Nantwich send Nailers back to the bottom

Jon Froggatt gave the Nailers hope with this headed goal (Photo: Ken Allsebrook)

Jon Froggatt named the same starting line-up from the midweek victory over Stamford AFC, as the defence were looking to build on the solidarity shown away from home four days earlier.

Belper created the first two good opportunities of the game as Steve Warne had a shot cleared off the line, before Ashley Burbeary cut inside from the left to fire a low shot on target, with 'keeper Terry Smith saving well.

However, it was the visitors who took the lead after 23 minutes through centre back Andy Pearson.

The Dabbers earned a corner which was floated in the centre of the box, where a defensive header was picked up by the pacy Matthew Kosylo who dinked a smart cross towards the far post where Pearson was on hand unmarked to squeeze his header between James Martin and the post to give his side the lead.

The Nailers responded relatively well but failed to create anything in the way of clear cut chances.

Following a corner for the Nailers, Nantwich were able to break the full length of the pitch and score their second goal after 36 minutes.

Ian Ross's floated corner from the right was headed out by Pearson and Kosylo found space to embark on a 50 yard sprint, taking the ball inside the box and playing a square pass to Mark Winslade, who slotted the ball neatly past Martin from eight yards and double the Dabbers lead.

The second half saw three goals and a hatful of chances in an end-to-end 45 minutes.

Glyn Cotton stuck a fine volley from the edge of the box two minutes after the restart which was saved well by Smith, and Martin came to his sides' rescue shortly afterward with a fine save from Winslade’s free header.

The visitors were then awarded a penalty as Martin needlessly fouled Winslade on the by-line. Iain Howard stepped up and struck His shot into the left corner, sending Martin the wrong way after 56 minutes.

There was a glimmer of hope for the a Nailers as they pulled a goal back just 60 seconds later.

Ashley Burbeary produced a piece of fine skill on the left, taking the ball to the by-line before chipping a cross to the far post, where Jon Froggatt rose above his marker to head home past Smith.

Ashley Burbeary soon received his marching orders for a second yellow card with 20 minutes remaining, leaving the Nailers with an uphill task for the remainder of the game.

Former Northern Ireland international Steve Jones came off the bench for Nantwich to fire home the goal of the day with a superbly struck 35-yard shot with two minutes remaining, leaving the Nailers with an all too familiar sinking feeling come the final whistle.

Belper Town: Martin, Goulding, Pride, Ross (Bruno Holden 65), Watt, Adams, Cotton (Stevenson 65), Warne, Froggatt, Towey, Burbeary. Subs: James, Varley, Ratcliffe.

Nantwich Town: Smith, Disney, White, Jones, Bailey, Pearson, Kosylo, Pepper (Steve Jones 72), Winslade, Clayton (Harrop 83), Howard.

Referee: Geoffrey Law (Leicester)

Attendance: 268