Gladiators seal a fab four victory away from home

Then it was more a matter of last season’s First Division South champions King’s Lynn Town keeping their pride as the Linnets slipped to their first Evo-Stik home league defeat of the campaign.

McMahon scored again to ensure a happy trip back for manager Mark Atkins’ men and a 4-0 victory.

Lynn threatened, but their defending was calamitous. Danny Quigley drove too high after veteran target man Robert Duffy helped Andy Hall’s right wing cross into his path as Lynn created the first opportunity. But the hosts’ bright start was checked by a stunning Matlock goal in the 13th minute when McMahon scored a half volley from 25 yards.

A tall home side twice went close through headers from central defender Philip Gulliver, but Matlock’s Jon Kennedy remained unruffled. But there was an escape for Matlock as a full-blooded blockbuster from winger Andy Hall struck the bar on 21 minutes.

Within a minute Matlock had doubled their lead, breaking at pace for Holland to see home goalkeeper Danny Gay parry his effort only for the alert Thomas to gleefully tuck away the rebound.

Lynn forced three corners but a goal looked more likely at the other end.

It was three or four minutes prior to the break as Micky Harcourt crossed low for Holland to slide confidently in and there was still time for McMahon to fire a Thomas cross at a shell-shocked Gay.

Matlock restricted Lynn more after the break having laid the groundwork for three points but Lynn had efforts from Stephen Spriggs and Sam Mulready. But Featherstone and fellow substitute Adam Yates provided the ammunition for McMahon to rifle in the fourth for the Gladiators. Matlock face Frickley Athletic at Causeway Lane from 3pm, on Saturday.