Mossley finally found something with which to respond and young forward Steve Burke went on a mazy run that ended with a fine shot coming back off the bar.

Matlock were in control of the game though as Burke and ineffective strike partner Marvin McDonald were unable to keep the ball in Matlock's half meaning that the impetus was always with the confident visitors. Mossley were unable to find an answer to Matlock's accurate pass and move football and through balls down the channels were a particular problem. Simon Barraclough capitalised on this on 20 minutes when he doubled the leaders advantage after out foxing Christian Cooke to slot home.

Matlock controlled the remainder of the half with Mossley posing little in the way of a goal threat despite the probings of new signing Rob Dawson on the right.

Rob Dawson . . . debut

Mossley forced some early pressure in the second half as Melford Knight headed over from a corner but it was Matlock who increased their lead in the 57th minute. Danny Trueman made a diving save from Holmes after Andy Thackeray uncharacteristaclly mis-controlled a pass but the ball came back out for Simon Barraclough to slot home unmarked at the far post.

Matlock had a strong penalty appeal waved away when Bowker appeared to foul Barraclough and Mossley changed the attack with the arrival of substitutes James Tyrell-Nestor and Anthony Bingham but were still unable to penetrate a confident Matlock defence and the visitors held on comfortably for the three points.