Promotion dream at risk

Belper Town must start finishing off sides or face missing out on a play-off spot.

Frustrated Nailers manager Peter Duffield issued the warning on Monday following Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle Town in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's First Division South.

The fifth-placed promotion hopefuls were heading for three points until James Askey struck in the final minute for the visitors and Belper's manager said the late leveller left him feeling like they'd been 'defeated'.

Duffield said: "We needed the second goal but it never came and there was always the danger that they could get one even though their [keeper] Aaron Chapman barely had a save to make all afternoon.

"I can only recall two shots on goal and the lad who scored will probably never strike a ball as cleanly again, it was a tremendous shot from outside of the penalty area. I was gutted when the ball went in but if you'd told me that we would get 19 points from a possible 21 a few weeks ago I would have gladly taken it, but it was frustrating nevertheless.

"Newcastle packed defence and midfield and played to their strengths and it was up to us to break them down. It was a scruffy performance from us and we didn't create a great deal in front of goal, and when we did get a sight on goal we didn't make the most of the opportunities that came our way."

Duffield, who side face Kidsgrove Athletic at Christcurch Meadow this Saturday, added: "After thinking about it over the weekend we have scored a lot of goals recently so we can't complain too much. I had a gut feeling that when we hadn't scored the second goal, they might spoil our afternoon by getting an equaliser. It takes two teams to make an entertaining game and they played their part although we should really have taken all the points on balance."

In team news, the Nailers are likely to be without Aaron Pride for another week at least. Despite resuming light training, he is not expected to be fit enough to return until then after picking up a bizarre knee injury walking his dog.