Matlock suffer another blow as Heaton Stannington claim narrow win

The Newcastle-based side had overcome the Gladiators in Derbyshire back in November and completed a deserved double on this occasion, a penalty in first-half stoppage time the difference between the sides but Matlock rarely causing the hosts any serious problems in a disappointing display on the road.

And with those around them in the promotion picture again dropping points, it was another wasted opportunity for the Gladiators to solidify their position in the top two, as has been the case several times this season.

The sending off of defender Harlain Mbayo late on was another disappointment, particularly given both of his yellow cards were for dissent, and ahead of the trip to runaway leaders Redcar Athletic on Wednesday night (25th) it again left Matlock needing to show strong character to bounce back from defeat.

The first-half actually saw Matlock have far more of the ball but they rarely threatened the Stan goal, Conor Washington twice going close with low shots which were easily gathered by keeper Alfie Gordon who was only named between the sticks just before kick-off thanks to an injury sustained in the warm-up by first choice number one Lewis Brass.

Stan did have the first chance of the game when Jay Errington was released through the middle but his lob over Declan Lambton was too high and it floated over the bar.

Washington’s two half chances were about the best Matlock could muster despite numerous set pieces and long throws which occasionally panicked the defence but which ultimately proved fruitless.

And they’d pay in first-half stoppage time as Errington burst into the area and was brought down by Jeremie Milambo, Dale Pearson slamming his spot-kick into the top corner and Mbayo receiving his first yellow card for dissent soon afterwards.

The second-half wasn’t much better for Matlock, although they thought they’d scored on 57 minutes when Ryan Viggars netted at the back post from a corner but a foul on keeper Gordon as the ball came across the six-yard box saw the referee disallow the effort.

Numerous substitutions also failed to do the trick, the closest Matlock came being in the closing minutes when Charlie Oglesby, pushed up front for the last knockings, nicked the ball past Gordon but his effort lacked pace and a defender was on hand to clear.

Mbayo then talked himself off the pitch in stoppage time whilst continuing to remonstrate with the referee who promptly dished out the second yellow card, and Matlock’s misery was complete.