Nailers efforts go unrewarded

The custodian was beaten only by Jonathan Williams’ brilliant free kick.

He was equal to everything else the Nailers threw his way, including a crucial save with his fingertips to divert Reuben Wiggins-Thomas’ angled attempt on the hour.

The hosts would have trailed had the front man’s shot found the far corner.

Instead, jolted by the introduction as substitutes of Tolani Omotola and Paul Williams, it paved the way for Albion’s best spell of the contest.

Belper were buoyed by the knowledge they outplayed Carl Macauley’s side back in October.

But the Nailers survived an early scare when full-back Dominic Allen smuggled Rob Hopley’s header off the line from Bradley Bauress’ corner after quarter of an hour.

Williams’ arcing free-kick prompted Crump to parry smartly midway through the opening period, then the former Southport custodian diverted Evan Garnett’s shot around an upright after the forward had escaped the attention of Scott Lycett.

Albion were ruthless in response, taking the lead when Bauress drilled with unerring accuracy into the bottom corner before goalkeeper Scott Low could adjust his position.

However Williams swerved a beauty of a set piece past a flailing Crump to restore parity almost immediately.

Witton nearly nicked an unworthy interval lead when Tom Owens curved wide after Steven Tames nudged a pass into his path.

Their defenders patted Crump on the back again when he blocked Matt Richards’ rising drive at the start of the second period.

Bauress and Haywood both missed the target speculative attempts in response before the tall net-minder adjusted his feet to save low to his right when Wiggins-Thomas wriggled into a shooting space.

Wiggins-Thomas (pictured) had a credible shout for a penalty when he appeared to be fouled by Crump. The assistant referee flagged for the spot kick but referee David Croft confounded the visitors by cautioning the Nailers' striker for simulation.

But Paul Williams’ introduction proved decisive in wrestling back control in the middle of the field, where Albion had been suffering most.

Scott Lycett jabbed wide and Rob Hopley headed high before Tolani Omotola reacted instinctively to force Hopley’s flick-on over the line from Anthony Gardner’s long throw to nick the points.

It was desperately disappointing ending for Belper after their efforts over 90 minutes deserved some reward against their promotion chasing hosts

Team: Low, Allen, Guy, Graves, Freeman, Watt, Garnett, Armstrong, Wiggins-Thomas, Williams, Richards. Subs: Birks, Goddard, G Palmer, Butcher, Rathbone

Referee: David Croft

Att: 240

Credit: Northwich Guardian