By Chris Wood for North Derbyshire Radio. Photo Credit to Michael South Photography
Matlock Town confirmed that they will finish in 2nd place of the NPL East Division yesterday (11/04/26) as they beat Ashington AFC in some style at the Proctor Cars Stadium.
The game got off to a flying start for the hosts as they took the lead after just 2 minutes. There was some delightful interplay in the build-up as Wilson picked up the ball on the left wing that he has made his own this season. He passed inside to Elliott, who then in turn slipped Washington in with a spectacular through ball. The Gladiators number 9 was never going to miss a chance like that and duly tucked his shot under the keeper to open the scoring.
Throughout the first half, Matlock really turned on the style as they played some of the best football we have been treated to at home this season. Lots of chances were created but fine margins meant that the score remained at 1-0 for the opening stages.
This was all to change just before quarter of an hour however as Matlock’s top scorer added his 27th goal of the season. It was actually the visitors who had a chance from a corner. Matlock defended the corner well and then quickly broke away with Upton finding Washington. The latter carried the ball forward before finding Wilson who added to his impressive tally for this season.
The rest of the second half continued in a very similar way, with the Gladiators having the majority of the possession and creating numerous chances. Much to the rapturous support of the home fans in attendance who were well encouraged by the football on display.
Half-Time – Matlock Town 2-0 Ashington AFC
Matlock again came flying out the blocks at the start of the second half as just 2 minutes in, the ball was crossed to the back post. Macdonald was flying in to tap home, but the ball was just taken off his heels by an Ashington defender. He would have had nothing but the net in his way, had he connected.
Again, the chances came thick and fast, but Ashington either always managed to clear their lines, or the Gladiators’ finishing was either off target or leading to simple saves for the goalkeeper.
However, all this was to change with just under 20 minutes to go as Washington added his second of the game. Wilson played the ball across to him and the striker got to a very tight angle but thundered a shot past the keeper.
Matlock weren’t done there either! With 4 minutes of normal time remaining, they had a big shout for a penalty as substitute Atherton was shoved over in the box, although the referee was unmoved. In the same passage of play, Milambo didn’t stop and shout for a corner. He cut inside from the right wing and hit a beautiful shot from 20 yards out that nestled itself in the top corner!
If you thought that sounded like the best goal of the game, you would in fact be wrong as up stepped Atherton just 5 minutes later. Apparently, the Gladiators forward only scores absolute worldies! This was a finish straight out of the top draw as the ball sat up perfectly for him to smash a half-volley from 25 yards out or so. The ball dipped magnificently and dropped just under the bar to round off a fantastic performance from the boys in blue!
Full-time – Matlock Town 5-0 Ashington AFC
This victory (with Emley also dropping points) made sure that Matlock will finish second in the league this season and, as such, will have home advantage for both the play-off semi-final AND the final should they reach it. The semi-final is to be played on 28/04/26 with a 7:45pm kick off and the final is the following Saturday (of the bank holiday weekend). Tickets for the play off semi-final go on general sale at 9am tomorrow (13/04/26) and tickets can be bought from the club website.
The Gladiators next regular season game is next Saturday where they travel to Newton Aycliffe in the NPL East Division, with a 3pm kick off.
Matlock XI – 1. Lambton, 2. Eratt-Thompson, 3. Macdonald, 4. Williamson (Atherton 85’), 5. Granite (C), 6. Oglesby, 7. Upton, 8. Bachirou, 9. Washington (Viggars 71’), 10. Elliott (Milambo 80’), 11. Wilson (Thompson 75’)
Ashington XI – 1. Alexander, 2. R. Powell, 3. Wombwell, 4. Donaldson, 5. Reid (H. Powell 84’), 6. Ross (C), 7. O. Thompson, 8. Perera (Burns 58’), 9. Henderson, 10. Kneeshaw, 11. Gilchrist (Ellison 58’)
