The Nailers avenged their FA Trophy defeat back in September when they let slip a 2-0 lead and fell to a 3-2 defeat that ended their interest in the competition

The continuing wet weather didn’t affect the prospects of the game going ahead and in fact the pitch was in excellent condition.

With Gratton rested as a precaution Moran started in his place and the absence of Rhodes following a horrendous foot injury sustained against Carlton, gave Bowman another opportunity at right back.

The Nailers set the standard of play straight from the kick off and overwhelmed Rugby for much of the first half.

Belper scored after only two minutes after Burrows initial free kick came back to him and his looping header bounced up into the far corner of the net.

Bastos and Moran terrorised The Valley’s back four and it was no surprise when Belper scored a second in the 24th minute.

Bastos, marauding down the right sent a low cross that was missed by various players before Moran came in and hit the ball under Woods to stamp the Nailers’ authority on the game.

With The Valley creaking under Belper pressure they conceded a third goal, this time directly from a corner kick. Keenan curled the ball in low and completely caught Woods unawares and before he could react the ball was over the line.

Preston was finally forced into action in the 38th minute when he saved brilliantly from Bivens’ headed effort from a right wing cross.

The Nailers have gained an unwanted reputation for letting things slip in the second half and true to form the hosts reduced the arrears when a shot from Mardenborough from twenty plus yards rifled past Preston just inside the post.

It was a sobering moment, but to Belper’s credit they didn’t allow Rugby any more clear opportunities, although they did have more possession than they did in the first half.

Shaw went close to scoring in the 57th minute with a shot from distance that missed the target, and as the game flowed in both directions, it was Belper who finished the stronger.

The ever dangerous Bastos had a 68th minute effort go high over the bar, and then in the 84th minute any doubts as to the destination of the points were eliminated with a fourth goal.

It was Bastos who capped a fine display when he cut inside a despatched a low drive that sped of the greasy surface to fly inside the near post with Wood unable to prevent it going in.

For those hardy Nailers supporters who braved the constant rain it was a night to savour, and now it’s Anstey Nomads next up on Saturday.

Rugby Town: Woods, Kabeya, Lundoloki (Murray 45), Griffin (Rowe 85), Nicholson (Harris 31), Thomas, Rubio (Charles 45), Elliott (Dulgheru 90), Bivens, Tye, Mardenborough.

Belper Town: Preston, Bowman, Keenan, Wafula, Broadhead, Evans, Bastos, Burrows, De Girolamo (Markolic 75), Moran (Edwards 87), Shaw (Austin 73).

Referee: Jamie Stevenson

Att: 304