Derby Men’s 1st XI 2-0 Nottingham Men’s 1st XI: Hosts move within point of top spot
Words by Nathan Smith.
A stunning strike from Lewis Belgrave helped Derby Men’s 1st XI secure a 2-0 victory over league leaders Nottingham Men’s 1st XI at Kedleston Road.
The hosts took the lead early on as Tom Skupien opened the scoring following a clever short corner routine. It could have been two before half time as Jack Smith was brought down by Thomas Unwin but Jiri Boula saw his penalty saved by Jonathon Laughlin.
They made sure of the three points moments before the final whistle as Lewis Belgrave netted the second with a thunderbolt from 25 yards.
Derby looked to control the game from the very start and Tadeas Mades almost opening the scoring for the home side after six minutes but he was denied by a great block from Dan White.
They did not have to wait long to break the deadlock though as from the resulting corner Skupien powered the ball off the bar and into the back of the net.
The hosts’ goalkeeper Ondres Jacko-Lysak was busy in the first half, making two smart saves as Calum Holden and Pieter Stein were both denied from close range.
Skupien was the main man for Derby once again just before half time, as his free kick led to captain Smith being brought down for a penalty. But unfortunately for the home side Laughlin kept out Boula’s spot kick to keep the lead at just 1-0.
The second half was void of many chances, with neither side being able to add to one-goal scoreline but as Nottingham pushed to rescue a point, they were undone for a second time.
Belgrave, who had earlier been denied by the crossbar, had another shot from range and this time hit the jackpot, securing all three points for his side as his strike found the top corner.
The victory moves Derby Men’s 1st XI within a point of Nottingham Men’s 1st XI at the top of the table.
