The New Year failed to bring victory for Matlock Town as they were trounced by local rivals Buxton on Tuesday.

The Gladiators took an early lead on seven minutes through a Simon Barraclough penalty after a Terry Bowker challenge, but it just wasn't enough as Buxton ran riot at the Silverlands.

Strong claims for a Buxton penalty were denied by referee Craig Grundy when Anton Foster was brought down by keeper Andy Richmond but the decision proved unimportant anyway as the home side immediately found the back of the net. Neil Ross was the scorer on 19 minutes as he opened his Buxton account.

From then on, it was pretty much one way traffic as Buxton hounded the Matlock goal. Both Steve Ridley and Terry Bowker had opportunities to score before the home side deservedly took the lead on 34 minutes.

Richmond was left floundering after Steve Ridley's belter of a long range shot flew straight past him to make it 2-1 before Ridley managed to confuse him a second time just before the break with another goal that sailed past him, leaving Matlock trailing 3-1.

Buxton had no intention of resting on their laurels though and the hardworking Paul Walker's fantastically struck shot just went wide in the dying minutes of the first half.

The second period started much the same with Buxton dominating the play as heavy fog descended on the Silverlands.

Matlock's only real chance to score a second came just after the hour mark but Buxton's keeper Scott Hartley, who had little to do, pulled off a great save to keep the home side's lead firmly in tact.

It was only a matter of time now before Buxton increased their advantage and the arrival of on-loan striker Jason Bradley to replace Neil Ross proved an astute move when he scored twice.

His first came ten minutes before the end when he headed home before netting again with just a few minutes to go. Anton Foster supplied a brilliant pass which Bradley latched on to before sliding the ball home to end the game 5-1.

Matlock Town: Richmond, Laight, Riley, Fearon (Ashley), Hannigan, Lukic, Webster, Donnelly-Jackson, Benger (Hall), Barraclough, Caudwell.