Keaton August was preferred instead of Nat Crofts who dropped to the bench while the visitors included former Derby County player Theo Robinson in their ranks.

Sporting, from the Southern League Premier Central were making their first ever visit to Belper and arrived having won two of their five opening league fixtures and lying in 14th place in their division.

The Nailers had the best of the possession in the first half and were generally on top for much of the period.

Harry Draper was on target in the 9th minute with a 25-yard effort that flew straight to Charlie Price, then the Nailers deservedly went ahead on 23 minutes when Draper met a curling Curtis Burrows cross and headed firmly into the net.

There were few opportunities created by either team, however in the last seconds of the half Draper had a shot blocked and Sporting’s Robinson saw a cross shot hit the post and rebound to safety leaving the Nailers still good value for their half time lead.

A more determined showing from the visitors after the break saw Belper pressed back into their own half, however even so, some good creativity from Keaton August gave Mason Warren an opportunity, but unfortunately his shot went straight to the ‘keeper.

George Forsyth, one of three substitutions made by Bromsgrove at half time cut inside and from a dangerous position saw his effort blocked, then in the 61st minute Jamie Meddows forced Dan Moore into a smart save with a low drive from the edge of the area.

Increasing pressure finally paid off for the visitors when Robinson received the ball on the edge of the six-yard area in the 69th minute and guided the ball just inside the near post.

Belper fought back with a shot from Paulo Aguas that was saved at arm’s length by Price then Jacon Gratton turned on a clever through ball only to see his shot deflected for a corner kick.

The Nailers regained the lead on 81 minutes when Draper flicked on a Burrows cross and although the ‘keeper made a brilliant save, the Belper striker buried the rebound high into the net.

Crofts should have made the game safe for Belper on 88 minutes as he ran through on goal, and although Brodie Litchfield was arguably better placed, he opted to go for goal but the ‘keeper saved with his legs.

With the four minutes of added time almost up and victory well within sight a possible mix up between Moore and Belper skipper Jack Broadhead resulted in a penalty kick which Robinson converted with almost the last kick of the game.

The Nailers will try again at the Victoria Ground this coming Tuesday evening.

Belper Town: Moore, Burrows, Aguas, Whitehead, Broadhead, Evans, August (Crofts 73), Warren, Draper, Rawson (Litchfield 83), Gratton. Unused subs: Austin, Gregory, Rhodes.

Bromsgrove Sporting: Price, Palmer, King, Roberts, Shaw (Crook 45), Rowe (Newell 74), Robinson, Meddows, Patterson (Forsyth 45), White, Melbourne (Cook 45): Unused subs: King-Harmes, Powell, Snape.

Referee: Edgar Brown

Att: 485

Man of the Match: Harry Draper

Sponsor: Raygar Architectural and Engineering