Eric battles through the pain barrier

Graves (pictured) briefly thought his season was over after the draw with Spalding United at Easter, when a nagging knee injury was hampering him.

He is awaiting the results of a scan but battling on without training for the rest of the campaign.

"The rain the past few weeks has softened the pitches a little, which has helped my knee be less painful," said Graves.

"There are only four games to get through now and Charlie (Palmer, manager) is being good to me and letting me not train, so I'm a bit like Paul McGrath at the minute!"

Belper ended a run of five games without a win by beating Leek Town 2-0 on Tuesday night, a late striker from youngster Laurence Constable sealing the points after Alex Steadman's earlier goal.

Tomorrow's game against Market Drayton Town is the Nailers' last at the Marston's Stadium this season.

"Tuesday was much more like it – a performance we'd been waiting on for quite a while," said Graves.

"Now we have one more home game left and we will want to send our fans away happy from that.

"Then, it would be nice to get our hands on the Derbyshire Senior Cup, although, obviously, it won't be easy against Alfreton Town."

That match is on Tuesday April 26 and will finish the Nailers' season.

Graves is already looking positively to next season. Although nothing is signed yet, he seems certain to stay as Palmer looks to build a side that can challenge for promotion from Evo-Stik Division One South.

"We've had a bench full of under-21s for the last few games and it's good to see them getting a chance," he said.

"Charlie is already looking to next season and I'm feeling positive about next season already.

"Belper Town should be a club playing at least one level higher than we are and I think Charlie can build a side to challenge for the play-offs."

Credit: Derby Telegraph