The Nailers were looking for their first win in their pre-season campaign but knew they would be up against it when Belper United took the field last Saturday.

United, with many of their squad having had connections at the Raygar Stadium, had the first opportunity when Frazer Cordon sent a 6th minute free kick over the cross bar.

The visitors looked sharper in the opening stages of the game and Brandon Ferron streaked away down the left side and crossed for the unmarked Diego Edwards to head the ball down and over the target.

Louis Keenan set up Belper’s first attempt on goal when he crossed for Jack Edwards to head the ball straight to United’s ‘keeper.

The Nailers were caught out on 14 minutes when Keaton August cut inside and sent a delightful curling shot just inside the far post to take the lead.

Edwards had a shot from distance that was held easily by the ‘keeper and on the stroke of half time, Nailers’ striker Jude Ayetine looked to have got away from his marker but found the angle too tight.

The Nailers improved as the second half progressed and a Curtis Burrows low volley went just past the far post in the 50th minute.

Belper created a good opportunity in the 53rd minute when Trialist B laid the ball off to Burrows whose shot was brilliantly saved by the United ‘keeper. However, from the resulting corner kick Ben Rhodes put his header wide unchallenged.

Cordon’s impressive run deserved better in the 57th minute but fortunately his shot went straight to the Belper trialist ‘keeper.

Trialist B had looked lively for Belper when he came on at half time and in the 75th minute, his cross into the box was a little too high for the Belper players running in.

Trialist B was unlucky after some tricky play on the left gave him a sight on goal, but his shot was saved at the near post whereas a cross into the six-yard area could have paid dividends.

The Nailers had done enough to warrant an equaliser and in the 88th minute the golden opportunity arose after Trialist B sent Ayetine away with only the ‘keeper to beat but he lost control of the ball and the chance was gone.

The Nailers continue their pre-season with a trip to Gresley Rovers on Tuesday evening (21st)

Belper Town: Trialist A, Mansell (Trialist B 45)), Keenan (Rhodes 45), Fankwe, Broadhead, Evans, Edwards (Thompson-Matthews 60), Burrows (Rogers 60), Ayetine, Gratton (Austin 66), Eccleshall. Unused sub: Logan

Belper United (starting): Trialist, Ferron J, Ferron B, Edwards, Price, Bryant, Nassor, Bruce, Edwards, Cordon, August. Subs all used: Banks, Pennington, O’Connell, Teffera, Steadman.

Referee: Jack Simpson

Att: 345

Match Sponsor: Raygar Architectural Supplies