Nailers honour loyal servant

Belper Town had more to celebrate than a thumping 9-0 win over Romulus on Tuesday night when veteran Andy Rushbury recorded his 350th appearance for the Nailers.

The Evo-Stik NPL First Division South club marked the Non-League landmark at Christchurch Meadow by awarding the midfielder with an engraved crystal trophy, Match Secretary Ian Wright making the presentation, pictured.

Rushbury joined the Nailers from Buxton back in January 2005, making his debut in a 1-1 draw with AFC Telford. Now aged 29, Belper believe their veteran can now go on to make 400 appearances.

The former Chesterfield star moved into Non-League in 2004 with AFC Telford before moving to Loughborough Dynamo, Buxton and later both Matlock Town and Alfreton Town during loan spells.

The versatile Rusbury has now started 301 games for the Nailers and made 49 appearances as a substitute and is just one strike away from scoring his 50th goal.

Belper spokesman Dave Laughlin said: "Andy is a really popular guy at Belper and is almost part of the furniture. It’s like something is missing if Andy’s name isn’t on the team sheet on a match day."