By Chris Wood for North Derbyshire Radio
In what was the very definition of a game of two halves, Matlock Town successfully beat Bridlington Town 3-2 in the NPL East Division this evening (20/01/26).
The visitors came into the game on the back of 6 straight defeats, but actually started the game better than the hosts. They were solid at the back and limited Matlock to only edge of the box shots and hopeful crosses. Even more so when they took the lead on the 20th minute. Mbayo was unfortunate to slip and foul the Bridlington striker in the box, from a certain point of view, Mbayo was lucky to escape with just a yellow, although he did lose his footing. Coulson then converted from the spot despite the best efforts of Wharton in the Matlock goal.
Very little of note happened for the rest of the first half, with the Seasiders continuing in the same way that they started the game, solid at the back and attempting to hit on the counter. On 42 minutes Alfie Atherton fired a shot from the edge of the box that flew wide. Then Connor Washington flashed the ball across the 6 yard box that Kiyani Clayton was just too far away to connect with. These were probably the best 2 chances in a poor first half from the home side’s point of view.
Half-Time – Matlock Town 0-1 Bridlington Town
Gladiators boss Adam Clayton reacted to the first half performance by making a triple change over half time and right from the restart, the changes began to pay dividends. Just 6 minutes into the second half, Washington shot from a tight angle. His shot was well saved and the ball fell to Wilson who’s follow up was blocked, out for a corner. This corner led to the first breakthrough as the corner was headed clear to the feet of Wilson who danced across the edge of the box before firing a grass-cutter of a shot that was deflected into the bottom corner.
Two minutes later, the turnaround was complete as substitute Ben Sault was played through 1 on 1 with the Bridlington goalkeeper and the Matlock attacking midfielder made no mistake from such an opportunity to make it 2-1.
For the next 20 minutes, Matlock continued to apply pressure to the Bridlington backline, although no real clear cut chances as the visiting defenders settled back into the solid first half shape. In fact, they managed to prevent any real chances until the 73rd minute when Wilson successfully chased down the goalkeeper and fashioned a chance for himself, resulting in nothing from a corner. Said corner found itself to Washington’s feet, who’s volley was turned away off the line.
In the closing stages of the game, the home side’s pressure finally saw a benefit as Washington found himself 1 on 1 with the goalkeeper. The number 9 lifting the ball with a lovely little chip over the on rushing goalkeeper.
Three minutes later, the Gladiators had a chance to make it four as Viggars (recently returned on loan from Buxton) was sent through, before finding his shot well saved by the visiting keeper. The ball found its way out to Ravenhill, who again found his shot saved by a goalkeeper who had managed to recover very well from his initial save.
However, the tale of this game was not yet done as the visitors pulled a goal back just 5 minutes later, with former Gladiator Jake Day finishing low beyond Wharton to leave a nervy last 10 minutes. In fact, during the last minutes of the game, it was the Seasiders who had the chance to level it as a shot from range was saved by Wharton, before he reacted really well to keep the follow up out as well, using the post for back up.
The hosts managed to hold out for the victory, claiming the three points this evening, although the visitors can leave with their heads held high, after refusing to be beaten throughout a very entertaining second half.
Full-Time – Matlock Town 3-2 Bridlington Town
All in all, another good victory for the Gladiators, who’s second half performance was enough to earn the three points. A slightly concerning first 45 minutes, although the management team reacted well and reaped the changes during the interval.
Matlock Town are next in action on Saturday (24/01/26) when they host Blyth Spartans at the Proctor Cras Stadium, kick off is 3pm.
Matlock XI – 1. Wharton, 2. Eratt-Thompson (Granite 85’), 3. Milambo (MacDonald 45’), 4. Bachirou, 5. Mbayo, 6. Oglesby, 7. K. Clayton (Thompson 45’), 8. Ravenhill (C), 9. Washington, 10. Atherton (Sault 45’), 11. Wilson (Viggars 78’)
Bridlington XI – 1. Baird, 2. Rogers (Stewart 58’), 3. Hewitt, 4. Whelan, 5. Pratley, 6. Allan (C), 7. Cooper, 8. Green, 9. Coulson (Day 69’), 10. Wiles (Musgrave-Dore 58’), 11. Salam (Hamdosh 80’)
