However, the game did go ahead and within five minutes Belper fell behind to a snap shot in the box that gave Hopkins no chance.

Both Cameron Martin and Sam Vickers went close for the Nailers before they went further behind when poor defending cost them dearly.

It was a similar story with twenty-five minutes gone when Belper old boy Sam Dockwray wasn't tracked, and he took advantage to finish well.

Further misery was to come before the break for the Nailers as they conceded again to go into the interval with a four-goal deficit.

By the time the second half started conditions had got considerably worse and there was lying water all over the pitch which made it extremely difficult for both sides.

Within a minute of the restart, Belper had clawed a goal back as Vijay Selvam was on hand at the far post to capitalise on a mistake.

Five minutes later, Ashley Hunter sprung the offside trap and as he slid the ball past the 'keeper it rebounded off the inside of the post. Martin followed up but the ball was cleared off the line.

Still early in the second period, a rash challenge by a Rainworth defender saw the referee point to the penalty spot to give the Nailers another opportunity to get back into the game. Up stepped skipper Ben Gowing, but his right foot spot kick was well saved.

Belper kept plugging away and created more chances but they could not find the finishing touch. All in all a disappointing night for the Nailers and they will be looking to bounce back with still six games remaining.

Team: Hopkins, Crossley (Holland 45), Rushby, Cartwright, Worthington, Bailey (Robinson 45), Selvam, Gowing, Martin, Hunter (Baker 65), Vickers, Unused sub Holder