The two sides came into the match level on points, with the Magpies holding a five goal advantage so Emma Varnam and her side knew that a three goal win was required to leapfrog the visitors as well as Newark Town, whose win at Belper last weekend closed out their fixtures.

It was County who started the better, with a great through ball on seven minutes picking out Anastasia Kariolis but her shot was comfortably saved by Maggie Buxton.

In the 21st minute Kariolis found herself through again but this time her effort went wide.

Belper created their first clear-cut chance ten minutes before half-time. Shannon Worrall played in Mia Carnelley but Rosie Pearson in the County goal was out early to block.

On 58 minutes Evie Jowett was put through on goal but put her shot over the bar.

A minute later a Phallon Symcox pass found Jowett who ran on from the halfway line but Pearson was out quickly once again to make the block.

In the 66th minute after County could only clear a corner as far as Gee Bestwick she tried her luck from range but Pearson made the save.

Three minutes later a Milly-Lee Russell effort just cleared the bar then a few moments after that Charlotte Smiths' pass found Russell but Baxton saved well with her feet.

The final action of note came on 76 minutes when Jess Smithurst found Jowett who shot across goal but Pearson was equal to it and held on well.

The Nailers have two league games remaining and they see them face the bottom two in the table. Easter Sunday sees the biggest game of the season as they travel to second bottom Cleethorpes Town. The Owls occupy one of the relegation spots but will go above Belper if they win. Then in their final game, basement side Lincoln United visit the Raygar Stadium. Belper struggled to break them down in the reverse fixture, winning with two late goals.

So it's a very nervy end to the campaign but one more point will be enough to secure a third successive season at this level, an impressive feat.

Belper Town: Buxton, Cowen (C) (Allison 20), Claxton, Longdon (Pickard 57), James (Froggatt 77), Worrall (Symcox 46), Bestwick, Smithurst, Carnelley, Boden, Jowett
Unused sub: Varnam

Notts County Development: Pearson, Aris, Douglas-Needham, Leyland, Hadfield, Westley, Kariolis, Farrell, Brown, Smith, Russell
Subs: Sementysh-Wright, Wells, Archer, Crook, Abbott

Referee: Mark Hilton