Shepshed Dynamo and Belper Town played to a goalless draw in the opening match of the season, held on a warm day on August 9, 2026. Despite several efforts, neither side managed to break the deadlock as both teams settled for a point each.

Belper Town, who finished as play-off runners-up last season, aimed to start the new campaign with a victory but were unable to capitalize on key opportunities. The visitors came close on multiple occasions, with Harry Draper and Jacob Gratton forcing several attempts that narrowly missed crossing the goal line. Tavonga Kuleya came closest for Belper, striking the post late in the match during a promising attack.

Shepshed Dynamo’s goalkeeper Dan Wallis was tested throughout the game but ultimately managed to keep a clean sheet. However, the home side’s afternoon was marred when Wallis was forced off due to injury in added time, with Harry Harrison coming on to replace him. Harrison maintained the shutout in the remaining moments to secure the draw for Shepshed.

While both teams had chances to secure all three points, the match ended without a score as they each earned a share of the spoils in their opening-day fixture.