Scarborough Athletic see off former boss Steve Kittrick's Matlock Town

Two of Boro's four signings this week went straight into the starting line up, with Harry Spratt and Kieran Glynn slotting straight in, while Jacob Gratton and the returning Ryan Blott were named on the bench alongside youngster Max Wright.

Former Boro chief Kittrick drafted in ex Scarborough midfielder Nathan Valentine ahead of the clash and he slotted straight into the side, with two former Athletic men on the bench in Bailey Gooda and Luke Dean.

Matlock keeper Jon Stewart had to be alert early doors to keep out efforts from Walshaw and Ryan Watson, before Boro spurned another opportunity on 17 minutes when Isaac Assenso picked out Walshaw in the box, but the veteran striker could only head wide of the target.

Boro weren't to be denied much longer though and when skipper Michael Coulson delivered a pin-point cross into the box, former Tadcaster man Barrett was on hand to head the hosts into the lead.

Athletic had another chance to nudge further ahead shortly afterwards when Wayne Brooksby found himself in space in the Matlock box, but he guided his header the wrong side of the post.

The linesman's flag then denied Boro after Coulson had rounded the keeper and was brought down, but Athletic were soon to double their advantage.

Coulson was again instrumental in Boro's second, teeing up Walshaw to tap in and put Darren Kelly's side 2-0 up after half-an-hour.

Kittrick's men battled back at the start of the second half and soon halved their deficit, former Boro midfielder Valentine with the goal on 52 minutes.

Hopes of a comeback for the visitors were soon dented however when Marcus Marshall was sent off after a rash challenge on new signing Glynn.

Glynn almost teed up a Boro third, linking up with Coulson to set up Walshaw, who couldn't apply the finish.

Coulson almost made it 3-1 on 77 minutes, but he could only fire into the side-netting after a superb solo run before a sweetly-struck free-kick from Ryan Watson was saved by Stewart.

Boro had done enough to seal the three points though as they ran out 2-1 winners in front of a 1,083 crowd at the Flamingo Land Stadium.