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The Christchurch Meadow pitch was in excellent condition and Derby County brought a strong team to play the Nailers. Giles Barnes, Stephen Davies and new signing Ben Pringle were just some of the Rams stars on view.
The game began at a swift pace and it was the home side that came closest to scoring in the opening exchanges. An crossed ball by the nailers showed up the achilles heal of the Rams sides over the last couple of seasons and a Rams defender, who shall remain nameless mis-cued his clearance and nearly scooped the ball into his own net, the ball going narrowly over the bar.
It was however the Rams who scored after a swift interchange of passes Aleksnader Prijovic slotting the ball home for Derby, the first of two goals scored by the Swiss forward.
Derby added to their lead with new midfielder, Ben Pringle, scoring.
Belper Town were not down hearted and pulled a goal back after the half hour with Simon Barraclough making the most of confusion in the Rams defense and slotted the ball through a tangle of legs to make the score 1-2.
The Nailers goal made the Rams more determined to force the pace and goals from Aleksander Prijovic , his second of the game and Arnaud Mendy gave the Rams a 1-4 lead at the half time break.
Belper may have been 4-1 down but their spirit wasn't daunted and a stunning strike from Arron Pride. His shot from outside the penalty area giving the Rams keeper no chance as it nestled in the top corner of the net.
At 2-4 the fitness and know how proved to be just too strong for Belper and further goals from Rams substitutes Greg Mills with a brace and Henrick Ojamma finishing the scoring to record a satisfying 2-7 win for the Rams...