Chances were at a premium early on until the 14th minute when a dangerous cross from Keenan had to be dealt with by the Congleton defence and the goalkeeper caught the corner.

Congleton’s first chance came on 22 minutes when a great ball from Scott picked out Stevenson but good pressure from the Belper defenders stopped him getting a shot away and Preston gathered the ball.

A minute later after Belper carelessly gave the ball away, Stevenson found himself through on goal but dragged his shot wide as the game opened up.

Stevenson wasn’t to be denied for long and gave Congleton the lead in the 28th minute. Belper’s defence were caught napping and Stevenson took advantage with a nice finish.

It should have been two a few minutes later when Liptrott blazed over the bar when one on one.

Belper equalised on 39 minutes. A free-kick was only half cleared and Mansell tried his luck from range. He found that luck well and truly in as the shot took a wicked deflection past the flat-footed goalkeeper.

In first half injury time, Triallist had a great chance to put the Nailers ahead but saw his effort clear the bar.

Two minutes into the second half, Knapper had a shot from range to which Preston was equal then on 55 minutes Ndene squared the ball for Stevenson but the shot was straight at Preston.

12 minutes from time, Keenan swung in a free-kick which fell to Triallist who finished from close range, the goal which would end up deciding the match in Belper’s favour.

Injury time saw a chance at each end, first for Congleton - Knapper flashing a half-volley wide - then Austin for Belper whose shot was saved.

So Belper, after four friendlies without a win have now picked up two victories on the spin and have one remaining before the serious stuff begins.

Congleton Town: Triallist, Triallist, Bates, Ndene, Morris, Griffith-Jones, Liptrott, Knapper, Gillam, Scott, Stevenson

Belper Town: Preston, Triallist, Keenan, Austin, Broadhead (C), Mansell, Triallist, Wafula, Draper (Triallist 76), Gratton (Triallist 88), Thompson-Matthews (Rogers 61).

Attendance: 356