Nantwich Town slip to home defeat against Matlock Town

Nantwich Town were beaten at home by Matlock as they looked to bounce back from defeat to Whitby, writes Adam Bateman.

It was a frenetic start as both sides had opportunities to score the first and crucial goal at the Optimum Pay Stadium.

Callum Saunders, who was looking lively right from the off, looked to catch the Matlock goalkeeper unawares, but he was able to deal with a cross come shot and push it away for a corner.

Saunders then cut in from the left hand side and passed to Cooke, who crossed for an unmarked Miller to head it straight at the opposition goalkeeper.

That missed opportunity seemed to galvanise the visitors.

A few minutes later from a corner, they had their own chance to take the lead, but Kendall headed straight at Cameron Terry.

Other chances fell to Wiles for Matlock and Tommy Montefiori for the Dabbers but the half ended in deadlock.

Early in the second period there was almost a goal of the season candidate from Saunders but his long range effort sailed just wide.

But then the game took a turn for the worse for Nantwich as Matlock took the lead after a period of midfield dominance.

Wiles found himself free on the wing, put in a good cross and Kendall at the far post headed it past Terry to give Matlock a surprising lead.

Nantwich looked to try to recover but just couldn’t find that last crucial pass to test the goalkeeper.

Matlock looked to slow the game down, and also had a chance to seal the victory through Byrne, as well as fine free-kick from Bryce that Terry did brilliantly to tip over.

The visitors held out for all three points, and next up for Nantwich is Bamber Bridge, where the Dabbers will look to change their fortunes and pick up three points.

(Images courtesy of Jonathan White)