The smiles have returned to the Raygar Stadium as the team were applauded off the pitch at the end of the game, and although it’s early days yet, there is already a feelgood factor that augurs well for this season.

Phil Watt came back into the side after missing out last Saturday, and it was Luke Martin who was the unfortunate player to be left out, as he did very well as Watt’s deputy in the win at Grimsby.

Winterton were experiencing their first season at this level after achieving promotion from the Northern Counties East last season, and they no doubt left the Ragyar thinking that their performance was deserving of at least a point.

Martin Pembleton had the evening's first shot which was a rising effort over the bar in the 5th minute, and then Belper’s Ben Rhodes headed just the wrong side of the post as the two teams eased themselves into the game.

Man of the match Kevin Bastos headed straight into Nathan Popple’s arms on 17 minutes, and the Nailers were finding plenty of space to move the ball around in the early stages.

The Nailers struck first on 26 minutes after great work from Bastos set Curtis Burrows up for low drive that flew into the Rangers’s net to give Belper the lead.

It was short lived however as the visitor’s quickly equalised when Joshua Walker latched on to a long clearance and with Jonathan Hedges caught in two minds, the Winterton striker lobbed the ball over him to bounce into the net.

The game ebbed and flowed with Winterton suddenly looking more confident and it was evident that this game would test the merits of both teams.

Pembleton almost gave the visitors a half time advantage with a low shot that Hedges needed to dive full length to save and it was all to play for at the break.

Bastos came into the game much more in the second half and his shot in the 50th minute needed a diving save from Popple.

Rhodes pulled a great cross back from the bye line moments later and Burrows’s shot skidded past the upright. However, Bastos worked his magic again on 65 minutes and set up Cameron Johnson for a close-range finish to edge the Nailers back in front.

Winterton weren’t fazed by this, and the game increased in pace with both teams matching each other with effort and endeavour.

Adam Barthram cut inside to force Hedge into a diving save on 73 minutes, and just as the visitors looked their most threatening Belper made the game safe when Bastos collected Cadman’s through ball and went on to score with his trademark finish.

The remaining 15 minutes wasn’t without moments of anxiety for Belper who had to work hard to maintain their goal superiority, and after Joshua Walker headed straight into Hedge’s arms in the 85th minute the Nailers were able to coast home to victory.

Belper Town: Hedge, Rhodes, Algar, Dunn, South, Watt, Molyneaux (Troke 62), Burrows, Bastos, Johnson (Martin 86), Cadman (Warren 76). Unused subs: Austin, Bassadi.

Winterton Rangers: Popple, Aynsley, Barthram, Ellender (Ridley S 76), Ture, Ridley L, Varley, Grimes, Baskerville (Anderson 76), Walker J, Pembleton (Walker D 86). Unused subs: Holden, Attree.

Referee: Aaron Hallam

Att: 361