Belper victory moves Leamington Khalsa up to second - The Leamington Observer

Belper victory moves Leamington Khalsa up to second

Leamington Editorial 18th Nov, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

KHALSA moved up to second in the Midland Premier Division thanks to a hard-fought 3-2 win away at third-placed Belper on Saturday.

Conditions were difficult with torrential rain and Khalsa were the victims of a slow start. They paid the price by conceding in the first four minutes of play when an unmarked Belper attacker stabbed the ball home at the back post for an easy tap in.

Trying to match the tempo set by the hosts, Khalsa were caught on the break and conceded a second goal quickly after conceding the first to find themselves with a mountain to climb.

The visitors quickly looked to reduce the deficit and Jas Singh forced the Belper goalkeeper into a number of reflex saves before Ben Scott came agonizingly close to scoring but his effort on goal was cleared off the line.




With more possession and Belper defending deep in their half, Khalsa found spaces limited behind the defence but they did manage to pull one goal back when Aaron Nagra’s sweeping pass found Amritpal Atwal and his clever deflection towards Stuart Gooderham allowed the Khalsa player to draw out the keeper and David Harris sloted the ball into the net.

During the break there were some stern words and a re-shift in formation and strategy saw the visitors turn produce a stunning comeback.


Khalsa were temporarily reduced to nine men but continued to dominate possession. They were rewarded a penalty corner and Aaron Nagra stepped up to rocket the ball into the corner for an equaliser with ten minutes.

Belper enjoyed some chances at the Khalsa goal and they came closest from a penalty corner which was cleared off the line.

Jack Wells and Ben Stephenson worked tirelessly in the midfield while Khalsa were reduced in numbers but they did well to keep the shape.

And with minutes remaining and Khalsa now back to full numbers, Gooderham’s intelligence in the Belper circle won a penalty corner for Khalsa which Aaron Nagra dispatched into the corner again to seal all three points.

The second team also tasted success thanks to a 2-0 win over Barford Tigers, with Amarpal Singh Khehra and Darshane Singh Thiara scoring the goals.

There was not much joy for the third team however after they got thumped 6-0 against Coalville, while a depleted fourth team lost 3-1 at home to Old Halesonians.

Khalsa are looking for new players of all levels to join one of the most progressive clubs in the area. For more information on how to join call Narinder Birdi on 07923051670 or email [email protected].

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