Belper manager Peter Duffield admitted that he was surprised to have won as easily as the score suggests although he claimed it was still a difficult game.

“I predicted a close game so I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome and we could actually have scored more than we did,” he said.

“I was impressed by the way Market Drayton kept going right until the end even though they had effectively lost the game by half time, but it shows how we have progressed in the last few weeks that we scored five goals without reply and won so comprehensively.”

Two goals in a minute helped to set the pattern of the game and Duffield was impressed with all the goals scored.

“Ado” (Richard Adams) scored a striker’s goal to get us off the mark and Simon Harrison’s (pictured) effort immediately afterwards was the sort of strike we have come to expect from him.

‘Even Glyn Cotton’s goal that came about because of an error between the ‘keeper and a defender was fully deserved as he ran from the edge of our penalty area and never gave up on the cause.”

Karl Colley’s unavailability and Darryl Thomas’s groin strain meant that the team virtually picked itself according to Duffield, and the balance of the side looked to be just about right.

“We’ve got a strong squad now so I know whoever I select will do a job for us and we are able to handle pressure much better than we did earlier in the season,” said Duffield.

‘Players know that if they don’t perform they can be replaced by squad members who equally good and that’s a good position for the club to be in.”

The Nailers have moved into 4th place just above King’s Lynn but Duffield knows that there’s a long way to go before anything is decided.

“There will be many changes in league placings before the end of the season and we have three important games starting with Carlton on Saturday and Coalville on Tuesday.

“We then face Gresley in the next game and although these games won’t decide anything it’s an important week for us.”

The Nailers travel to Chesterfield on Tuesday evening to play at the Spireites impressive Proact Stadium in the Derbyshire Senior Cup and next Saturday they make the short journey to play Carlton Town in the
Evo-Stik League.

“We are looking forward to Tuesday’s game at Chesterfield because it’s a diversion from what we are used to and it’s a great opportunity to play on a professional ground.

“I haven’t been to the stadium so it’s something I’m looking forward to and I know the players are too.”

Belper’s reserve side are at home to Rainworth Miners Welfare kick off is at 3.00pm.

Nigel Oldrini