Matlock and Marske go two from two

In the first midweek action of the new season, Matlock won 1-0 away at Basford United, with new signing Pitou Crouz scoring the winner five minutes from time.

Basford were on top for large parts of the match and wasted a number of opportunities, with Matlock ‘keeper Jon Stewart pulling off saves from Courey Grantham, Matt Thornhill and James Reid in the opening 20 minutes.

Crouz curled in a stunning free-kick past Kieran Preston to nab the three points for the Gladiators, who started the season with a 1-0 win over Bamber Bridge on Saturday.

In the N/West Division, Marske United also registered a second successive 1-0 win, as they beat last season’s East Division play-off winners Brighouse Town at St Giles Road.

Andrew Stephenson’s first half goal was enough to make it a frustrating start to the season for Brighouse, who were held to a goalless draw by Clitheroe on the opening day.