Matlock completed their very own version of the Great Escape as a third successive victory ensured their place in the UniBond Premier League next season.
The Gladiators' 1700th UniBond (Northern Premier) League game was a scrappy typical end of se
ason affair for the first hour.
The hosts had fallen behind to Gareth Richards' 56th minute opener, but strikes from captain Steve Warne 12 minutes later and substitute Nathan Benger with five minues remaining turned the game around.
Dene Cropper replaced Danny Davidson in attack as the on-loan striker was injured in training on Thursday.
The rest of the side was unchanged although Matlock had to change their teamsheet after it had been submitted as Ian Clarke pulled up in the pre-match warm up, so Paul Riley was drafted in.
The first half was instantly forgettable with the 365 fans starved of excitement.
Ashton had slightly the better of things with Iain Howard's volley from the edge of the box skimming the bar on eight minutes before the midfielder turned well eight minutes later, but his 15 yard effort drifted past a post.
It was a good 24 minutes before Matlock created a chance of note as midfielder Danny Wood was found by Ross Hannah's astute pass, but Robins goalkeeper Terry Smith easily held Wood's low drive.
Then, seven minutes later, Matlock went route one Eastwood style,the move ending with Hannah firing wide.
Both sides were guilty of showing little poise, being content to help the ball on, but in their defence the pitch was as dry as a bone, so it was not easy to play flowing football.
Thankfully there was more to reflect on in the second half, with the Gladiators making life far harder for themselves than they should have done by going behind to the most untidy of goals.
Both teams were guilty of miskicking and when the ball bounced up in the Matlock penalty box after a series of richochets Richards guided his shot home.
Whitby were one up against Ilkeston at this point (the Seasiders eventually won 3-0), so Matlock could not afford to make any more mistakes.
Richards then had a header cleared off the line by Ryan Laight before Ashton forced three successive corners, the third of which flew menacingly across the face of the home goal.
Mark Atkins reaction was positive with a double substitution.
Jamie Jackson and Dene Cropper had made little impact and they were replaced by Paul Riley and Nathan Benger who would play integral roles in the Gladiators' comeback.
The equaliser was out of geneal keeping with what had gone on before.
The hard working Hannah made ground on the left, finding Warne with a pass inside.
The skipper did the rest with a tremendous 20 yarder which comprehensively beat the diving Terry Smith.
Adam Yates replaced Ashley Foyle who was sporting a big lump around his eye and was experiencing difficulty in seeing, and then Paul Pettinger took a knock as he dashed out to the edge of his area but was able to continue after the magical sponge of Mick Cunningham had done its work.
The equaliser had galvanised the Gladiators who dominated the rest of the contest.
Riley was involved in a quality move with Liam King which forced a corner, and then brilliant skill from Hannah saw him turn on a sixpence on the ede of the box before his shot dropped narrowly wide.
But Hannah began the move which led to the decider as he linked with Riley on the left.
The former Notts County winger's low cross found Benger in the middle who converted it in style from ten yards.
Hannah's industry was nearly rewarded with the goal he deserved.
This time he burst down the right only to poke his shot inches wide.
It was a game that could have gone either way, one which Matlock would have lost earlier in the season.
They won it through determination to make results elsewhere immaterial.
They finished in a more healthy looking 15th place, one which didn't look remotely possible in midwinter, and even after the Good Friday mauling at Buxton.
The response since the Silverlands debacle has been positive with three wins out of three, so Matlock found their best form and set of results when it really mattered, in the run-in.
Mark Atkins has done what was asked of him when he was appointed, to keep Matlock up. With that achieved, now he will want to put his own personal stamp on the side as he assembles a squad to hopefully fare better next term.
Matlock Town: Pettinger, Brough, Featherstone, King, Foyle (Yates 70), Laight, Jackson (Riley 58), Wrne, Cropper (Benger 58), Hannah, Wood.
Other subs: Thorpe, Buxton.
Referee: S M Hutchinson (Bingham).
Attendance: 365
Star Man: Scott Brough
