Matlock Town exit the FA Cup at the first hurdle after replay defeat to Spalding United

With U21s coach James Holmes and club captain Shaun Brisley in charge of the team following the departure of Nicky Law the previous day, it was a tough ask for Matlock’s young side to ensure that this encounter would produce their first win of the season in all competitions.

And despite plenty of possession and effort throughout, coupled with several good saves from experienced Spalding goalkeeper Tony Breeden, it would take a penalty in the first-half of extra-time to separate the sides and give Spalding a home tie with Matlock’s neighbours Alfreton Town in the second qualifying round on September 14.

Matlock began well and James Morris had two early openings – the first a shot well saved by Breeden after Morris had beaten his man and then Breeden gathering again after Morris shot from a difficult angle two minutes later.

Spalding’s Joseph Nyahwena shot wide and John Nganda’s strike was deflected past the post as the visitors began to get more in the game, then Benni Ndlovu headed Morris’s cross over the top when unmarked with what was a golden chance for the hosts.

Breeden was on hand again to deny Ndlovu and Sam Essien, who also had an effort deflected into the keeper’s arms before half-time, Tomas Poole then also denied by Breeden with Morris’s follow up being blocked on the line as the first period came to a close.

The second-half saw Spalding more of a threat and Rogan Ravenhill saved well from Jordan Graham early on, before a mistake in the United defence let Morris in but his low effort was beaten away by Breeden.

Ngandu was too high from distance, before sub Layton Ndukwu twice went close for Spalding with a shot that was saved and then a floated lob that went just wide after he’d been released through the middle.

The sides couldn’t be separated after 90 minutes so an extra 30 were required, and it was the introduction of United sub Tyler Winters during the break in play that would prove inspired for the visitors.

First, he headed a good chance wide, then was released through the middle and as he attempted to go around Ravenhill, the Gladiators keeper brought him down and a penalty was awarded.

Winters stepped up and saw his low spot-kick saved by Ravenhill’s legs, but the taker was first to the rebound and put the ball in the net.

Winters saw another shot saved, then had a long-range effort cannon back off a post.

Matlock were still a threat and sub Jay Glover saw a powerful strike tipped over by man-of-the-match Breeden on the stroke of the turnaround.

The second period saw lots more Matlock possession and they threw plenty at Spalding late on, but they couldn’t carve out any clear cut openings and the final whistle soon signalled the end of any FA Cup run hopes.

Matlock: Ravenhill, Ferguson, West, Milner, Brisley (Oglesby 112), Benson, Ndlovu (Durose 75), H Wood, Morris (Poulter 75), Essien, Poole (Glover 97).

Not used: Ashman, Booth, C Wood.

Spalding: Breeden, Ezewele, Warburton, Cartwright, Stainfield, Barker (Winters 91), Nyahwema (Draper 91), Sherif, Graham (Bennett 61), Ngandu (Dawes 109), Nicholson (Ndukwu 61).

Not used: White, West

Ref: David Constable

Att: 423

Star Gladiator: Sam Essien