First-half blitz sees Matlock overcome Consett

Matlock produced a controlled performance to comfortably see off Consett on Saturday and secure their play-off place.

On a blustery day, the Gladiators dominated proceedings throughout and were even able to ease off somewhat in the second-half with a match just 48 hours later at Silsden no doubt on their minds when it came to preserving their players’ legs.

With Conor Washington rested, Tom Elliott as given the role of lone man up front but it was Matlock’s full-backs and wingers who would ultimately prove the difference in the game, as well as solid displays throughout the rest of the team as the hosts were rarely troubled by a Consett side now playing for position given the play-offs are not beyond them.

And whilst a top five place is now safe for Matlock, the need to finish second remains as they pursue home advantage in the play-off games.

Cameron Wilson had an early effort cleared off the line as Matlock began well, but they suffered a blow when Liam Ravenhill was forced off with an injury just ten minutes into the game.

The opening goal came in style on 17 minutes, as left-back Calum MacDonald was allowed space to line one up from 25 yards out and his shot arrowed into the top corner of the net, perhaps with some wind behind it but nevertheless a clean strike that gave keeper Harry Moss no chance.

Wilson again went close with a shot that flashed narrowly wide on 26 minutes, but it was the winger who turned provider on 33 as his lung-busting run down the left ended with him squaring the ball across the six yard box for Jeremie Milambo to turn in from close range.

And the hosts wrapped the points up before the break as the third goal came in stoppage time. A long ball forward saw Declan Eratt-Thompson get to it before Moss and from a narrow angle he lobbed the Consett custodian, the ball having crossed the goal line before Wilson made sure with the final touch.

With the points rarely in doubt, chances became fewer in the second-half as Matlock’s need for speed lessened in the face of Consett struggling to break them down, indeed the hosts continued to create the best opportunities that did arise as Milambo and Wilson both saw efforts fly just wide as they attempted to add to their personal tallies.

The Easter crowd of 825 therefore went home  happy as the gap to third place opened up to four points thanks to results elsewhere, ahead of Monday’s test at struggling Silsden.

Matlock: Lambton, Eratt-Thompson, MacDonald, Bachirou (Viggars 79), Granite, Oglesby, Wilson (Atherton 73), Ravenhill (Williamson 10), Elliott, Upton (Thompson 73), Milambo.

Not used: Mbayo.

Att: 825