Manager Peter Duffield introduced a new Nailers signing in Philip Watt, whose move from Coalville Town was possibly the highlight of the day for Belper.

He deputised at centre half alongside the ever present Shaun Roulston, whose partnership showed early signs of solidarity at the back.

Chris Jones played in his more familiar role at right back, and David Ratcliffe came in to replace the unwell Scott Low.

The Nailers were hoping for better result than their form suggests at Gresley, with only two wins in their last eight matches at the Moat Ground.

The first half began in a fiercely competitive manner with two yellow cards and several free kicks awarded inside the first ten minutes.

The first chance fell for Marc Goodfellow on the 4th minute whose shot from the edge of the box rose inches over the bar.

Jordan Nadat then saw his point blank header from the six yard box aimed straight at goalkeeper Ratcliffe who pushed the ball away to safety.

Belper’s first real chance came on the 28th minute when Simon Harrison was brought down after he cut inside from the right and the defender illegally halted his run.

Glyn Cotton stood over the free kick which was 30 yards right of centre, and his powerful effort flew two yards over the top.

Belper’s best moment of the first half came on the 38th minute after a good move involving captain Steve Warne and Gareth Davies.

Warne received the ball on the inside left and played a great curling cross in towards Harrison who met the ball on the volley eight yards out but his shot went agonisingly wide of the near post.

The second half was played with much the same tempo as both teams played good positive football, however lacking the end result.

The Moatmen had their best chance of the game just 2 minutes after the restart when the dangerous Nadat’s touch and turn past Roulston in the area lead to a finesse shot which was tipped away by Ratcliffe low to his right hand side.

The Nailers then came to life and pushed Gresley back with the majority of possession in their opponents half.

New man Philip Watt made good contact with a header from a corner which sailed a yard wide of the right hand post.

But arguably the best chance for the Nailers fell to the inform Shaun Tuton after Glyn Cotton played an inch-perfect ball through to Tuton who was onside and one on one with the goalkeeper.

Tuton struggled to make up his mind as he had Mark Ward square to the left and a chance at goal himself.

In the end it seemed a ‘mix of both’ was attempted and the ball rolled two yards wide of the far left post.

Substitute Jon Froggatt had a glancing header flash across goal and a Tuton headed effort fell wide of the Gresley goal, with the Nailers left ruing missed opportunities after the final whistle.

Gresley FC: Ross Etheridge, Mitch Hanson, Lucas Harrison, Marc Strzyzewski, Jamie Barrett, Eric Graves, Mickey Lyons (Dean Oliver 69), James Jepson, Jordan Nadat, Kieran O’Connell, Marc Goodfellow (Paolo Piliero 69). Subs: John Guy, Liam Guest, Harry Austin.

Belper Town: Dave Ratcliffe, Chris Jones, Joe Conkleton, Glyn Cotton, Philip Watt, Shaun Roulston, Simon Harrison (Sam Duncum 80), Steve Warne, Mark Ward (Jon Froggatt 64), Shaun Tuton (Jamie Jackson 73), Gareth Davies. Subs: Colin Marrison, Liam Davis.

Referee: Mark Griffiths (Cirencester)

Attendance: 312