AN inspired display by flamboyant Gresley keeper Dale Belford saw Swindon Supermarine leave Derbyshire empty handed.

For the second successive Saturday, Marine trailed 2-0 at the break.

Last weekend Ray Baverstock's men came back to win 3-2 against Mangotsfield and a similar outcome looked probable as the visitors dominated the second period.

But only Jimmy Carter could find a way past Belford as Marine slipped to a 2-1 defeat.

The Hunts Copse side were let down by sloppy defending in an even first 45 minutes.

Tom King made a smart stop to parry Earl Alexander's fierce drive before Belford was called into action.

The veteran custodian, famed for breakdancing and wearing comedy false teeth during games, produced a superb reflex save to tip over Simon Futcher's header.

Marine then fell behind when Shaun Harrad latched on to a long ball and rounded King.

Gresley doubled their lead in first-half injury time, though the goal had more than a suspicion of offside about it.

Liam Hibberd first-time shot was blocked by King but Alexander was on hand to tap in the rebound despite protests from the Marine camp.

A repeat of the Mangotsfield comeback was on the cards when Belford was beaten a minute into the second period.

Stuart Hodson's free-kick was stopped up Carter fired home the loose ball.

With spirits lifted, Marine peppered the Gresley goal but Belford was equal to everything that came his way.

Futcher was again denied, Carter had a goal ruled out and Giles Harris had a penalty appeal turned down as Gresley avenged their 2-1 opening day defeat at Hunts Copse.

Marine boss Baverstock was the first to acknowledge Belford's contribution after the game.

"It was the most one-sided second half I have ever seen but their keeper has pulled off five or six outstanding saves.

"He performed brilliantly and was man of the match.

"We performed well ourselves in the second half and if we had equalised I think we would have gone on to score three or four.

"We let ourselves down by conceding two sloppy goals in the first half.

"I thought their second goal was offside but we can't keep complaining about the officials."

Supermarine: King, Gee, Futcher, Blastland, Hodson, Bennett, Harris, Matthews, Terry, Carter, Miller.

Subs: Knox, Gilovich, Gill.