Moatmen slip out of league cup at Belper

GRESLEY went out of the Evo-Stik League’s Integro League Cup with a somewhat harsh 2-0 defeat away to Belper Town.

Late goals from captain Alex Peterson and top scorer Nathan Curtis sent the Nailers through after the Moatmen, missing Eric Graves, Jamie Barrett and Lucas Harrison, had more than held their own for long periods.

In a srcappy opening, Gresley had the first chance after four minutes when Kane Lee worked some space on the edge of the box before chipping just over the bar.

Lee threatened again when he cut in on his right foot but Isaac Assenso blocked his shot.

Belper’s first sight of goal came when Danny Gordon’s free kick went hrough the six-yard box with Curtis just short of getting the telling touch.

Martin Smyth went closest yet 10 minutes before half-time but Nailers keeper Leigh Overton made a fine save.

However, the Nailers twice went close before the break, George Milner having a header cleared off the line, then heading straight at Oliver Fairbrother moments later.

In the second half, Belper began to have the better of the game but still struggled to make chances, although Milner glanced a header wide after 55 minutes.

Gordon’s awkward corner was parried from under his bar by Fairbrother, then Curtis volleyed the rebound over.

Fairbrother was called into action again when Jake McIntosh, otherwise having a strong game, almost turned a cross into his own net.

Belper broke through after 82 minutes when Cameron Clark’s cross found Peterson unmarked at the back post and he steered a looping header into the top corner.

Two minutes later, the tie was as good as gone when a flick on found Curtis unmarked in the area and he nodded the ball into the bottom corner.

Belper saw out the game comfortably from there but it was a night with a good few positives for the Moatmen.