Welcome to Matlock Town FC

A far from classic Derwent Derby finished all square, with a late equaliser from Ben Algar sealing the draw for the Gladiators.
 
The early stages offered little quality with both teams taking time to find there passing game, but constant quality balls in from Kris Bowler, particularly from corners, looks to have added potency to the Matlock attack.
 
Indeed it was a Bowler cross which created the best chance of the half for Town, as Knowles headed over from close range.
 
On the twenty minute mark there were worrying signs for Gladiator fans as Adam Sollitt hobbled off holding his back, only time will tell whether he is ready for the opening league game. His replacement, Dene Cropper, stood little chance as Belper took the lead a couple of minutes before half time. A poor decision resulted in a free kick on the edge of the box, and Nailers full back THOMPSON blasted the ball in via a deflection off the Matlock wall.
 
The game continued to meander on with the make shift back four and keeper Cropper having little to do, but Matlock were also failing to break down the strong Belper back line.
 
Eventually the breakthrough did come, when good quick work from Danny Wood found Ben ALGAR who slotted home from the edge on the box with a low strike.
 
Again the match offered the chance for Atkins to look at a few fringe players and see how others can slot in if required, but he must now have a good idea who will be in the team in the all important opener on the 21st August against Stocksbridge.
 
Attendance 150 Est
 
Matlock Team: Sollitt (Cropper 20), Turner (Brough 60), Jenkins (Featherstone 60), Bowler, Whitcombe, King, Wiggins Thomas (Wood 65), Warne (Marson 75), Cropper (Algar 20), Hannah, Knowles (Joynes 72)