Whitby Town 0

Two late Ross Hannah strikes earned Matlock their first victory of the season in a scrappy affair.

And a change in tactics midway through the second half paid dividends as the 4-4-3 formation was changed to a more conventional 4-4-2 shape.

The Gladiators' starting-line up saw just one change with Ashley Foyle returning to the back four and Ryan Davis dropping to the bench.

Whitby arrived at Causeway Lane both pointless and goalless after their two opening games against Buxton and Frickley Athletic, so this was a vital match for both sides.

Whitby had the better of the possession in the opening half but the Gladiators created the more clear-cut chances in what was a stop-start game.

Dene Cropper had the ball in the net on 53 minutes but his header from a Hannah centre was chalked off for offside.

Davis replaced Jamie Jackson with Liam King moving into midfield. The move paid off as the Gladiators took hold of midfield with King and Simon Harrison working efficiently in tandem.

Hannah showed his predatory instinct with a goal out of nothing on 72 minutes. Lee Pallender was punished for a bad error leaving the former Belper marksman with a clear run at goal. He didn't disappoint with a calm finish.

Then with ten minutes left, Hannah pounced again.

Substitute Nathan Benger flicked the ball through and once again Hannah had left the defence for dead.

Whitby keeper Ben Escritt tried to retrieve the situation but could only send him tumbling and – calm as you like – Hannah picked himself up, dusted himself down and sent Escritt the wrong way from the spot.

Matlock Town: Richmond, King, Featherstone, Harrison, Laight, Foyle, Jackson (Davis 65), Warne, Cropper (Benger 78), Barraclough (Webster 70), Hannah. Other subs: Caudwell, Foster

Referee: S. Ledger (Barnsley).

Attendance: 263