Jon Froggatt then gave the Nailers the advantage on the stroke of half time, before a tense final 45 minutes led to Scarborough equalising from the spot, and Belper failed to win the game late on with a missed penalty of our own.

The draw ensured that the Nailers retain fourth spot, with automatic promotion still very much in their sights.

Manager Peter Duffield (pictured) was pleased with his side’s performance and insisted a point taken from the game may prove invaluable come the season’s close.

“I think a draw was a fair result; all-round it was an equal affair.

“It was obviously frustrating losing a two-goal lead in the first half, then missing a late penalty and hitting the bar twice in stoppage time but if you’d have offered me the point before the game I’d have gladly taken it.

“The wind obviously affected the flow of play for both sides and therefore it wasn’t the silkiest performance from either team, but it was still a very entertaining affair for anyone watching the game.

“I thought we were excellent for the majority of the game. Obviously there are a few things we need to rectify from the performance but, on the whole, we were very dangerous.

“I can’t fault the players’ attitude or commitment, because they gave it their all.”

He added, “It was a shame for Jon to miss the penalty near the end but there is no blame attached to him whatsoever because he scored two goals before that and got us the result.

“He has been magnificent this season and he works extremely hard.

But “I didn’t think it was a penalty for them - the player has looked for it and the referee has given it, but it was soft.”

Duffield is hoping for three points to add to a good period for his side in our home fixture against Loughborough on Tuesday evening.

“This match will be very difficult and Loughborough are on a good run at the moment.

“But if we can take three points, it will make the point on Saturday look very good indeed.”

He continued, “Given the conditions we played in and with a few of the players having taken knocks, it may be an opportunity for those who haven’t played as much recently to come in and start the game.

“We have a very strong bench, and they’re all itching to play a part from the start.”

He concluded, “We’re on a good run at the moment, and we hope to continue that over the coming games, starting against Loughborough.

“We are all looking forward to it.”