Matlock started with a strong and familiar side against Koolsports opponents Armthorpe Welfare in rain soaked South Yorkshire. With Marrison away on holiday and Hannah only just back from holiday the front line was led by Joynes and Algar.
It was the hosts who started brightly and they forced the first corner of the game of the game on six minutes, which Sollitt punched unconvincingly but the immediate danger was cleared by Wood. Matlock pushed on and had two good around the eight minute mark. The first saw Algar finding Wood whose shot was scuffed, and Wood was again involved as he cut back a neat pass for King on the edge of the box, but his shot was deflected for a corner.
The half continued with both sides trying to stamp their mark on the game. Matlock had a further opportunity as Wood shot when a cross ball to Algar may have been a better option, and Armthorpe always looked dangerous with their number’s 7 & 10 proving to be tricky players to deal with.
On thirty minutes it was the home side that made the break through from a corner. The cross came in and Matlock looked a little uncertain, the ball fell nicely for Armthorpe’s captain to finish from close range. Matlock defensive metal was tested just minutes later and Yates’ clearance only went upwards and with many bodies in the box, Armthorpe’s number 9 finally got a shot away, but only into the side netting.
The Gladiators got the equaliser they were searching for on thirty seven minutes. Again coming from a corner, Algar’s fierce 20 yard strike was not held by the home custodian and Lukic was on hand to dispatch calmly from six yards out. It was looking like honours would be even at half time, but with just a couple of minutes remaining in the half Matlock gained the advantage in a sweeping move involving Algar, Wood and finished by King who’s curling effort evaded the keepers outstretched arm.
Matlock kicked off the second period, with Hannah replacing Joynes and Wain on for Cartwright and within four minutes of the re-start Kings pinpoint cross following a free kick was met by Lukic with a powerful, yet controlled header to add to Matlock’s lead. Armthorpe looked to get straight back into the game and from a central free kick some distance out a shot struck with some venom which Sollitt did well to parry, should have been finished by the alert Armthorpe player who could only find the side netting.
Wood and Witcombe were replaced by Wiggins-Thomas and Jenkins as Matlock looked to add some fresh blood and test the home side further. Hannah very nearly added a fourth for the visitors, having beaten the defender with ease, and with the keeper on rushing he lobbed neatly only to see his effort hit the woodwork. By this time and with Matlock on the front foot, Wiggins-Thomas was fouled on the by line and from the resulting free kick, Lukic was again close to adding to his tally.
Algar was replaced by Featherstone with twenty minutes remaining as the game certainly has a pre-season feel about it now. Much of the play was in the middle of the park with very few clear cut chances for either side, but there was to be one more notable moment. Hannah wrapped up the game with four minutes remaining having received the ball left of centre; he struck a controlled shot with the outside of his boot along the ground which was simply sublime.
So, with a 4-1 win in the opening pre-season game, Boss Atkins must surely be happy with his side’s first full outing
TEAM: Sollitt, Witcombe, Brough, King, Yates, Lukic, Cartwright, Warne, Joynes, Algar, Wood.
Attendance: 70 estimate
Man of Match: Lukic
