In truth, Buxton barely troubled either of Belper’s goalkeepers and at the other end, Jade Davies kept the home side in the match with some good close range saves.

Captain Jess Burke had the first chance on ten minutes, her free kick was just over the bar, then a couple of minutes later a cross-shot from Elisha Billyeald brought Davies in to action for the first time.

In the 17th minute, Burke saw her effort go just wide but the Nailers weren’t to be denied for long and they took the lead on 19 minutes. A great cross from the left by Burke found Billyeald’s reactions the quickest in the penalty area and she produced a nice finish.

The 21st minute saw Ella Brown rifle in a shot which was saved then in the 28th minute, Gina Lowe created space for a shot but Davies was equal to it.

On 29 minutes, it was Burke again but Davies held on after initially parrying the ball.

Ten minutes before the break, Jess Needham tried her luck from range but Davies saved again.

Belper doubled their lead in first half injury time. After a goal kick only went as far as Burke whose shot took a deflection and looped over Davies.

The points, and Belper’s survival, were secured in the 58th minute. After Davies was unable to get the ball away from danger, Billyeald produced a smart finish from a tight angle.

Lauren Murfin, who had played the first half in goal, played outfield in the second half and was a constant thorn in Buxton’s side. She went close on 69 minutes when Davies tipped her shot wide then again three minutes later when her effort came back off the post.

In the 75th minute Davies pushed one of her shots wide then nine minutes from time, she saw one deflected over the bar.

On 86 minutes, Jessie Leyshon produced a nice touch and got a shot away which Davies gathered at the second time of asking and the final chance went to Murfin, this time with her left foot but Davies palmed it wide.

A fully deserved win for Belper who keep their head above the dreaded drop zone, something that was a long shot a few weeks ago but threes wins out of four when it mattered most sees the Nailers on to 16 points.

A special word for both Tamsin Wilkins, promoted recently from the Under 18s who picked up the Media Player of the Match for an outstanding performance and of course Manager, Nick Edgar who has guided the team to safety and can bow out with his head held high.

Buxton Juniors: Davies, Palfi, Sathwell, Hall, Pimblett (C), Capper, Coates, Spriggs, Burns, Critchlow, Drennan.
Subs: Edwards, Shipley, Mellard

Belper Town: Murfin, Wright, Lowe, Gotheridge, Wilkins, Needham, Burke (C), Brown, Simms, Billyeald, Fraser.
Subs: Parker, Kington, Froggatt, Beeston, Leyshon, Whitehead, Hawley.

Referee: Adam Hitchcock