PHOTO | Evan Garnett fires Belper's equaliser (Photo: Tim Harrison)

Ilkeston took the lead after just eighteen seconds through ex-Notts County forward Lee Hughes, who made the most of some slack defending to round the Nailers ‘keeper Danny Haystead and finish into an empty net.

Evan Garnett scored either side of half-time to put Belper 2-1 up, getting his first in the 13th minute finishing off a good move after good work from Laurie Wilson to play in Rob Stevenson who pulled the ball back for Garnett to confidently strike low past the goalkeeper.

Belper and Garnett’s second came in the 64th minute, Grant Ryan played the ball through to the goal scorer who showed great composure to cut inside from the left and finish back across the ‘keeper into the bottom corner.

Belper’s lead was short lived and two quick-fire goals did the damage, Belper centre-half Paul Lister headed the ball into his own net to make it all square and substitute Luke Shaw was the quickest to react in the box finishing confidently making it 3-2 with fifteen minutes remaining.

The Robins made several substitutions in the second period and the fresh legs made it very difficult for a Nailers side who fatigued in the afternoon sun.

It was one of the substitutes who completed the scoring in the 81st minute, Michael Williams headed home a left wing cross which left ‘keeper Haystead rooted to the spot.

It was a very competitive game which was ideal for both sides as they both kick-off their league campaigns next Saturday (15th), with the Nailers at home to Newcastle Town and Ilkeston host Skelmersdale United respectively.

Belper Town: Haystead; Williams, Watt, Lister, Matthews; Johnson, Wilson (Capt.), Towey; Garnett, Ryan, Stevenson.
Subs: Marshall, Cooksey, Taylor, Divver, Taggart, Worthington.

Ilkeston FC: Rochina, Doyle, Bako, Baker, Luto, Marshall (Capt.), Harness, Trialist, Coulson; Udah, Hughes.
Subs: Williams, Hill, Shaw, Edwards, Goddard, Print, Hodgitt-Young, Wheatley, Gordon.

Referee: Jim Thornhill

Attendance: 247

Photo credit: Tim Harrison