FT: Matlock Town 1 Kendal Town 0

AN Ian Holmes goal for ten-man Matlock Town saw Kendal Town slip to their first league defeat of the season.

In a game which offered few chances the hosts went ahed when Kendal keeper Craig Dootson was adjudged to have dragged Holmes down and the Matlock striker made no mistake from the spot.

Kendal were out of sorts as the wind swirled against them and failed to create any real first half efforts.

The best chance though was to come on 32 minutes when Danny Williams was fouled 25 yards out.

Keiran Walmsley lined up the effort but struck over the top of Jon Kennedy's goal.

Minutes later Town were to lose Sean Gregan to an ankle injury and he was replaced by Rory Winters.

Into the second half, Kendal pressed their hosts back into the final third but there was a distinct lack of threat up front.

Gary McEvatt struck from 25 yards but Kennedy easily collected and a Mark Peers cross was easily cleared as Kendal failed to make an impact.

A Ciaran Donnelly chance on 71 minutes gave Kendal hope but it trailed wide.

McEvatt followed Gregan in limping off with an ankle injury, with Maison McGeechan replacing him, but it wasn't to be Town's day.

Mark Peers caused havoc on the right wing and with eight minutes to go Matlock were reduced to ten men when Gareth Davies was shown a second yellow for re-entering the field without the officials' permission.

Town pushed for a leveller but balls into the box were comfortably cleared away from danger.

HOW THEY RATED: C Dootson 7, K Walmsley 6, D Wisdom 6, S Gregan 7 (rep R Winters 38mins 7), M Joseph 8, C Donnelly 7, M Peers 7, G McEvatt 7 (rep M McGeechan 57mins), A Taylor 6, A Dunn 7, D Williams 7. Subs: I Kilford, J Tucker, T Newton.

Star Man: Marc Joseph - Solid at the back and experience told.