Matlock Town reserves strike deep into stoppage time to rescue draw against Eastwood CFC reserves

The first half was an end-to-end affair, while the second half was dominated by Eastwood who deserved to win but were pegged back by a stoppage time leveller.

David Worger’s early free kick almost brought first blood to Eastwood, but there was no-one at the back post to meet it.

Matt Brian missed another chance on 11 minutes, heading Worger’s excellent cross wide with only keeper Martin Dewberry to beat.

At the other end David Edge’s shot lacked power and Wayne Smith saved easil as the firsst half surprisingly ended goal-less.

Within 20 seconds of the restart Matt Brian charged down a clearance for the ball to roll into the net for the opening goal.

And three minutes later Guild shot wide across goal when he should have given the visitors a two-goal cushion.

Dewberry grabbed a Warren Hadfield header from under the bar, and Hadfield then drove a low shot from the edge of the area a foot wide.

The Gladiators levelled from a deep 57th minute corner from the left through Matthew Bradshaw’s header.

But, within two minutes, David Worger put the Badgers back in front with a splendid low shot from just inside the penalty area.

Hadfield’s header in the next attack hit the inside of an upright with Dewberry beaten and Eastwood were well on top.

Bull made an excellent run down the left and pulled the ball back for Worger, who wastefully blasted the ball over the bar.

Matlock had their moments as well with Bradshaw and substitute Regan Cooper failing to find the target.

Edge thought he had conjured up the equaliser with a back post header but off-side prevailed.

An unnecessary defensive substitution proved to be Eastwood’s downfall as Matlock put on late pressure.

James Travis saw a strong header cleared off the line and Philip Griffiths lifted the ball over the bar when it came out to him.

But three minutes into stoppage time Matt Wilkinson headed the Gladiators level via the underside of the bar following a free kick.

Eastwood overall were the better side, but it was hard to deny Matlock their equaliser from an excellent game of football.

MATLOCK TOWN RESERVES: Martin Dewberry, Dom Witton, James Travis, Tom Laister (captain), Philip Griffiths, Alex Hewitt, Matt Wilkinson, Matt Andrews (Regan Cooper 59), David Edge, Alex Bradshaw, Marcus Beddoe (Jack Siddall 59). Substitutes not used – Samuel Lavelle, Lewis Brown, Corey Belhelloer.

EASTWOOD COMMUNITY: Wayne Smith, Elliott Pitt, Adam Bibbey (Jake Danby 84), Jordan Leeming, Mick McCaul, Tim Adcock, Daniel Guild, Warren Hadfield, Matt Brian (Kione Gordon 84), Lee Bull, David Worget. Substitutes not used – Jason Westwood, Jak Lightly, Jack Havron.

REFEREE: K. Wilson.

ATTENDANCE: 99.

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Warren Hadfield (Eastwood).