Battling Brid Town edged out in five-goal thriller at high-flying Matlock
Bridlington Town were left frustrated at the Proctor Cars Stadium after a strong display ultimately went unrewarded, as Matlock Town edged a five-goal contest on Tuesday night despite a spirited Seasiders performance.
The visitors started brightly and were well worth their half-time lead.
After an encouraging opening spell that saw Brid control possession and create the better chances, the breakthrough arrived on 18 minutes when Michael Coulson converted from the spot to make it 1-0.
Confidence flowed after the opener. Coulson’s deliveries from setpieces caused problems, with Austen Wiles going close at the back post, while further corners and second balls hinted that a second goal was there for the taking.
Matlock threatened sporadically, but debutant goalkeeper Alex Baird dealt calmly with everything asked of him, ensuring Brid went into the break deservedly ahead.
The second half told a different story. Matlock emerged with renewed intensity and quickly began to apply sustained pressure.
Their equaliser arrived early after a deflected effort from distance by ex-Scarborough and Scunthorpe forward Cam Wilson found its way to the far corner, with Baird unfortunate not to get more than a fingertip on it.
Momentum swung firmly in the home side’s favour soon after. A well-worked move saw Matlock take the lead through sub Ben Sault, before a counter-attack on 82 minutes produced their third, former Northern Ireland international Conor Washington, who played for QPR, Charlton, Derby County and Sheffield United during an EFL career of over 350 appearances, beating the defensive line and lifting the ball over Baird.
Despite the setback, Bridlington showed real character. sub Jake Day reduced the deficit on 86 minutes, showing strength and composure to beat the offside trap and slot past the keeper to make it 3-2.
The Seasiders pushed hard for a late equaliser and came agonisingly close in stoppage time when Olly Green struck the post from close range following a corner, the ball somehow refusing to cross the line.
In the end, it was a cruel finish to a performance that deserved something from the game.
A dominant first half and a resilient late response showed plenty of positives for Scott Kerr’s side, even if the points stayed in Derbyshire.