Late drama sees Nailers fall at Market Drayton

Market Drayton finally broke the deadlock just minutes before the final whistle, forward Ryan Scott raced onto a long ball and slotted the ball through Nailers ‘keeper Danny Haystead’s legs.

Just five minutes before Haystead saved a penalty from Drayton centre-half James O’Neill, Belper debutant Dom Allen was sent off for blocking Paul McMullen’s header with his arm.

It was a mystery how it took until three minutes before time for the first goal to be scored, Scott himself squandering the best chance of the game on the hour mark.

Strike partner Simon Everall ran through Belper’s defence and squared the ball, Scott could only volley the ball high and wide as Haystead’s goal was unguarded.

The home side also hit the post ten minutes before the half-time break, William Whieldon’s left sided cross found full-back James O’Reilly, his header struck the foot of the post and Everall’s rebound was blocked on the line by Luke Shaw.

Whieldon had a glorious chance to score himself five minutes into the second half, he could only awkwardly chest wide winger Lyndon Campbell driven cross from the right hand side.

Belper’s best chance of the game arguably fell to Alex Steadman after twenty minutes, Jonathan Williams played the ball through to the forward but his low left-footed strike was blocked by Market Drayton ‘keeper Ashley Rawlins.

Rawlins was busy again a few minutes after as Belper debutant Ben Watkis diverted Steadman’s cross straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.

Evan Garnett could not carry on his recent goal scoring form as he could not take advantage of a couple of good chances.

The first chance of the second half fell to the Nailers forward, Williams played the ball over the top to captain Eric Graves who pulled the ball back to Garnett but his shot from the edge of the box was blocked.

His second chance came just before the hour mark, Steadman helped on a Watkis cross but Garnett’s looping header was collected by Rawlins in the home sides goal.

Market Drayton Town: Rawlins (GK), J. O’Reilly, M. O’ Reilly (Wellings 70’), Green, McMullen (Capt.), O’Neill, Campbell (Street 60’), Watkins (Garratt 63’), Everall, Scott, Whieldon.

Unused subs: McFarlane, Lowe.

Belper Town: Haystead (GK), Shaw, Allen, Cooksey, Parker, Watt, Watkis (Hemagou 67’), Graves (Capt.), Garnett, Williams, Steadman.

Unused subs: Minott, Kabanke, Goddard, Mansfield (GK)

Referee: Lisa Rashid

Assistant referees: Luis Martin & Thomas Moule