Gladiators lose first game with duo in charge
HOPES that Matlock Town’s joint interim managers Adam Yates and Mark Atkins would get off to a winning start floundered in heavy conditions against a physically stronger Marine side.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between as Sol Solomon’s 30thminute goal proved enough to claim a 1-0 win for visiting Marine against a Gladiators side playing their first game since Martin Carruthers resigned as manager.
And the Gladiators’ bid to get back into the contest was not helped by the 54th-minute dismissal of Harry Wood for an aggressive challenge on Scott Butler. In the dugout, Atkins was also shown a yellow card for protesting.
Also in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division, Ilkeston Town fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home against Bradford Park Avenue.
The Robins, who had to play in their away strip as the visitors only brought a red kit, trailed to goals from Adrien Thibaut and Edy Maieco.
But Tom Cursons pulled a goal back in the 68th minute and levelled through Dec Eratt-Thomas in the 77th.
Belper Town’s away game against Pontefract Collieries in the NPL East was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Tyrell Waite’s late double fired second-placed Mickleover to a 2-1 away win against Alvechurch.
Waite broke the deadlock in the 88th minute and doubled the visitors’ advantage seven minutes into stoppage time.
There was still time for Jaanai Gordon to pull a goal back for Alvechurch in the ninth minute of stoppage time but the points belonged to Mickleover, who are eight behind leaders Needham Market, who won 2-0 away against Hitchin Town on Good Friday.
In Vanarama National League North, Jordan Thewlis’ 51st-minute goal was enough for Alfreton Town to clinch a 1-0 home win against Rushall Olympic.
But the Reds were grateful for a fine performance in goal by George Willis, who made several great saves to keep a clean sheet.
Gresley Rovers fell to a 5-1 away defeat against Boldmere St Michael’s in the NPL Midlands.
TODAY’S FIXTURES Vanarama National League North
Chester v Alfreton Town
SPL Central Division
Mickleover v Coalville Town Barwell v Long Eaton United
Pitching In NPL Premier Division
Matlock Town v Ilkeston Town
NPL East
Belper Town v Sheffield
NPL Midlands
Gresley Rovers v Rugby Town