Matlock Town drew 0-0 against Bradford (Park Avenue) at The Proctor Cars Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the NPL East Division.
The game was a feisty and very physical affair; but ultimately saw very few clear-cut chances for either side.
Ben Sault had Matlock’s best opportunity of the first half. After 26 minutes played, the former Buxton player surged forward with the ball towards the edge of the penalty area. It was crying out for Sault to go for goal himself but he unselfishly opted to pass to his left. This allowed the Avenue defence just enough time to get the black in and scramble the ball away from danger.
The visitors almost broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion when Marcus Carver attempted to score from 40 yards out with Matlock Town goalkeeper Myles Boney off his line during the closing stages of the first half. Boney did superbly to tip the ball over the bar and deny an incredibly early goal of the season contender.
The second half progressed in the same vein as the first. Both defences were very well-organised and good in the air which resulted in very little goalmouth action. Much of the game was a constant battle between the midfields and both teams simply ended up cancelling each other out until the final whistle.
The best opportunity of the second half fell to the hosts in the 50th minute. Good work from Diego DeGirolamo presented Sault with an opportunity from the edge of the penalty area. However, his strike lacked conviction and the Avenue goalkeeper was able to dive to his right and palm the ball away.
In the end, neither side could complain about the result and the match finished as a deserved draw.
After the match North Derbyshire Radio’s Senior Sports Editor spoke to Matlock Town manager Adam Clayton.
Watch the interview here
