The hosts took an early lead and despite several dangerous moments from both sides, Basford struggled to get through a well-organised Matlock defence.

The Gladiators started the game on the front foot when player/coach Adam Clayton fired over on four minutes. Moments later Matlock took the lead after Sam Smart's corner fro the left hand side found Montel Gibson who directed the ball past the stranded Saul Deeney.

Gibson should have made two for the host in the 22nd minute. Sam Essien showcased his strength before laying it of to Gibson, who rounded Deeney but could only find the upright despite having an open goal to aim for!

United's best chance of the half came from Mansfield Town loanee Taylor Anderson whose low drive from 25 yards went narrowly wide of the post!

The second half began with more frustration for Basford as Sam Smart doubled the hosts lead. A poor attempted of a clearance landed straight at Smart's feet who turned the ball past Deeney.

Gibson then made it three on 58 minutes after he found himself free in Basford's 6 yard box and had the easy task of slotting home from close range to give Matlock a big lead.

We finally got breakthrough on 71 minutes after a series of intricate passes opened up the Matlock defence, allowing Kane Richards to slot the ball through Rogan Ravenhill's legs brining Basford back into the contest at 3-1.

Richards and Tyler Dacres then had glorious chances to turn the game on it's head but neither could convert from close range!

United's persistence paid off in the 82nd minute Kacy Milan's low drilled effort from 25 yards was parried by Ravenhill into the path of Tyrell Waite who stabbed the ball into the net to bring us within one! The Ambers fans behind the goal who were superb all game sensed that there was still time to snatch an unlikely equaliser after looking dead and buried minutes earlier.

Despite the late surge, Matlock managed to hold on to their slender lead leaving United to rue their missed chances.

The full-time whistle confirmed a 3-2 victory for Matlock in what was a fiercely competitive encounter at the Procter Cars Stadium!

MOTM: Kane Richards

ATT: 962 (away est 65)

STARTING XI: Saul Deeney, Taylor Anderson, Henri Wilder, Prince Mancinelli, Victor Nirennold (52' Nelson Aideyan, 69' Harvey Ridgley), Josh Barnes, Kane Richards, Kacy Milan, Tyrell Waite, Matt Thornhill (c), McKeal Abdullah (55' Tyler Dacres).

SUBS NOT USED: Joe Uveges, Ethan Stewart

NEXT UP: Anstey Nomads (H)