This alarming run of setbacks without scoring a single goal in any of the four games, has eliminated any chance that the Nailers had of finishing in a play off spot, which had looked a certainty a few weeks ago.

While the performance was much improved, the Nailers were undone by some exceptional strikes from outside the penalty area, but in contrast they created virtually nothing at the other end.

Ben Rhodes was restored after serving a one match suspension, but Kevin Bastos was still absent as he was still suspended. Brodie Litchfield and Zak Goodson came back into the starting line up while James Cadman also started.

Connor Smythe headed a 5th minute free kick over the cross bar as the hosts made a strong start, however the Nailers were standing up to Ponte’s direct style of play well, and also managed to put together some good moves, which were ultimately curtailed by the offside flag.

Ben Rhodes made an excellent block from Frankie Sinfield on 22 minutes, and as the hosts started to push the Nailers back, Adam Haw’s path to goal looked to be from an offside position although Dan Moore saved well.

Some good work from Litchfield on 33 minutes saw him nick the ball off the full back and send in a dangerous cross to the near post, but Karl Demidh wasn’t able to turn the ball in.

Ponte took the lead with an audacious strike from Haw on 35 minutes when he took advantage of some indecision between Sidik Atcha and Mason Frizelle and lobbed the ball over everyone to score the opening goal.

Within three minutes the Nailers were floored when Smythe spotted Moore out of position and fired a 25 yards effort just inside the far post. The Nailers looked deflated as they walked in at half time, and an otherwise decent first half had seen them punished from distance.

Belper’s hopes of getting something from the game disappeared when Jack Boyle’s 55th minute free kick from 20 yards fooled Moore at his near post, but it was the speed of the shot that did the damage.

Belper manager turned to youth and brought on Ewan Sutherill for his first team debut and the slightly more experienced academy colleague Lewis Austin.

Belper’s response was much better than in more recent games and they fought hard to get back in the game, but while they held a greater part of possession, there was no breakthrough in terms of goals.

Both academy players didn’t look out of place and made contributions, and they will be players who will be in Lee Attenborough’s plans for next season.

Jack Boyle tried a repeat of his earlier free kick from a similar position on 90 minutes, but this time Moore was wise to it and made a great save at the near post.

So, the Nailers chalked up another defeat in this otherwise impressive season, and it’s now important to try and stem the tide against Liversedge on Thursday evening.

Ossett’s shock victory at Hebburn means that Saturday’s last game at home to Stockton will see the visitors having to win to have a chance of taking the title, and automatic promotion.

Pontefract Collieries: Allinson, Greenhough, (Owen 61), Spratt, Vann, Burns J, Burns D Nicell, Smythe, Haw (Thompson 67), Boyle, Sinfield (Dunn 72). Unused subs: Metcalfe, La Bastide.

Belper Town: Moore, Rhodes, Warren, Dunn, Frizelle, Atcha, Cadman, Burrows (Austin 73), Demidh (Sutherill 69), Goodson, Litchfield (Oliver 72). Unused subs: Walker, Gregory.

Referee: Matthew Tyers

Att: 307