High temperatures hinder Belper Town at Rugby

Chances were few and far between on an afternoon that saw temperatures rise to more than 30 degrees Celsius.

And Albans acknowledged the weather played a big part in hampering his game plan in Saturday’s away match.

He said: “I was disappointed with the level of performance due to how well we have played in the previous two matches, we did not create anywhere near as many chances as we have been doing, especially compared to the game against Newcastle Town.

“The weather made it very difficult for us to press high up the pitch and hassle the opposition which is what we have been doing so well recently. The boys were blowing out their backsides with 20 minutes to go but we had a couple of chances to nick the three points.”

Forward Rob Stevenson went off injured after only half an hour when he landed awkwardly challenging for a header.

Ben Fairclough replaced him and Albans was pleased with his performance.

“We do not quite know the extent of Rob’s injury but we hope he should be fit for Tuesday’s clash with Coalville,” said Albans.

“But it was a great opportunity for Ben Fairclough to show everybody what he is capable of and push all the forwards for a place in the starting XI, not just Stevenson when he is fully fit.

He added: “It is good for me and Wayne to know we have quality players on the bench as well as on the pitch which creates competition for places which can only be healthy for the team.”