Last-gasp winner makes it five-in-a-row for Matlock
Conor Washington struck deep in stoppage time to seal Matlock Town’s fifth league win in a row on Saturday at Newton Aycliffe.
The result confirmed the home side’s relegation and came after they had initially recovered from being 2-0 down to level the scores during the second-half.
But Matlock, who had made eight changes to their starting line-up with next week’s play-off semi-final in mind, ultimately secured another three points as they continued their fine recent momentum under interim bosses Ryan Cresswell and Ricky Ravenhill.
The visitors began well and dominated most of the opening half-hour without seriously threatening the hosts’ goal.
That changed on 32 minutes when Bruno Andrade, returning to the Matlock side following a four-game suspension, received a ball from Alfie Atherton and cut inside before hitting a shot which squirmed past goalkeeper Nathan Fisher.
Matlock stopper Declan Lambton got down well to divert a free-kick wide before the break, and just after it Matlock would double the lead.
Andrade was the creator this time as his shot deceived Fisher and Ryan Viggars was on hand to net from close range.
Viggars went close to another goal moments later but his shot rolled along the line before being cleared, then Andrade struck the post with a low strike on the hour mark.
Newton Aycliffe were refusing to down with a fight, however, and would battle back to level things up with two goals in eight minutes.
First of all, unmarked ex-Matlock man Jake Orrell headed home a cross to the back post on 64 minutes.
Then on 72, a corner evaded Lambton and defender James Sloan was able to head home and level the scores.
Washington had arrived as a sub midway through the half and on 82 minutes fired in a shot which was straight at Fisher.
And after Calum MacDonald had seen a header well saved as the game went into stoppage time, Washington chased down a defender and stole the ball before bearing down on goal and firing low past Fisher to seal the hosts’ fate and another three points for the Gladiators.
Matlock: Lambton, Milambo, MacDonald, Mbayo, Wiley ©, Oglesby, Thompson, Sault, Viggars, Andrade, Atherton.
Not used: Granite, Wilson.
Att: 210