​Margetts is at the double in Town win

Matlock went into the game as favourites thanks to their decent home record, Basford meanwhile had failed to pick up a single point on their travels, a run which Matlock extended in front of the hosts’ lowest gate of the season of 492, which given the circumstances, was still a good turnout from the local fans.

Adam Yates went straight into the hosts’ defence after signing again late last week while another ‘new’ face, Anthony Dwyer was also given a start in a side which had a very attacking look about it with Karl Demidh back after injury.

There was little to get excited about in the opening scrappy exchanges with both sides guilty of surrendering possession far too easily. It looked from the sidelines that Matlock’s confidence had taken a significant dent in the 5-0 reverse at Ashton seven days earlier.

There was an opening for Basford when they broke quickly and Remaye Campbell curled an inviting centre across the danger area which beat everyone. Then Jack Thomas tried his luck from distance giving Saul Deeney a comfortable save.

Matlock’s best threat early on came from an oft-used corner routine on the right between John Johnston and Joe West ending with visiting custodian Kieran Preston bundling away Johnston’s shot.

A mistake from a poor ball by Dwyer in midfield allowed Brodie Litchfield to advance, Deeney grabbing his low strike at the second attempt. A half low on quality ended with Finlay Armond heading yards over the bar from fifteen yards.

The fans would be hoping for an improved second half and there was promise in the 52nd minute when a Joe West free kick was blocked, the ball falling to Johnston who shot directly at the well placed Preston.

Then in the space of a minute Margetts twice struck the woodwork, heading first against a post and then from a corner on the left, glancing another header goalwards, this time the crossbar coming to the visitors’ rescue.

But the goal Matlock so desperately needed came from the penalty spot when Margetts was brought down by Peter Dearle and Margetts himself stepped up to blast an unstoppable spot kick into the roof of the net to give the Gladiators a crucial 63rd minute lead.

Matlock replaced Dwyer with Alex Duhameau who strove to make an immediate impact, his teasing cross from the left being narrowly off Margetts’ radar.

Duhameau though played an integral part as the lead was doubled 13 minutes from time, his neat pass releasing West who kept his head to cross beautifully for Margetts to cutely touch a low effort beyond Preston from six yards,

The shackles were now off somewhat with Matlock seldom looking like conceding to see out the game in comfort.