The Evo-Stik Premier Division side, who play one tier above the Nailers, were matched all the way up until the 80th minute when a speculative cross deceived ‘keeper, Danny Haystead.

Nailers’ manager, Charlie Palmer was happy with his side's first half performance, however felt standards dropped going in the second period.

“In the first half we definitely matched them and gave them a good game.

“We were very strong in midfield, especially Eric Graves and Mickey Armstrong who were both fantastic, but we needed to be a lot stronger up top.

“In the second half, some of the players did not maintain the standards that helped us so much in the first period.

“It was a sloppy goal that we conceded but we can’t keep using that as an excuse for why we lost.

“The players should use the game against Hednesford Town and the first half against Halesowen to give them confidence going into the game against Spalding United.

“If they play the way that they have shown that they can, we should get a result.”

Belper were without Ruben Wiggins-Thomas (pictured), who has led the line for the Nailers in each of the games so far this season.

“I think that if Ruben had been fit and played, we could have won that game.

“Jordan Ball did well but Ruben would definitely have helped us, but again we can’t use that as an excuse.

“Ruben picked the injury up against Carlton when he was fouled for the penalty but we are hoping that he will be back on Tuesday,

“We didn’t want to risk him for the FA Cup, as we need to make sure that he’s ready for the league campaign.”

With attention now turning to the league, Palmer's side face table topping Spalding United before an away trip to Romulus, just 3 days later, on Friday night.

“Both games will be very difficult, but we have to focus on our game with Spalding first – they are flying at the minute and they’ll be tough to beat.

“We can’t make plans for Romulus yet because we don’t know who we will have available and who might pick up a knock in the Spalding game”, added Palmer