Stamford’s season ended with a 2-1 defeat against Belper Town in a highly charged promotion play-off semi-final at Borderville. Having finished the season as runners-up in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division, Stamford went into the match as favourites, but were unable to overcome a spirited Belper team.
The Daniels dominated possession and territory in the first half but the match turned in the five minutes leading up to half-time when a breakaway goal by Belper was followed moments later by a red card for Stamford defender Marshall Willock. Playing with ten men, Stamford continued to impress in the second half and had a penalty saved by the Belper goalkeeper but, after withstanding concerted Stamford pressure, Belper added a second goal late in the game. As the match entered stoppage time, Stamford finally breached the Belper defences with a fabulous strike by Cosmos Matwasa, setting up a frantic few minutes before the final whistle.
The crowd of 984 gave Stamford a rousing ovation at the end of match, in recognition of a brave performance and an excellent season. Stamford ended the regular season with a remarkable sequence of nine consecutive victories, taking them to second place in the Midlands Division, only three points behind champions Ilkeston Town.
After Chasetown defeated Halesowen Town in the other play-off semi-final, Belper will pay Chasetown in the play-off final.
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