Second half recovery earns point

Richard Adams' header finds the net for Belper's equalising goal (Photo: Tim Harrison)

The Nailers had succumbed to two defensive errors in the first half with Newcastle’s Tom Urwin benefiting from both.

He was given space to reach a 19th minute corner kick and head past Scot Low and then added a second goal on 25 minutes with a shot from 12 yards.

Manager Peter Duffield’s half time team talk seemed to do the trick and Belper performed much better in the second period, and they slowly clawed back the deficit.

Leon Ashman helped the Nailers on their way when he brought down Mark Ward inside the penalty area, and not only did Jon Froggatt score from the resulting spot kick; the Newcastle defender was also red carded for his misdemeanour.

With the Nailers now playing much better football the second goal seemed to be very much on the cards.

Sam Duncum’s introduction in the 57th minute proved to be decisive as he supplied the cross that lead to the equaliser when Richard Adams headed the ball past the Newcastle ‘keeper.

The Nailers pressed hard for a winner but found Newcastle’s 10 men in resilient form, however a point was possibly a better result than they could have hoped for after being adrift at the interval.

Newcastle Town: Mills, Askey J, Bridge, Ashman, Carter, Lowe, France, Skelton, Cole, (Nagington 90), Sanders, Urwin. Other Subs: Gordon, Askey L, Ryder

Belper Town: Low, Purcicoe, Adam, Davies, Jones, Adams, Harrison, Warne, Froggatt, Ward (Wells 87), Marrison (Duncum 57). Other Subs: Beatson, Davis, Ratcliffe

Scorers:

Newcastle Town: Tom Urwin 19, 25

Belper Town: Jon Froggatt 51 pen, Richard Adams 62

Referee: Aaron Jackson (Prescot)

Att: 75