Recap

Tom Murphy reports from Proctor Cars Stadium…

Photo courtesy Alun Roberts – AJAR Photographics

Sol Solomon scored his 35th goal for the Mariners to gift his side three points in the first of two games this Easter weekend.

Marine dominated throughout the feisty encounter, in which saw Harry Wood dismissed for a reckless challenge on Scott Butler. 

Marine were knocking on the door in the opening stages but were unable to create any real chances to force a save from Saul Deeney.

Matlock’s defence finally broke down after 30 minutes when Solomon put his side in front. 

A trademark Freddie Sass throw-in eventually fell to Solomon who reacted quickest to tap home the opener of the afternoon. 

Bobby Grant was an ever present and a danger at all times for Marine up top and caused the Matlock defence problems throughout the half. 

Matlock had their moments but they were dealt with by Josh Wardle and his fellow defenders. 

The best of these came when captain John Johnston placed his effort wide after finding himself in acres of space in the penalty area. 

Tavonga Kuleya provided the biggest threat along the left hand side but neither him or the Gladiators were able to register a shot on target in the first half. 

The second half got off to a very quick start with both sides coming close just after the restart. 

Matlock almost found an equaliser from a corner before Solomon headed over from close range after White found him brilliantly. 

Harry Wood’s dismissal just before the hour mark dramatically changed the rhythm of play and Marine saw the game out nicely for the remainder of proceedings. 

Big chances continued to flood in for Marine in the closing stages with Wardle coming agonisingly close after Solomon found him deep in the 6 yard box. 

Opportunities for Bobby Grant and Owen Windsor were also wasted as they failed to find the back of the. 

Overall though, Marine fought hard to claim a first win in Matlock since 2011 and take back all three points to Merseyside. 

Neil Young’s side now prepare for the quick turnaround on Monday where they travel to play off rivals Warrington Rylands. 

Matlock Town: 1 Saul Deeney, 2 Kornell McDonald, 3 Joe West, 4 Nathan Whitehead, 5 Adam Yates, 6 loan Evans, 7 John Johnston (Curtis Durose 73), 8 Harry Wood, 9 Scott Boden (Liam Hardy 59′),10 Connor Dimaio, (Michael Williams 59′),11 Tavonga Kuleya

Unused Subs:14 Jack Degruchy, 17 Myles Wright

Marine: 1 Bobby Jones, 2 Scott Butler, 3 Freddie Sass, 4 Harvey Gregson (Liam Nolan 89), 5 Chris Doyle, 6 Josh Wardle,7 Owen Windsor , 8 Jack Bainbridge, 9 Bobby Grant, 10 Sol Solomon (Finlay Sinclair-Smith 76′), 11 Louis White (Owen Robinson 81′)

Unused Subs: 14 Matty Waters,15 Jon Routledge.

Northern Premier League – Premier Division

Saturday 30th March 2024

Kick-off: 3pm

The Proctor Cars Stadium 

Attendance: 1,022