After 17 days of inactivity for the Nailers it was a welcome run out for Steve Kittrick’s men who dominated much of the game against the Staffordshire County Senior League Premier Division side.

The tie, played at Rocester’s Hillsfield ground drew a respectable crowd of 177 and the majority would have enjoyed the entertainment on view, however the result was never in much doubt after the Nailers scored the first goal in the 14th minute.

The Nailers could have taken the lead as early as the 3rd minute when Jacob Gratton had time to place his shot from just inside the penalty area, however Charlie Mansfield got the all important touch to send the ball around the post for a corner kick.

The Nailers found their hosts difficult to break down generally throughout the game, but the opening goal was simplicity in its creation, with Harry Middleton’s low cross being turned in by Todd Jordan.

Paulo Aguas, one of the two players on loan from Sheffield Wednesday had a good run and shot that went just wide, then lapses in the Belper defence handed Ricky Wright the opportunity to shoot, and time seemed to stand still for a few seconds as the ball dribbled just beyond the far post.

A second chance fell to the Shrovetiders 2 minutes later but this time the shot was easily grasped by Harrison Davison-Hale. The Nailers took a slender one goal lead into the break which was the least they had deserved, after a performance of controlled football in their approach play, but without much to show for it in front of goal.

The Nailers virtually sealed victory on 51 minutes when Charlie Reaney found Jay Glover just outside the 6 yard area, and his shot crept under the ‘keeper and went over the line. Aguas weighed in with another good effort on 62 minutes that took an important deflection away from what would have been a certain goal.

Academy prospect Lewis Austin made his first team debut as a substitute in the 70th minute and scored with what was probably his first touch when he tucked away Aguas’ cross into the box on 72 minutes. Leighton Thomas, another academy prospect also came on for his debut for the last 15 minutes.

The tie drifted towards its conclusion with the Nailers in control, and only a fine save from Mansfield prevented Glover adding to Belper’s total.

The Nailers now face a home tie against Heanor Town for a place in the semi-final.

Ashbourne FC: Mansfield, Lee, Parker, Lomas (Miller 65), Allen, Taylor (Twigg 74), Startin, Ingram (Bailey 70), Mann (Spencer 58), Dales, Wright. Unused sub: Campbell

Belper Town: Davison-Hale, Middleton B, Aguas, Middleton H, Jordan, Wilson (Thomas 75), Gratton (Rhodes 18), Glover, Tuton (Austin 70), Reaney, Litchfield. Unused subs: Mangham

Referee: Ollie Thornhill

Attendance: 177