Market Drayton defeat harsh on Belper Town, says Charlie Palmer

Nailers keeper Danny Haystead looked to have secured a point for Palmer’s men when he saved a James O’Neill spot kick late on.

But a long ball over the top released Ryan Scott who pounced and stuck the ball between Haystead’s legs for all three points.

The goal came three minutes from time and Palmer had some stern words for his players.

He said: “We played some good football and created some good chances, we looked a bit tighter at the back.

“There is still things to work on but we only needed one of them chances to go in and it would have been a completely different game.

“But if we defend like we did for their goal we will keep conceding bad goals like that.

“I need players at this football club that want to learn and take on board my advice, if they are not willing to learn and do what is expected of them they are going to miss out.”

Ben Watkis and Dom Allen made their debuts for Belper with the latter being sent off ten minutes from time.

“I was pleased with their performances and I know they can do and what they are capable of,” said Palmer.

“Dom (Allen) did well and was unfortunate to get sent off. I have still got to bring a couple more players in but people are now starting to see if we get a little run together we have got a chance to do well in this league.

“I do play the right football, I do want us to defend better than we have done in the past. I am starting to see signs that the lads I have inherited are believing what I am saying.”

A strong away following from the Nailers cheered the team on relentlessly throughout the second half.

“The fans that travelled were cheering us on behind the goal,” said Palmer. “I think they will be pleased from what they say and will walk away feeling very unlucky about the result.

“If we can keep them smiling and cheering we will climb up this league and as I keep saying I have a great opportunity with this group of players to achieve some success.”

He added: “I have said to the lads ‘learn from it’, we will take the positives and address the negatives.”