Matlock Town v Stafford Rangers

REPORT

After a promising start to the season, Stafford Rangers have now lost three on the bounce after their latest reverse away to Matlock Town.

With Andy Burns still out injured, Rangers brought in Harry Nevin on loan from Preston. The youngster was one of four changes to the side beaten in the FA Cup by Newcastle Town.

It was a fast, frantic and physical start with both sides looking to grab an early advantage.

Stafford looked most threatening on their left with the combination of Joe Dunne and Adam Livingstone getting the better of Nico Degirolamo more than once.

Tom Tonks almost gave the Boro a spectacular lead when he spotted the the Matlock keeper off his line but his effort, from ten yards inside the Stafford half, was just wide of the target.

Tonks and Livingstone both fired shots at Matlock keeper Jim Pollard but it was the home side who broke the deadlock on 23 minutes when Ethan Stewart failed to cut out a long ball, letting in Al Byrne and he squared for Alex Wiles to slot past Cam Belford.

A stunning goal from Kallan Murphy doubled the lead on 33 minutes. The Matlock number 9 produced a spectacular volley after Ioan Evans’ header had come back off the bar.

Matlock were now in control and excellent play from Kallum Mantack created an opportunity for Alex Wiles before the former fired wide with a shot on the turn.

It was a similar story after the interval as Murphy headed wide when he attacked Jordan Barnett’s corner soon after the resumption.

Rangers brought on Alex Kiwomya for Joe Kenton and the substitute got a half chance but could only pick out Pollard.

Rangers had a let off when Belford’s clearance struck Murphy. Fortunately, the ball ran wide and Belford was able to get back to make the save.

While Rangers were struggling to break down the Matlock defence, the home side continued to press for a third goal to wrap things up.

Barnett and Byrne both missed out but Murphy made no mistake when he fired past Belford on 87 minutes after combining with Sean Higgins down the left hand side.

Luis Morrison-Derbyshire came close to pulling one back with a volley which came back off the bar before Tonks did find the back of the net in the 6th minute of added time, converting a penalty after Ryan Qualter had tripped Ntumba Massanka.

Matlock Town: 1 Jim Pollard, 2 Nico DeGirolamo, 3 Jordan Barnett, 4 Ioan Evans, 5 Ryan Qualter, 6 Mark Lees, 7 Al Byrne, 8 Leigh Whelan (15 Simon Njiara 83m), 9 Kallan Murphy (14 Jerome Slew 85m), 10 Alex Wiles, 11 Kallum Mantack (17 Sean Higgins 64m). Unused Subs 12 Adam Blakeley, 16 Jake Day

Stafford Rangers: 1 Cameron Belford, 2 Harry Nevin, 3 Joe Dunne, 4 Jack Baxter, 5 Ethan Stewart, 6 Luis Morrison-Derbyshire, 7 Adam Livingstone, 8 Tom Tonks, 9 Kaiman Anderson, 10 Joe Willis (12 Ntumba Massanka 78m), 11 Joe Kenton (14 Alex Kiwomya 65m) Unused Subs 15 Chris Clements, 16 Nathan Caine, 17 Jaiden White,

Cautions: Degirolamo, Barnett, Lees (Matlock)

Ref: Matthew Tyres

Att: 565

Report: Chris Elsley