✓948.Christchurch Meadow

Belper Town 2-5 Dunston

Northern Premier League East Division

Saturday 25th January 2025

Belper is a town and civil parish in the local government district of Amber Valley in Derbyshire, located 7 miles north of Derby on the River Derwent. (population:over 21,000) Originally a centre for the nail-making industry since the Middle Ages, it expanded during the early Industrial Revolution to become one of the first mill towns, with several textile mills. Belper now forms part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Belper Town originally formed in 1883 and were founder members of the Derbyshire Senior League in 1890, finishing runners-up in 1895–96. By the following decade the club were playing in the Mid-Derbyshire League, becoming league champions in 1904–05. The league merged with the Notts & District League in 1908, to form the Notts & Derbyshire League, with Belper as founder members. Due to financial troubles, they resigned from the league during the 1911–12 season and eventually folded.

Belper reformed in 1951 and joined Division One of the Central Alliance, taking over the fixtures of Mansfield Town 'A', who had withdrawn from the league.

Central Alliance 1951-1961 Division One North Champions 1958-59

Midland League 1961-1982 Premier Division Champions 1979-80

Northern Counties East League 1982-1997 Premier Division Champions 1984-85

Northern Premier League 1997 - present

The Nailers have twice won promotion to the Premier Division via the play-offs in 2013-14 and 2021-22, but were relegated back to Division One East in 2022-23.

The Raygar Stadium, 

Christchurch Meadows, 

Bridge St, 

Belper 

DE56 1BA

Record attendance - 3,200 v Ilkeston Town in 1955

Current capacity 2,260

Current NPL East Division grounds visited 22/22

The club played at the Acorn Ground, before moving to Christchurch Meadow in 1951. The ground originally had a single stand on the northern side of the pitch, which was demolished in the 1960s and reused to build a new stand on the opposite side. The ground now has a 500 capacity covered stand, with the changing rooms and clubhouse behind it. There are covered enclosures on the opposite side and behind both goals. Overall a great ground, enhanced by the backdrop of the East Mill building and the Christ Church.

Belper Town v Dunston

Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division matchday 27/24

(1st v 4th)

3pm ko

Att.544

Admission £11

Pin badge £4

Coffee £1.50

Programmes available

Belper made a strong start to the game, taking an early lead before missing several decent chances. The match turned on its head once Dunston equalised and finished the half strongly to go in 3-1 ahead at half time. Sado Djalo completed his hat-trick after the break, plus O’Donnell grabbed his second and Dunston’s fifth to complete a fabulous away day and close the gap at the top of the table. 

12’ 1-0 Luke Rawdon

33’ 1-1 Sado Djalo

41’ 1-2 JJ O’Donnell

45+2’ 1-3 Sado Djalo

55’ 1-4 Sado Djalo

72’ 2-4 Luke Rawson

85’ 2-5 JJ O’Donnell 

#Heedhopper

156 miles stadium-to stadium

Departed UTS Stadium at 0930 on club coach.

Arrived at 1.30pm.

On arrival I hotfooted along to the town centre to visit the three GBG pubs - The Railway Inn, Arkwright’s Real Ale Bar and the Angel Micropub. After the match we had celebratory drinks(and a massive scotch egg) in the George & Dragon, before setting off for home at quarter-to-six. A cracking day out and it was great to spend the day with my former work colleague and fellow Toon Army traveller Shaz Wilson. I’m hoping Dunston can achieve promotion this season, so I can look forward to more club trips to uncharted grounds in the NPL Premier Division.