MATLOCK were left to rue three defensive errors as they fell to defeat in Staffordshire on Monday.

After having the best of a scrappy opening half, the visitors took the lead on 39 minutes when Reuben Wiggins-Thomas got free but was hauled down in the penalty area, and Simon Barraclough calmly tucked home the spot-kick.

But right on the stroke of half-time, Matlock got in a mess trying to clear their lines, resulting in Cameron Fearon bringing down Wayne Dyer for the home side to earn a penalty of their own from which Chad Sheppard levelled the scores.

Early in the second half, another defensive lapse saw Ryan Davis hesitate and fail to clear, resulting in Anthony Maguire firing home the rebound after Andy Richmond had saved his first effort.

Then on 65 minutes, Ryan Laight ballooned a clearance high into the sleet-filled sky, and when the ball dropped and a scramble ensued, Ross Dyer drilled home.

Hednesford had several chances to add to their tally, whilst Matlock's best chances came on the break - Barraclough and debutant Daniel Williams the closest to reducing the arrears.

Full report to follow.