Peter announced his decision immediately following the defeat, which the leaves the Nailers three points adrift at the foot of the Premier Division table.

The Nailers have failed to win any of their nine league games this season and were eliminated from the FA Cup by Evo-Stik League First Division side, Coalville Town.

Peter will make a statement about his resignation on Monday.

Paying tribute to the departing manager, club director Dave Laughlin said, “Peter Duffield has had three great seasons at the club, culminating in promotion to the Premier Division at the end of last season.

“He has always been an honest and honourable man and I’m personally saddened that things haven’t worked out for him this season.

“Peter leaves with our very best wishes and with our heartfelt thanks for taking the club to its highest ever place in the non-league system.

“What he has done for this club will never be forgotten by our supporters, nor by everyone else connected with the club”.

The club will announce over the weekend the interim arrangements for managing the team and the process and timescale for appointing Peter’s successor.