A dramatic improvement after the break might have produced a positive result but some old failings and sheer bad luck left players and supporters frustrated.

Burton Albion loanee Joe Nyahwema earned himself a start after impressing against Stalybridge a few days earlier, and Ben Middleton’s absence gave Jayden Cotterill his full debut at right back. Ben Rhodes was selected at left back while Ben Agar was named as a substitute.

The Ashton team included former Nailers’ favourite George Milner

Belper found the first stages of the game challenging to say the least as Ashton swept forward and almost scored in the first few seconds as Jason Gilchrist looked certain to give Ashton the lead but fortunately his shot was blocked.

It was only a short reprieve however as Gilchrist made certain in the 3rd minute when he ran forward to score with the Belper defence all at sea.

The Nailers slowly played their way into the game from the 15th minute onwards but found it almost impossible to penetrate the hosts’ defence , although the odd corner kick and set plays did cause Ashton some anxious moments.

Ashton scored their second in the 34th minute when Sean Newton hit a low shot on the turn which rested inside the far post, and the Nailers were now really up against it.

To Belper’s credit they did battle back and showed some good approach play but there was little to show for it as the half time break approached.

Belper were much better in the second period although they could have shipped a third goal in the 53rd minute when Nathan Lowe spurned a great chance when well placed.

Tom Wilson charged through a number of players moments later and hit a tremendous effort that cannoned of the angle of the goal post and give hope to the shivering Belper supporters looking on.

Brodie Litchfield had an industrious game and was unlucky not to find a team mate when he crossed the ball in the 69th minute, then substitute James Tague snatched at a great opportunity minutes later and put the ball over the target.

Nyahwema was looking dangerous on the left side and sent a shot skidding across the face of goal, and Jake Avery turned inside and hit a shot just wide on 79 minutes.

With Belper firmly in the ascendancy, Tague struck a fearsome 25 yarder that came back off the foot of the post and the Ashton defenders were beginning to creak under the pressure of Belper’s close interplay going forward.

Then came complete disaster for Belper in the 87th minute. Todd Jordan, normally so reliable in these situations made a present of the ball to Harry Bunn who strode forward unopposed and struck a fine shot just inside the post with Tom Jackson at full stretch.

It was ironic then that 2 minutes the Nailers scored a goal that might otherwise have set up a grandstand finish. It stemmed from more good interplay between Tague and Avery who went on to shoot past Scott to score a fine consolation goal.

At times Belper have shown themselves capable of competing at this level but on too many occasions they have let themselves down, with this game at Hurst Cross a typical example.

Ashton United: Scott, Milner, Newton, Lonsdale, Baird, Bunn, Gilchrist, Whitham (Baille 75), Adams (McKay 62), Lowe (Guilfoyle 80), Thompson. Unused subs: Regan, Hobson.

Belper Town: Jackson, Cotterill, Rhodes, Middleton H, Wilson, Jordan, Molyneaux (Avery 75), Burrows, Greaves (Tague 75), Litchfield, Nyahwema. Unused substitutes: Algar, Thomas, Smith-Eccles

Attendance – 240

Referee – Luis Griffiths