Nailers taking nothing for granted

Belper Town manager Peter Duffield insists his play-off chasers are taking nothing for granted over Easter with key Evo-Stik Northern Premier League clashes against Sutton Coldfield Town and Mickleover Sports.

The third placed Nailers face the Royals at home on Saturday in Evo-Stik NPL First Division South followed by a trip to Micklover Sports on Easter Monday.

After beating Carlton 1-0 on Wednesday night they extended their unbeaten run to 17 games and Duffield, pictured, said: "We've got one foot in the play-offs but it would be disrespectful to the teams we've got to play and the teams below us to say that it's done and dusted.

"Having said that, if we win on Saturday and Monday, we'll have more than one foot in there. There are still twenty-one points to play for and we will be playing for every single one of them. If you do make the play-offs, you want to go in with momentum, so that you are full of confidence."

A Colin Marrison goal was enough to give Belper all three points at Carlton to Duffield's delight.

The Nailers boss added: "It was a great win. We played really well and I couldn't really ask for more. We could have had a couple more goals but it was nice to be on the right end of a 1-0 scoreline."

Sutton Coldfield are first up and Duffield is seeking revenge for defeat earlier in the season against his opposite number and former colleague Neil Tooth.

"The Sutton manager is one of my best mates," said Duffield. "He was with me at Retford and we still speak every day. I had a pint with him after they beat us 2-1 at their place – but his tasted a bit sweeter on that occasion.

"They've been up there all season and they're there on merit. They're a good team and both sides still need to win games. If you lose or draw at this stage, you start looking over your shoulder. If you win, you don't need to do that."