Nantwich Town recorded their first win of the season with a thumping 4-0 victory at Matlock Town.
Goals from Sean Cooke, a brace from Steve Jones, and one from Josh Gordon gave the Dabbers a commanding win in Derbyshire.
Cooke tapped in to put them ahead, and Jones scored the second just before half time.
The game was played in torrential rain in the 2nd half, but Nantwich adapted well and ran in further goals via Jones and Gordon.
Matlock captain Laurie Wilson was sent off to compound the misery for the Gladiators.
Sam Hall was forced to withdraw before kick-off after getting injured in the warm up, Wayne Riley deputised.
Theo Stair had a shot blocked inside the box in the first minute.
Jones went close a minute later, as his far post effort was well saved by Arran Jameson after good work on the left from Ibou Touray.
Matlock went close when Newsham crossed to new signing Michael Williams, who sliced well wide.
Wilson’s dipping volley for Matlock went just wide, with Parton beaten.
The Dabbers went in front, slightly against the run of play.
Jones pounced on a long ball to go clear on goal. He squared for Cooke to tap in.
Matlock hit back, but Dabbers backline worked hard to restrict them to speculative shots.
Three minutes before half time, Nantwich extended their lead.
A corner fell to Stair on the edge of the box and he whipped a cross into the far post.
Ben Harrison headed back into the box and Jones forced it home from a yard out.
Eight minutes into the second half, Nantwich sealed the points.
A cross was misjudged by Jameson, who could only palm it to Jones who smashed the ball in.
Jones was injured while shooting and was forced off, replaced by Ryan Jackson.
Josh Gordon replaced Godwin Abadaki on the hour mark.
The rain affected the game as players struggled to adapt.
On 70 minutes, Jackson stuck his leg out and clipped Wilson, which angered the Matlock captain.
Both players went head to head, but Wilson reacted by putting his hand in Jackson’s face.
Wilson was sent off and Jackson booked for the altercation.
Matlock came close to getting a goal back and Parton had to make a smart save down to his right.
But a few minutes later, Nantwich bagged a fourth.
Jackson skipped past his man on the right and fed Gordon, who hit a fierce effort in at the near post.
There were half chances for both sides in the final 10 minutes, but the Dabbers never looked in danger.
With virtually the last kick of the game, Matlock almost had a consolation.
Cribley hit an effort on goal from the halfway line, with Parton off his line.
It hit the post, hit Parton and rolled just wide for a corner.
Nantwich return to action on Tuesday August 23, welcoming Halesowen Town to Weaver Stadium. Kick off is 7.45pm.
Nantwich Town: Dave Parton, Andy White, Ben Harrison, Mat Bailey(c), Ibou Touray, Wayne Riley, Matt Bell, Sean Cooke, Steve Jones, Theo Stair, Godwin Abadaki. Subs: Osebi Abadaki, Ryan Jackson, Dave Walker, Josh Gordon
Recent Comments