The hosts started brightly and were rewarded after 13 minutes when play was spread to the right hand side where James Cadman was waiting. His cross was neatly finished by fellow new signing Alex Troke at the near post.

On 22 minutes the Nailers nearly doubled their lead when a Curtis Burrows corner was flicked across goal and Kevin Bastos’ looping header was cleared off the line.

Ten minutes later it was another Burrows set piece causing trouble for the Derby defence, this time a free kick, which was headed narrowly wide by Phil Watt as Belper turned the screw.

A minute before half time the Rams threatened for the first time with a free kick from Nunn headed goalwards by Bartley but Jonathan Hedge was equal to it.

The second half started slowly and it was 20 minutes in before Belper created anything when a Ben Rhodes cross found the head of Phil Watt but, off balance, he was unable to convert.

At the other end a couple of minutes later Weston’s shot brought another good save out of the impressive Hedge in Belper’s goal.

Kevin Bastos looked to have sealed the win after 83 minutes when he played through and calmly lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper before heading into the empty net.

The Rams ensured a nervy finish when substitute goalkeeper Jay Rabone was adjudged to have committed a foul in the box.

Owen Osani stepped up to convert despite a strong hand from Rabone.

Belper Town: Hedge, Rhodes, Mackie, Dunn, South, Watt (C), Cadman, Burrows, Troke, Bessadi, Bastos. Subs: Algar, Martin, Molyneaux, Austin, Gregory, Rabone.

Referee: William Murray

Attendance: 488