Match 29. Stamford AFC v Matlock Town

Saturday 27^th February 2016 @3pm

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League

STAMFORD AFC 2-0 MATLOCK TOWN

Zeeco Stadium, Borderville Sports Centre, Stamford PE9 1US

Admission: £10

Programme: £2 (42pp)

Attendance: 316

Refreshments: Steak Pie, £2.25. Bacon Roll, £2. Homemade Tomato Soup, £1.50, Mars, 90p. Becks Blue, £3.

With domestic duties meaning a late departure than anticipated but I arrived just before kick-off and parked on the waste ground next to the car park, being used as the overflow and was going through the turnstile as the match kicked off.  The new ground has a soulless feel about it. It has a main seated stand next to the entrance and standing cover behind one goal, whereas the rest of the perimeter is hard standing with a fence enclosing the ground. The club building is adjacent to the main stand and houses the toilets, dressing rooms and tea bar, with the clubhouse situated upstairs.  Plenty of room for future development but lacking atmosphere despite a child effort of banging a drum.  On the plus side the food on offer is excellent.  The pies are full of meat, flavour and can be accompanied by mushy peas and gravy. The tomato soup is thick and yummy too.

With The Daniels struggling at the wrong end of the table and Matlock in mid table no-man’s land, the game turned into one of those that was not pleasant to view. The impetus was understandably from Stamford and they dominated throughout he first half, with a chuck of a target man in Greg Smith and ably supported by no10 and attacking wide midfielders.  Stamford had a goal disallowed for handling and had about 5 corners before they went ahead after 20 minutes when a cross from the right was glanced with the head of Newman on the 6 yard near side across goal into the far corner.

Matlock had more possession in the second half but only carving out half chances with the home centre backs and veteran keeper Bastock in commanding form.  Stamford secured the win a few minutes from full time when a fierce shot was deflected away by the keeper but the loose ball fell to the onrushing Newman who forced the ball home before the keeper could recover.