Duffield tells Nailers to get tough

Belper manager Peter Duffield is warning his Nailers to find their ruthless streak to finish off opponents or face throwing away more valuable points this season.

Belper secured their first win of the Evo-Stik NPL First Division campaign last week with a 3-0 victory at Lincoln United after drawing six of their first eight league games. But on Saturday the Nailers again conceded a later equaliser at Chasetown in the 1-1 draw and Duffield, pictured, fears more points will go begging unless his side can toughen up.

Duffield said: "We just fell asleep for a split second but that was all it needed to throw two points away. It happened against Gresley a couple of weeks ago and we paid dearly again last Saturday. We should have had two or three goals and put the game out of sight but for some reason we can’t finish teams off and we a dropping valuable points as a result.

"At least we are creating chances and to be honest I couldn’t criticise the players because they put every effort in and the performance overall was good. But we are letting teams off the hook and we must put that right. We must learn to be ruthless in the opposition penalty area and put those chances away if we can do that then we will soon go up the league."

The Nailers are at home to Newcastle Town in the league on Tuesday before returning to cup action on Saturday when they welcome Cammell Laird to Christchurch Meadow in the FA Trophy's Second Qualifying Round.

Duffield is now looking forward to seeing two of his recent signings in action again after praising strikers Shaun Tuton and Jared Stephens for their efforts at the weekend.

"Jared took his goal well and looked impressive in the short time he has had on the field and Shaun has looked sharp and energetic although he could do with a goal to boost his confidence," said Duffield.

Duffield can look to Belper’s second string to inspire his side. Last Saturday they ran riot with an 11-1 win at Radford Reserves 11-1 and travel to Matlock Town Reserves this weekend.