BELPER TOWN REVIEW OF THE SEASON 2022/23, NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE
NUNEATON BOROUGH away in the FA Cup 1QR FOLLOWING a great set of pre-season results, admittedly largely against teams from the lower ranks, optimism for the new season was high going into 2022/23 after promotion through the play-offs but it soon became apparent Belper were short in most areas when compared to the rest of the quality on show in this higher division. A gradual improvement over the season was not enough in the end as Belper were relegated with several games left in the campaign. Highlights were the 3-1 win at Liversedge in February which lifted the team off the bottom of the table but ultimately the loss of playmaker Jacob Gratton in that game for two months with a hamstring injury was too much of a burden to overcome. Also the double over Stafford Rangers (2-1 and 2-0) and the first home win over Stalybridge Celtic (2-0). Lowlight was probably the 5-0 home loss to fellow newcomers Warrington Rylands which confirmed what a tough season lay ahead though they proved la...