The Nailers have now conceded eleven goals in two games and completely lost their significant goal difference that had kept them on top of the pile for large spells of the season.

With Rhys Dolan’s loan spell effectively at an end following his early injury exit at Stockton, Anthony Mackie came in at left back while Kevin Bastos was restored after his one match suspension. Alex Troke was given a rare start which meant that Cameron Johnson dropped to the bench.

It was a challenging first half for the Nailers who produced a jaw dropping defensive display and conceded four goals by the time the teams trudged off at the break.

For those supporters who travelled to Stockton a there was a distinct feeling of deja vu as Newton Aycliffe swept through the Nailers at will.

Kyle Davis started things off for the Newtonians when he got on the end of a lighting break to drill the ball just inside the far post.

The Nailers were nearly caught out again in the 7th minute however a combination of desperation and good luck prevented the visitors extending their lead.

Ben Rhodes had Belper’s first goal attempt two minutes later, but Nathan Fisher was ideally placed to make the save.
Davis struck again in the 20th minute with an inch perfect curler that dropped just inside the far post, and Belper were up against it once again.

Davis completed his hat trick in the 26th minute with a stunning volley from just inside the penalty area.

Dale Elgie’s push on Alex Troke gave the Nailers a lifeline on the half hour mark and Mason Warren slammed the ball in from the penalty spot to give a margin of relief for the Nailers.

Rhodes was unlucky with a fine effort two minutes later however Fisher somehow got a hand to the ball, but the Nailers were looking down the barrel again on the stroke of half time when Liam Anderson latched on to a perfect through ball and went on to score.

Manager Lee Attenborough must have got through to his players during the interval because the Nailers were much better in the second half.

They had a mountain to climb and when substitute Cameron Johnson cut inside on 56 minutes and bent a shot just inside the far post, there was an injection of hope circulating around the ground.

The Nailers were seeing plenty of the ball but much of what they attempted fell on stoney ground, however in the 68th minute Kevin Bastos ramped up the anticipation when he fired in Belper’s third goal.

The visitors were now defending in depth and employing time wasting tactics as the Nailers grew in strength and stature.

Unfortunately, Belper were unable to find the fourth goal that would have earned them a point, although Danny South came agonisingly close with a shot on the turn on 74 minutes.

Supporters will be hoping that the last two outings are just a blip on what has been a successful campaign thus far, but the ease which the last two opponents have breached the Nailers defence is certainly a cause for concern.

Belper Town: Hedge, Rhodes, Mackie (Cadman 67), Dunn, South, Watt (Johnson 49), Bastos, Warren, Troke, James (Bessadi 72), Walker. Unused subs: Gregory, Rabone.

Newton Aycliffe: Fisher, Naylor, Raper, Costello, Elgie, Whitfield, Wood, Petitjean, Davis (Clarkson 90), Kiernan (Jackson 77), Adamson. Unused sub: Barrow.

Referee: Charles King

Att: 303