Matlock Town 1
Nantwich Town 3
League (NPL Premier Division)

Match Report

Date: Monday 31st August.2009 . Kick off 7.45pm


Matlock Town 1 v NANTWICH TOWN 3
Ben Algar.47 Dave Whittaker. 11
Michael Lennon. 50.
Dave MacPherson.53.

NANTWICH TOWN: Jones. Sedgemore. Flynn. Tinson. Whittaker. Ashley Carter. Blackhurst (Aaron Carter 82). MacPherson. Jack. Rhead (Southern 78). Lennon. Substitutes: Southern. Aaron Carter. Beahaut. Chapman.

Nantwich attacked from the start – winning three corners in quick succession with ‘The Dabbers’ deservedly taking the lead on 11 minutes when central defender Dave Whittaker popped up in the 6 yard box to head home Jake Sedgemore’s corner. Minutes afterwards from a second corner, Glyn Blackhurst's downward header was scrambled away. For the home side former Rotherham United midfielder Liam King tested Nantwich ‘keeper Lee Jones' goal with a 25 yard dipping shot but it sailed over the bar. Meanwhile, at the other end, a Blackhurst overhead kick was only just held by Matlock keeper Adam Sollitt . However, as the game approached the half hour mark Matlock were beginning to overrun Nantwich in midfield and in one particular edgy moment former Chesterfield midfielder Gareth Davies was only a whisker away with a free kick after Darren Tinson handled just outside the area. But Nantwich regrouped to return the pressure on the home side and after Ashley Carter was fouled just outside the area Sedgemore could only watch in agony as his swirling free kick bounced back off the crossbar with the Matlock defence and goalkeeper beaten. Before the break Blackhurst had a great chance to put Nantwich further ahead but his run from deep ended when he dragged his shot inches wide of Sollitt’s right hand post.

HT: Matlock Town 0 v NANTWICH TOWN 1

Matlock drew level in the 47th minute when former Chesterfield winger Ben Algar was allowed too much time and space before firing past Jones with a low shot. However, Nantwich regained the initiative and restored their lead in the 50th minute when Carter chipped the ball into the path of ‘Dabbers’ captain Michael Lennon whose neat glanced header beat Sollitt from close range. Nantwich deservedly went further ahead when Dave MacPherson rifled a 30 yard thunderbolt beyond the Matlock ‘keeper into the top right hand corner of Sollitt’s net, sparking wild celebration from the former Leek midfielder. Moments later Rodney Jack attempted similar from distance and was unlucky to witness his effort fall narrowly wide. For Matlock, Ross Hannah’s 67th minute shot struck the side netting otherwise the game was switching from end to end with Nantwich still looking good for their 2 goal advantage. Late in the game Nathan Southern replaced Matt Rhead in attack whilst Aaron Carter replaced Glyn Blackhurst in midfield as the Dabbers comfortable held on to secure a second win in three days.

Match report written by Phil Johnson