Nailers earn another draw

The first chance of the game produced a goal for the home side, after a cagey start to proceedings.

The ball was switched from left to right to the unmarked Peter Till. Till produced a pinpoint cross that fell perfectly for the unmarked Elliot Turner, whose half volley swept effortlessly into the back of the net, beyond the reach of James Martin.

The Nailers responded well and matched the home side for the remainder of what was often a scrappy first 45 minutes

Belper had a good chance after 20 minutes falling for last season’s leading goal scorer Jon Froggatt.

As the ball was played forward from midfield Froggatt turned away from two defenders and curled a lovely shot towards the left hand corner, only to see the ball rebound off the post and into the grateful arms of Matt Sargeant.

In a game of few chances, Belper were awarded a penalty after a handball inside the area just two minutes before the break.

Jon Froggatt stepped up and struck the ball straight down the middle but the Yeltz goalkeeper held his position to save the shot low down with his legs.

However, the home side were given little chance to breathe before the ball found its way into the box just moments later with the same attack.

Ian Ross sent a cross in from the right which was attacked at the far post by Kieran Wells, and knocked down in a central area for Colin Marrison (pictured) to scramble the ball home five yards from goal, to ensure the two teams shared the spoils at half time.

The second half proved to be one-way traffic towards the Halesowen goal for a large proportion of the time, with a string of corners going begging for the Nailers.

But, to Halesowen's credit, their stern defensive performance made certain that Belper wouldn't take the points.

Further chances came through Regan Edridge and Kieran Wells for Belper, and Robert Thompson-Brown and Ben Haseley for Halesowen

A late penalty appeal for Belper was waved away by referee Andrew Garrett after Jon Froggatt had been eased off the ball by Joe Hull as a cross from substitute Aaron Cole dropped invitingly into the penalty area.

Halesowen Town: Matthew Sargeant, Kristian Green, Asa Charlton, Aaron Forde (Samuel Pearson 74), Joseph Hull, Curtis Tilt, Daniel Bragoli, Elliot Turner (Thomas Tonks 72), Robert Thompson-Brown (Joel Kettle 84), Ben Haseley, Peter Till. Subs: Neil Mackenzie, Aaron Griffiths.

Belper Town: James Martin, Chris Jones, Billy Bennett, Ian Ross, Regan Edridge, Dan White, Colin Marrison, Steve Warne, Jon Froggatt, Kieran Wells (Mark Ward 67), Rob Stevenson (Aaron Cole 70). Subs: Simon Harrison, Aaron Pride, Scott Low.

Referee: Andrew Garrett (Walsall)

Attendance: 434

Joe Malone