Report by North Derbyshire Radio Senior Sports Editor Matthew Rhodes
Matlock Town held Ilkeston Town to a 1-1 draw on Easter Monday at the Microlise New Manor Ground.
The result ended Ilkeston Town’s chances of reaching the NPL Premier Division play-offs. Matlock Town’s relegation was already sealed on Easter Sunday when the Gladiators announced they were to receive a deduction of three points due to fielding an ineligible player earlier in the season.
The hosts took an early lead thanks to a smart finish from Jamie Walker. After nine minutes played. A right-wing delivery was unconvincingly punched away by Gladiators goalkeeper Ellis Litherland and it proved to be a costly error. The ball fell right into the path of the unmarked Walker and he calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net with the goalkeeper well out of position.
In a first half of very few clear-cut chances, the Robins came close to doubling their advantage just before the half hour mark. A rapid 20 yard strike from Colin Daniel Jr was heading in before Litherland reacted well to tip the ball around the post.
The hosts headed into the interval with a slender 1-0 lead but the visitors equalised shortly after the restart. In the 47th minute, a defensive error allowed striker Montel Gibson enough space to place the ball past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
In truth, the second half offered very little in terms of quality from both teams. The Robins and Gladiators appeared to be running on very tired legs in the penultimate match of a long, hard-fought season. Both clubs had also only previously played 48 hours beforehand.
The visitors went down to ten men at the midway point of the second half. Jack Stobbs was sent off in the 66th minute for a second bookable offence and could have no complaints about the decision.
Matlock Town battled on with plenty of grit and spirit but it was Ilkeston Town who came the closest to taking all three points.
After 71 minutes played, Jordan Stevens somehow missed the target completely from close-range. It was a real let-off for the Gladiators. The Robins had done all the hard work in the build-up but fluffed their lines completely at the end.
The hosts came agonisingly close to snatching victory deep into stoppage time when Jamie Walker’s superb effort from the edge of the 18 yard box cannoned off the bar.
Matlock Town host Lancaster City on Saturday afternoon in their last match of the season. A huge summer then lies ahead for the Gladiators as plans will be put in place for an instant return to step three of the non-league pyramid.
Matlock Town team: Litherland, Smart (Noel-Williams 46), Milambo, Bachirou, Ravenhill (c) (Clayton 75), Oglesby, Stobbs, Whitehouse, Gibson (Fry 90), Bondo, Wilson (Zottos 87).
Unused substitute: Alexander.
Attendance: 634
Hear the thoughts of Matlock Town manager Adam Clayton speaking to North Derbyshire Radio’s Senior Sports Editor Matthew Rhodes
