Belper Town boss slams decision to stage Derbyshire Senior Cup Final at Ilkeston

Belper Town chief Charlie Palmer says he and his players are '˜gutted' about the choice of venue for the upcoming Derbyshire Senior Cup Final.
Belper Town manager Charlie PlamerBelper Town manager Charlie Plamer
Belper Town manager Charlie Plamer

The Nailers will face Alfreton at Ilkeston’s New Manor Ground on Tuesday, April 26.

However, the decision by the Derbyshire FA to stage the final at the home of the Robins has infuriated Palmer, whose side booked their final place after overcoming Heanor Town in the last four.

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He says the club was hoping for a chance to appear at the home of Football League sides such as Derby County or Chesterfield.

Palmer says the fact the players have been denied the opportunity to turn out at the iPro or the Proact is a big blow.

He said: “I am disappointed for the lads, being an ex-player and playing at some big grounds and the excitement that comes with that.

“The Derbyshire Senior Cup is great chance to play at your Chesterfield’s or your Derby County’s but to be told at the last minute you are playing at Ilkeston, I really am gutted for the players.

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“We were told Chesterfield or Derby but the decision has been made.

“We have got to put our disappointments to one side and focus on the game and try and get a result on the day.”

In terms of league action, the Nailers were held to a 2-2 draw on Saturday against Lincoln United and Palmer saw the positives, especially an increase in goalscoring opportunities.

He said: “I thought they had better possession but we had the better chances.

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“If we had have taken those chances we would not of been in the predicament we were in, we conceded to a very sloppy goal once again.

“The positives are, we are creating chances but we just need to start taking them.”

Palmer says he is slowly laying the foundations for the 2016-17 campaign.

He added: “I am now in the process of building a team for next season.

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“I think highly of Phil Watt so I have worked with the chairman to secure him for next season.

“Jonathan Williams has also agreed to stay.

“I will also be talking to Rob Stevenson and Danny Haystead about playing for Belper next season.

“These are all key players as well as Alex Steadman and Eric Graves.

“It is so important to keep hold of your best players.”

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