Valley Stage Stunning Comeback to Beat Belper

Rugby Town produced a stirring second-half fightback at Butlin Road on Saturday overturning a two-goal half-time deficit to seal a memorable win over high-flying Belper Town in the Isuzu FA Trophy.

The 3-2 comeback win over the Nailers, in an archetypal game of two halves, booked Valley a Third Round Qualifying tie away at Worcester City.

Rugby Town manager Grant Joshua admitted his frustration at the opening 45 minutes but praised his players’ powers of recovery: "I have to say I was offended by our first half performance but our powers of recovery are yet again on show and I couldn't be prouder of this group.

"I am delighted for Callum Griffin – his second goal is ridiculous – and it was just a matter of time before we got the third as Belper couldn’t contain us in that period.

"I’m pleased with the outcome today but it wasn't a great start from us in all honesty and we normally start quite well.

"Belper were well worth their lead at half-time and I’ve said many times they're a very good side at what they do, and they were bang at it.

"That's only their second loss of the season in all competitions and to do that from a two goal deficit is even more pleasing. We had eight or nine players miles off it first half and you can’t be off it that much against the quality of player Belper have at their disposal."

"But second half we delivered a performance of high quality – we pulled them around, our football was brilliant to watch, and we looked the fitter, stronger side as it went on."

Joshua reserved special praise for Griffin, who struck the first two goals in the turnaround: "Griff hasn’t been at his expected level recently and he knows that but we’ve had chats at training and before the game about how I think he can improve.

"He’s really shown up in a big way today and fully deserved his goals."

The manager was also quick to highlight the impact of the supporters: "Once we got the first goal after the break, confidence was running through us visibly and the crowd were up – Belper just couldn’t contain us.

"Watching us dominate the second half is exactly what this group are capable of."

Joshua concluded with a note of caution ahead of a quick turnaround: "It’s fair to say half-time was not a pleasant place to be, but the reaction was perfect.

"Now we face a huge test on Tuesday against a wounded Warwick side.

"We’ve picked up a couple of knocks on Saturday that I’m a little concerned about so we’ll have to see who’s fit because we can’t carry any passengers."

The victory marks the first time the club has progressed past the Second Round Qualifying since 2005.