Matlock Town beat Buxton 2-1 at The Proctor Cars Stadium yesterday afternoon to overtake their arch rivals and move to the top of the Northern Premier League Premier Division.
The Bucks took the lead after 26 minutes when Brad Jackson’s curling 20 yard effort beat Dan Wallis and found the top corner. The whole dynamic of the game changed drastically though just three minutes afterwards when James Hurst needlessly received two yellow cards in quick succession and was given his marching orders by the referee.
As expected, the Gladiators fought back and finally found an equaliser after 61 minutes when Ross Hannah smashed the ball home from close range after his previous effort was well saved.
The Gladiators took the lead after 77 minutes when Reece Kendall headed home from close range following a superb corner from Alex Byrne.
Despite a spirited effort from ten-man Buxton to find a late equaliser, Paul Phillips’s men held on for a crucial three points to move one point clear of Buxton at the top of the NPL Premier Division.
The game was a fantastic occasion and was watched by an outstanding attendance of 2,155.
Chesterfield are finally back in action later today as they host FC Halifax Town in the National League.
The match is on the brink of being a sell-out game as top of the table meets second in the table in a huge match.
The game kicks off at 3pm and the Spireites will end the calendar year top of the National League if they can beat the Shaymen.
Alfreton Town are also in action this afternoon as they travel to York City in the National League North. That game also kicks off at 3pm.
