Matlock Utd Eagles................1

Ripley Town Colts...................0

(at Belper Town FC)

SPURRED on by vociferous support in a superb atmosphere at Christchurch Meadows, Eagles deservedly took the honours in a game that was keenly contested and offered nail-biting tension throughout.

In such an important contest a tentative start might have been anticipated, but Matlock settled quickly, grabbed the initiative and, in truth, never really lost it despite some nerve-jangling scares.

Having established a resolute backline in the shape of Thomas Evans, Ryan Kidd, Jack Johnson and Matthew Pilgrim, United found their feet, passing their way forward and finding chinks in Colts’ armour with surprising regularity.

Luke Pilgrim just failed to reach a pinpoint cross from Evans, Andrie Pykett’s blaster just cleared the bar and Alex Wilson, a tower of strength down the left wing, could only wring his hands in frustration as a sliced clearance narrowly missed his outstretched foot.

Strong running form Sam McCarron continued to offer an outlet.

Johnson’s vision meant that Ripley simply could not get into their stride as Ben Harrison bossed the midfield area, harrying and spurring the ball forward to Jacob Gunton whose strength carried him into the box, only for his placed shot to cannon off the crossbar and away to safety.

Goalkeeper Schawn Monteiro remained a virtual spectator, but was perfectly positioned when two would-be shots ricocheted in his direction.

With all to play for, a second half resurgence was expected from Ripley, but, within two minutes, United had gained the ascendancy and never looked back.

Luke Pilgrim’s cross was a dream-come-true for Gunton whose bullet header nestled oh so sweetly in the top corner of the net to set up scenes of rapturous celebration.

With approximately 30 minutes left, however, concentration was to prove crucial.

Matthew Pilgrim got back to win a ball against the odds, while Harrison’s tenacity allowed him to propel a defence-splitting pass forward just before Colts’ desperate strikeforce could pull the trigger.

At the other end, the chances piled up, only to fall agonisingly wide.

Edward Lee’s strength was pivotal in launching the ball for Gunton to pull back, searching out Luke Pilgrim at the far post.

The margins were minute as a connection just proved too much for him.

Pykett’s free-kick sliced wide and fine running from McCarron was only thwarted by an excellent covering tackle.

Meanwhile, Kidd’s exceptional run down the length of the field deserved more while Wilson’s excellent cross was deflected to safety.

Without the cushion of a second goal, however, anxiety grew as the clock ticked down, but the whole team stood firm and the roar of relief and delight at the final whistle spoke volumes.