BELPER Ladies still have a bit to do to ensure Midlands Premier Division survival after returning from a three-week gap with another defeat.

They were beaten 4-2 away to mid-table Boots, although they remain four points ahead of the two teams immediately below them in the table.

The Nailers started the match well, creating the first chance of the game through a penalty corner.

Ellie Mills deflected Sally Walton's initial strike but the ball went narrowly wide.

Boots soon took control however, and broke the deadlock after 10 minutes when a quick turnover resulted in a long ball down the left and a decisive finish by left-sided forward Alison Walker.

The Nailers fought back and levelled after 25 minutes when Kerry McCollum fired in a rebound from a penalty corner.

That was as good as it got for them, as they could not hang on until half-time, Boots regaining the lead from a penalty corner, converted by Claire Gribbin.

Despite having a player in the sin bin, Boots extended their lead to 3-1 in the 50th minute.

They capitalised on an attack down the right with a neat deflection by Sophie Aspinall at the near post.

It was 4-1 with seven minutes remaining, when the ball was played across the Belper circle from the right and finished calmly at the back post, Walker claiming her second goal of the game.

At least Belper did not capitulate towards the end, however, and managed a strong finish, creating a number of chances as they dominated the last few minutes.

Walton, McCollum and Gill Boddy all went close in this spell and Walton managed a consolation with a straight strike from a penalty corner with four minutes left.

It was too late to change the result and the Nailers will hope for better when they are at home to Birmingham University, the team directly above them in the table, on Saturday.