by Peter Scherer (Images: Steve Ingers)
Any hopes of an FA Cup run came to an abrupt end at the Don Amott Arena, when two first half goals from Matlock Town proved decisive.
Starting line-up: 1-Oliver Bosworth 2-Archie White 3-George Wilkinson 4-Steven Fikula 5-Ashton Offler 6-Danny Benson 7-Ali Mohiuddin 8-Michael Hollingsworth 9-Stuart Beavon 10- Andy Dales 11-Harry Wood. Subs: Louis Bonser, Jack McDowell, James Matthews, Fraser Corden, Liam Carter, Toby Smith.
The visitors were quickly on the attack, with Bosworth forced to race off his line after 10 minutes, to intercept a long ball from ex Sports loanee Ravenhill.
Only a minute later Bosworth made another excellent save from Di Girolamo, as Mickleover had to fight to tray and gain possession.
But the defence was breached after 21 minutes when Gibson made it 0-1.
Sports attempts to test Boney in the Matlock goal had drawn a blank, until he collecting a telling cross into the box on the half hour. Bosworth was forced to make two more saves, but a 41st minute close range effort from Sports brough the best out f keeper Boney. With the half time whistle poised Di Girolamo made it 0-2 to the visitors, after is initial shot from a tight angle went in off the post. Mickleover made one change for the second half with Carter on for Hollingsworth, but five minutes into the half and Mickleover went close again only for Boney to save the point blank effort.
As the hour mark arrived Matlock were reduced to 10 men when skipper Ravenhill was red carded. Although Mickleover continued to try and push forward, bringing Corden and Matthews on for Wood and Beavon they were unable to take advantage of the 10 men. Into time added on a Sports free kick looked to be aiming for the top corner, but Boney saved again and so it remained 0-2, with Mickleover still goalless after three competitive matches.
