Stamford AFC promotion dreams crushed with home defeat
The Daniels lost to Belper 2-1 in their playoff semi-final
Last updated 27th Apr 2022
Hopes of Stamford AFC being promoted to the Northern Premier League Premier Division are over, after a 2-1 playoff semi-final defeat to Belper Town.
The Daniels came into the match off the back of a nine game winning streak, placing them second in the Midlands division.
The visitors went into the game placed fifth in the table, but after a dramatic 95 minutes, Belper will face Chasetown in this weekend's playoff final.
Stamford had the majority of chances in the first half but couldn't find a breakthrough.
That was taken by Belper’s Brodie Lichfield, who put the away side 1-0 up after a fast breakaway.
A moment of madness two minutes later meant a red card for Marshall Willock, who picked up a second yellow after going in too strong with a header.
The second half saw an early opportunity for Stamford, with a penalty, but it was saved.
The visitors scored a crucial second goal in the 90th minute, this time from midfielder Kyle Dixon.
With two minutes to go, Stamford fought back, with a 92nd minute goal from Cosmos Matwasa.
However, it wasn't enough, with a hard-fought home defeat confirmed at the final whistle.