Belper Town boss Grant Black says some of the club's fans need to get a reality check

The Nailers chief has been angered by criticism directed by fans after the defeat at Stocksbridge and the FA Trophy exit at Newcastle Town.

Belper are currently top of the Northern Premier League Division One South East with four wins from seven.

“To see the criticism out there is frustrating for the players and myself, but people pay their money and can say what they want,” he said.

“But I think people have short memories of where the club were when we came in, they were in a relegation battle every week.

“We finished eighth and would have got the play-offs. We got to a Derbyshire Cup final and took them to Notts County.

“I'm big enough and ugly enough otake what is thrown at me, it doesn't bother me but people need to get a reality check.

“It is football, it is what it is - it baffles me to be honest.”

Black was also feels fans have not looked at the bigger picture as Belper battle against injuries and COVID absenteeism.

“It was our first bad performance against Stocksbridge,” he said. “On Saturday (against Newcastle) we got hit by two players self-isolating, then a player we brought in on loan goes off injured after ten minutes.

“We lost a striker who was playing well because he got smashed and then we lost another sub.

“It all went against us against a team who are flying. If it had been a league game we would have got a point.

“We are positive in the dressing room. We are top with a budget that is bottom six realistically.

“It is hard to get continuity this season and it will affect everyone.

“There are plenty of shock results in non league this year, the so called strong teams may have six players out when you play them.

“It is something we all have to deal with until there is a vaccine. If you have a big squad you have luxury but that's not something that we have so we have to deal with it in a different way.”

Town travel to Cleethorpes at the weekend with Black expecting another tough test.

“We will go to win,” he added. “Cleethorpes are a strong side and will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.

“It will be a tough game like they all are. Hopefully we will have players back out of self isolation and be back to full strength.”