A first half brace from Alex Steadman and a brilliant long range strike from Rob Stevenson in the second half secured the points for the Nailers, James Gregory pulled one back for the home side late on which only turned out to be a consolation.

Belper went ahead after just five minutes, Jonathan Williams lofted a free-kick in from the left hand side, Sheffield ‘keeper Andy Robertson spilled the ball and Steadman had the simplest of tasks to head into an empty net.

Steadman got his and the Nailers second on the stroke of half-time, Williams again the provider slipping the ball through to the goalscorer who smashed the ball hard and low into the back of the net.

Before the home side could get settled for the second half, Rob Stevenson emphatically put Belper three goals to the good, he collected the ball on the left-wing, drove inside and smashed the ball in at Robertson’s near post.

James Gregory headed one in with around six minutes to play but that was as good as it got for the world’s oldest club, as Belper looked to add another goal with the final attack of the game.

Haystead made a wonderful save from a Gregory volley at the back post, Stevenson collected the loose ball and slipped substitute Tyrell Shannon-Lewis through on goal, he squared the ball to Williams but his effort has somehow kept out off of the line.

Ben Watkis struck the post with an effort from outside the box after good work from Evan Garnett created the chance mid-way through the first half.

Stevenson almost scored another wonder goal as he again dribbled in from the left wing, he skipped past three Sheffield defenders as he drove into the box but could not get enough power behind his shot to trouble the keeper.

Manager Charlie Palmer started his son, Gerome, as he made his full Belper Town debut. Palmer Jr looked to be injured as he was substituted for Ross Parker on the hour mark.

Sheffield FC: Robertson (GK), R.Ludlam, Turner, Glavin, Cooksey (Capt.), S.Ludlam, Foster (Raheem 67’), Cotton (Rooney 45’), Igiehon, Warren, Gregory. Unused subs: Stevens, Hunt, Jacobs.

Belper Town: Haystead (GK), Allen, Cole, Williams, Palmer (Parker 60’), Watt, Stevenson, Graves (Capt.), Garnett (Shannon-Lewis 70’), Watkis (Wood 75’) Steadman. Unused subs: Mansfield, Constable.

Referee: Hristo Karaivanov (Sutton-in-Ashfield)

Attendance: 321