The Nailers were forced into a goalkeeping change when David Ratcliffe replaced Ilkeston loanee Scott Low, who under the terms of his loan was not allowed to compete against his parent club.

Sam Duncum came in for his first start of the season, against his former club.

A very entertaining game began with the Robins creating the first set of early chances as Matt Richards looked to give his side an early advantage.

Firstly, his driven cross low across the box was stabbed just wide by Nailers defender Richard Adams after nine minutes and shortly after his snap shot from the edge of the box curled just wide of the right hand upright.

But it was the Nailers who drew first blood with their first real opportunity on goal in the 18th minute

The ball found its way to Glyn Cotton on the right hand side, whose neat turn saw him knock the ball across the six yard box with pace, only for the defender to deflect it back into the path of Sam Duncum, who fizzed his shot low into the net from 12 yards out.

The goal opened up the game and both teams began playing good positive football. Ilkeston came close to an equaliser on half time when Matt Richards’ cross from the left was lifted to the far post and met by Kane Richards who could only head the ball beyond the far post.

The second half produced the best football of the game with both sides creating good chances in the box.

James Reid produced a neat piece of skill as the ball was played to him five yards outside the area, only to dummy his shot and bring the ball onto his right foot, beating two players in the process and shooting low towards goal but Dave Ratcliffe was equal to it.

The Nailers then doubled their advantage and produced a move and a goal worthy of winning any football match.

The ball was played up to Jon Froggatt who brought the ball down and turned onto his left hand side, Sam Duncum made a run down the left wing and Froggatt produced a defence splitting pass into Duncum’s path.

Duncum then took on his man to the by-line and delivered an inch perfect left footed cross onto the head of Shaun Tuton who fired his header into the bottom right corner to give the Nailers a crucial two-goal lead with half an hour of normal time to go.

Belper then had to do their fair share of defending as expected and almost let Ilkeston back into it just two minutes later. .

Gary Ricketts had the ball at his feet with his back to goal just inside the area, and his lay off to James Reid resulted in a low right footed shot which struck the left hand post and was cleared to safety.

However, the Robins got their goal in the 71st minute with a fine solo run and strike by left back Aaron Webster. Webster received the ball 35 yards out on the left hand side and beat two players to crash his shot low across goal and into the far corner to give Ilkeston hope.

The Nailers then defended superbly and their back five worked tirelessly to keep the Robins at bay.

Shaun Roulston was given the job to mark the dangerous Gary Ricketts, but ensured that the prolific Robins striker wouldn’t be given a clear sight of goal.

The game was played out at a good tempo with both team producing half chances but the Nailers held on to claim a deserved victory and ensure their name goes into the draw for the next round of the FA Cup.

Ilkeston FC: Rob Peet, Rob Kozluk, Aaron Webster, Laurie Wilson, Matt Baker, Ellis Storey, Kane Richards (Chris Palmer 88), James Reid, Gary Ricketts, Aaron Hooton (Rai Simons 62), Matt Richards. Subs: Danny Gordon, Callum Chettle, Jason Stokes, Ryan Swift, Antwan Russell.

Belper Town: David Ratcliffe, Lee Thompson, Chris Adam, Glyn Cotton, Richard Adams, Shaun Roulston, Colin Marrison, Steve Warne, Jon Froggatt (Mark Ward 90), Shaun Tuton (Jamie Jackson 90+4), Sam Duncum (Simon Harrison 74). Subs: Joe Conkleton, Mick Godber.

Referee: Craig Taylor (Wednesbury)

Att: 515