Two first-half goals from Ray Dwolitka ensured Whaley Bridge’s safe passage through to the third round of the Derbyshire Senior Cup after an impressive midweek showing against Belper United.

Jon Brogden described his side’s performance as ‘the best of the season’ and implored his players to use the result to kick-start their league season which has been plagued by inconsistency.

Whaley will face another midweek away trip in the next round as they travel to higher league opposition Holbrook Sports on Tuesday 9^th December (19:45).

After a disappointing home defeat last time out Whaley looked to get off to a fast start against a youthful Belper side and were aided by the inclusion of Jack Grindey and the return of Bill Sutton from an injury lay-off.

Dan Whelan also returned from suspension to partner Rob Newton at the heart of defence whilst James Gemmell remained side-lined with a broken toe.

On a pitch blessed with width Whaley effectively covered the ground required to limit their opponent’s time on the ball and looked threatening going forward as they stamped their authority on the game from the first whistle.

Belper struggled to hold on to possession under pressure from Whaley’s midfield four and after 27 minutes,  having won the ball in the centre of the park, Joe Burgess played a sumptuous though-ball top Dwolitka who fired an unstoppable right-footed drive which beat the ‘keeper at his near post.

With a 1-0 lead Whaley continued to press and dominate proceedings; Grindey and Dwolitka both saw efforts well-saved by the host’s goalkeeper whilst Newton and Whelan looked assured in front of the untroubled James Tattersall.

The strong forward running of Grindey and George Burgess was a feature of the first half and brought about the chance for Whaley to double their advantage when the ball fell to Dwolitka on the edge of the box and the striker obliged in lashing the ball home via a deflection.

The visitors were guilty of switching off as the second period commenced and were subsequently punished when Louis Mundin fired the ball home from close range after good work from the left winger.

United were in the ascendency and had the chance to level shortly afterwards but were denied by a last ditch tackle from Whelan as the striker set himself to shoot.

As the half progressed the visitors grew in stature once more and could have added to their tally but for the intervention of the crossbar on two occasions.

George Burgess saw his powerful effort crash into the bar before his brother Joe cut inside and unleashed a shot which also hit the woodwork.

Late on Dwolitka, who was in inspired form, could have completed what would have been a well-deserved hat-trick but he couldn’t get enough power on his shot after Sutton’s flick-on.

Whaley’s collective heart was in its metaphorical mouth when the referee awarded the hosts a free-kick on the edge of the box in the final moments but Tattersall held on well before the whistle for the end of the game fell on the glad ears of those in blue.

Whaley return to league duty on Saturday, they host Greenalls Padgate St Oswalds at Horwich Park.

Team:

Tattersall, Brown, Newton, Whelan, Sutton, J Burgess, G Burgess, Grindey (Broome), Gregory (Moss), Christie, Dwolitka

Man of the Match: Ray Dwolitka