In what was very much a six-pointer when it came to the battle for second place behind runaway leaders Redcar, the margin of Emley’s victory was also important as it ultimately moved them ahead of their opponents who dropped to third.
And with Matlock having been far the better side when the two teams met in Yorkshire earlier in the season, it was therefore a surprise that the Gladiators were beaten so easily on this occasion, particularly given the importance of the game in the bigger picture.
Despite pleasant weather pre-match, conditions worsened after kick-off which ultimately proved something of a mirror of Matlock’s fortunes as both got progressively worse as the afternoon went on.
With some key faces still out either injured or suspended, Matlock gave a debut to Blackpool loanee Theo Upton in midfield but it was a tough afternoon for him to make an impression, although he certainly showed glimpses of his ability on the occasions where he did get possession.
Emley began the game well and went in front after just five minutes, as Joe Stacey was released down the left and he found Bailey Thompson arriving at the far post to fire into the net.
As they attempted to respond, Matlock found Emley’s defence holding firm despite the hosts having plenty of possession, Conor Washington having shouts for a penalty waved away 25 minutes in.
Three minutes later the visitors’ lead was doubled as a ball over the top caught Matlock flat-footed and Thompson was able to move in and slide the second goal past Dylan Wharton.
Dwayne Wiley saw a header cleared off the line for Matlock with what was their closest opportunity of the afternoon, Calum Macdonald’s follow-up deflected through to the keeper on the line.
Another good crowd of 770 were in attendance, with a healthy following from Emley, and the latter were to go home far happier following a second-half where they put the game to bed.
First, centre-half Charlie Barks wrestled himself free of his marker to head home a free-kick from out wide on 55 minutes despite his shirt being half on by the time the ball landed in the net.
Then, experienced defender Wiley produced a moment to forget as his attempted header back to Wharton from some 45 yards out lacked the power to reach his goalkeeper and Laurence Sorhaindo was able to take possession, run clear on goal and slot home the fourth on the hour mark.
It nearly got worse for Matlock as Jacob Hanson was denied a fifth in a one-on-one late on by Wharton but the damage had been done and the visitors celebrated a fine win in the rain.
Matlock: Wharton, Eratt-Thompson, Milambo, Macdonald, Granite (capt.), Wiley, Atherton (Zoko 46), Upton (Bachirou 58), Washington, Sault, Wilson (Thompson 58)
Not used: Mbayo, Elliott.
Att: 770
