1982 to form the Northern
Meadow. In those early days, there were very few amenities on Counties East League and the Nailers won the League
the ground and for a number of seasons, players used to get Championship in 1984/85 the guidance of the late
changed at the Talbot Hotel, a few hundred yards from the Harry Bethel.
ground.
The championship success that season coincided with the

The ground was purchased in 1986 from the owners of the arrival of former Derby County and England striker,
adjacent mill complex, for the princely sum of £6,000 and has Kevin Hector.
afforded the club the security of tenure over its facilities ever
since. However, lack of finance at that time held the Club back
from taking up a place in the newly formed First
Lying in a picturesque setting, the recently named Marston’s Division of the Northern Premier League.
Stadium is well appointed with excellent facilities and a first
class playing surface. The club has enjoyed success in the FA Vase, reaching
the 5" Round twice and also a semi-final appearance in

The club has made many improvements in recent seasons, which they lost 2-3 on aggregate to Oxford City,
including new dressing rooms and conference facilities built in having won the first leg 1-0 at home, in front of nearly
1999. In 2003, the club opened a new 500-seater stand to bring 2,000 spectators.

the stadium up to NPL Premier Division standard and beyond. Highlights that season included a 5-1 win at Falmouth
This supplemented the provision of an earlier covered stand Town (the longest distance ever travelled for a

that accommodates 300 spectators, improved spectator competitive match) and a 1-0 success at Metropolitan
terracing and perimeter barriers. The current ground capacity is Police in the quarter final.
2,000. Having achieved the runners-up position

New floodlights were installed in 2014 at a cost of £76,000, in the Northern Counties League in
which more than doubled the intensity of the previous system. 1996/97 under the excellent stewardship
The new floodlights are of Football Conference standard. of Martin Rowe, the Club took its place
in the Northern Premier League 12 years
On the playing side, the club joined the Central Alliance after the first opportunity had been
League on its reformation in 1951, taking over the fixtures of spurned.

Mansfield Town ‘A’ who withdrew their team midway through Initially the club did well in the NPL but
the season. then struggled in subsequent seasons.

In the early years, Belper Town enjoyed its record attendance Ernie Moss and his assistant, Sean
when 3,600 fans turned up to see Belper play Ilkeston Town. O’Neil, kept the club safely away from
Regular four figure attendances were commonplace at
the relegation positions during their time

32 www.afcmansfield.net

in charge at Christchurch Meadow but the club did not really A 2-0 semi-final play-off win at Leek Town set up a

challenge for honours. home tie against Derbyshire rivals Mickleover

Ernie and Sean resigned their positions midway through the Sports and a 1-0 success in that final game earned
2006/07 season, to be replaced by goalkeeper, Andy Carney and the Nailers the promotion they had been craving
club captain, Danny Hudson, initially on a caretaker basis. The after 17 seasons in the League’s lower tier.
joint managers did more than enough though to secure the But the 2014/15 season proved to be a major
managerial reins on a permanent basis and enjoyed consistently disappointment as Peter Duffield and Mick Godber

successful results in the League during their time in charge.. resigned after a winless opening 10 games to be
replaced by the club’s leading goal scorer Jon
The new managerial team achieved their first piece of
silverware in 2008 by winning the Derbyshire Senior Cup with Froggatt, assisted by Mark Ward.

a 4-3 aggregate victory over neighbours, Alfreton Town Arriving in the hot seat was former Grantham Town
In 2008/09, the Nailers finished the league campaign in second manager Jimmy Albans and he was joined by his
place, having secured 81 points and equalling their record points former assistant, Wayne Hallcro, later in the season
score of 1984/85 when the club won the Northern Counties East but despite an encourage spell of late season form and
League championship. A heartbreaking home defeat in the play- results, the damage had been done and the club lost its
off final against Stocksbridge Park Steels was a bitter pill to place in the NPL Premier Division at the end of the
swallow. campaign.

But the Nailers went close again the following season before Season 2015/16 saw a continued decline in playing
just missing out for a play-off position by finishing in sixth fortunes and Albans and Hallcro were relieved of
position. They did capture the League President’s Cup with a 3- their duties in September 2015 after a dismal start to
1 victory over Stamford but missed out on a cup double, losing the season, to be replaced by former Derby County
0-2 against neighbours Matlock Town in the Derbyshire Senior and Notts County defender Charlie Palmer and his
Cup Final at Pride Park Stadium. assistant, Lee Barrow

The end of the season saw the resignation of manager Andy The new management team steadied the ship, securing a
Carney after a six-year stint at the club and the appointment in comfortable mid-table finish and an appearance in
the close season of former West Ham and England International the Derbyshire Senior Cup final against Alfreton
defender, Tommy Taylor, as the club’s new manager assisted by Town, which ended with an undeserved defeat on penalties.
Jon Froggatt, the clubs leading goal scorer in the 2010/11 Another mid-table finish was secured in 2016/17 but
season. Palmer decided to end his ties with the club and
former Belper player, Anthony Danylyk and Paul
But, the early season expectations failed to materialise and Donnelly took over the managerial reins at the
Taylor resigned his position after just nine games in charge, Marston’s Stadium, having earned their positions
leaving the Nailers with only two wins to their credit. The through their managerial exploits at Leek Town the
Belper board acted quickly to appoint former Retford United previous season.
manager, Peter Duffield into the hot seat, supported by Mick
Godber as his assistant and Shaun Hird as first team coach. The pair decided to cut their ties with the club in

Results in their first season at Christchurch Meadow were quite December and former Burton Albion legend, Aaron
remarkable with the team winning 44 points out of possible 48 Webster was appointed to the Nailers hot seat,
in the final run-in to the campaign, but the club just missed out assisted by ex-League professional, Lee
on the play-offs by a single goal difference. Williamson. Their tenure started brightly enough
but ended with a disappointing conclusion to the
Despite a poor start to the 2012/13 season and lying in bottom League campaign with six straight defeats, after which they
place in mid-October, the Nailers embarked on a 25-match were both relieved of their posts.
unbeaten league sequence that saw them gain an automatic play-
off position. New into the Nailers management roles this
season are Grant Black, who will be
But heartbreak was to repeat itself at the end of the season when assisted by former fans’ favourite Mick
a home defeat against eventual promotion club Stamford in the
first play-off match, consigned the Nailers to another season in Norbury. Prior to taking the reins at the
the First Division. Belper Town, Grant was manager at Ossett

The club finally made it into the NPL Premier Division at the Town and led the club away from the
end of a hard fought 2013/14 League campaign in which they relegation zone and into the play-off final, all
finished the regular season in fourth place. in the space of 16 months.

www.afcmansfield.net 33

Tuesday 25th September 2018
THE EVO-STIK LEAGUE
EAST DIVISION
Kick-Off 7.45pm

Todays AFC MANSFIELD Vs BELPER TOWN
Officials
All Red Yellow & Black
Referee JASON WHITE
Mr LIAM MARSDEN JOEL AMBALU
MARK DUDLEY DOMINIC ALLEN
Matthew JON D’LARYEA (C) MAX BEARDMORE
Tyers JACK BROADHEAD CAMERON CLARK
JORDAN ANNABLE
Assistants BRAD WELLS SAM COLBEAR
PAT LINDLEY PITEU CROUZ
Mr JIMMY GHAICHEM NATHAN CURTIS
Matthew NICK GUEST MARCUS DAY
Malton CAMERON DEAR
KIERAN WELLS JAKE ELLAM
& JACK STEERS ASHLEY ELLIOT
Mr LYNTON KARKACH SEYAVOUSH ESMAEILY
Ricky BRAD PEACE-MCDONALD LUKE FRANCIS
Brookes ANTON DANIELS DANNY GORDON
PHIL BUXTON JOHNATHAN GUY
Next Home TYRONE BURTON
Game TOM CROSBY ROSS HAIG
LEAGUE ELLIS WALL ANDREW HAWKSWORTH

SATURDAY RUDY FUNK—MANAGER TYLER JOHAL
OCT 06 2018 MARK WARD—ASSISTANT DAROL LUCAS
GRAEME RODGER—COACH GEORGE MILNER
Vs JASON TRUSCOTT—PHYSIO CRAIG NELTHORPE
OSSETT UNITED RIKKI PAYLOR
GRANT BLACK—MANAGER
KO 3.00pm MICK NORBURY—ASST. MANAGER
JIM ROBINSON—COACH
DEBRA GREGG—PHYSIO

34 www.afcmansfield.net

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