Matlock travelled to Keys Park for the first encounter between these two sides since Hednesford’s return back to the Evostik Northern Premier league and the points were shared.
The Gladiators made just one change to the side defeated by Bradford at the weekend, with Nightingale in place of Knowles who dropped to the bench.
The early pressure came from the hosts, and they took the lead after just five minutes. New signing Gary Hay met a cross from Campion to head home the opener at the far post. The Gladiators rallied to get back into the game, Liam King going close from a corner, but this effort finished just over the bar.
Matlock were struggling to keep hold of the ball as the hosts looked to add to their lead, and mid way through the first half a back pass to Kennedy was not dealt with comfortably, but thankfully for Matlock the danger was eliminated and the ball cleared.
The visitors looked to reduce the deficit before the half time break, and built some pressure of their own. A free kick in a good position was dealt with by Hednesford’s rear guard, but Matlock got the reward for the pressure on 38 minutes following a stroke of luck.
Liam King’s strike took a massive deflection on route to goal off a Pitmen defender, and home custodian Crane could do nothing to prevent the goal.
Hednesford did have the ball in the net again before the break, but this was disallowed for pushing in the box, so 1-1 at half time.
The second period started with a lively feel, Matlock had a chance which was saved well low down by Crane, and Hednesford swept up the other end, forced a corner but nothing came of that.
The Pitmen were the first to create a notable effort in the second period, Hay’s strike looked to be goal bound, but struck the inside of the post and stayed out. At the other end Matlock won a corner, but no pressure was put on the hosts as the cross went straight out for a goalkick.
Hednesford made all three substitutions mid way through the second period to freshen things up, and a curled effort nearly got them back in front after 71 minutes but the strike went just over.
Matlock too made a changes as Warne came on to replace Bettney. The Gladiators were looking more assured now and more than holding their own. Knowles came on to replace Nightingale with 5 minutes remaining, but it was the defence that was called upon next to deny Quinn.
Neither side were able to add to their goal tally, show a share of the points sees Matlock collect a solid away point.
Matlock Town: Kennedy, Harcourt, Algar, King, Yates, Lukic, Bettney, Nightingale, Holmes, Bowler, Davies
Subs - Knowles, Whittingham, Featherstone, Warne, Buxton
Attendance: 463
