Steadman scores in first pre-season home game

This was the managerial partnerships third game in charge of their new side and it looked as if the squad was beginning to come together well.

Alex Steadman put the Nailers ahead just before half time as the forward skipped past the Rushall defence in spectacular fashion before coolly slotting and a shot past the keeper into the bottom corner. This was Steadman’s second goal of the pre-season after scoring against Quorn last week.

This came after an excellent low effort from 25 yards out by new signing Dexter Atkinson was just tipped around the post.

Rushall equalised with just three minutes of the game remaining as a corner was whipped in and somehow made its way straight into the back of the net.

Belper had the majority of the ball throughout the earlier stages of the game, using the pace of Laurence Constable and Atkinson to break away as well as playing some excellent build up passing to ensure that they didn’t lose possession.

The Nailers limited the visitors to very few efforts thanks to some excellent defending from trialists Drew Ricketts and Kallum Keane as well as Joe Hunt at right back, ensuring that Rushall didn’t have any clear-cut chances until later into the game.

Kieran O’Connell played for the first time at the Marston’s Stadium since his horrific knee injury, something that all Belper Town fans will certainly be happy to see. He played 24 minutes after he replaced Alex Steadman.

Danylyk and Donnelly played all 18 players that were available to them on the night, this was to ensure that every player had a run out. However, this may have disrupted some of the rhythm that the Nailers had earlier in the game.

Next up for Belper is an away trip on Saturday to United Counties Premier Division side Kirby Muxloe, kicking off at 3:00pm.