Stourbridge 1, Matlock 1

STOURBRIDGE had to settle for an opening day draw with Matlock Town after a cagey start to the new season.

They came from behind to share the spoils after Jordan Archer's strike at the end of the first half cancelled out Marc Newsham early finish in front of more than 1,000 fans at a packed War Memorial Ground.

It was Matlock that started the opening minutes of the new campaign the stronger and were soon ahead.

The visitors had the lead after just five minutes as Marc Newsham took advantage of indecision at the back. The forward drifted in behind the experienced duo of Stuart Pierpoint and Paul McCone to latch onto a simple ball down the middle and poke past the outrushing Matt Gould.

Stour struggled to build any momentum after going behind as Matlock continue to be first to the ball in midfield.

The Glassboys too often relied on high balls forward that striker Jordan Archer had to try and make something of.

He nearly did just that on 23 minutes after latching onto a quick ball over the top. He beat Barnes to the ball but could only guide his effort wide of the post.

Archer again managed to create a chance for himself on 42 minutes as he turned Dwayme Wiley on the edge of the box but blazed over the bar.

It was a sign the hosts were finally growing into the contest and they managed to hit back on the stroke of half time through Archer.

A cross from Connor Gater was headed back across goal by Leon Broadhurst before Archer managed to scramble the ball home.

It was the perfect response to a largely frustrating half for the Glassboys and handed them a much-needed boost heading into the second period.

Stourbridge put together their best build up of the game on 55 minutes as neat play got Aaron Forde in down the right flank. His low ball across goal wasn't met cleanly by Broadhurst and Barnes was able to gather at the near post.

Moments later Matlock broke quickly and had a penalty shout after a tangle on the edge of the box. However, the ref adjudged the foul to have started outside the area and waved away the protests from the visiting dugout.

It was a sign the game was just starting to open up as Gary Hackett threw on youngster Brandon Hague after a Kayelden Brown picked up a knock.

Hague nearly made an immediate impact as he raced onto a through ball on the hour mark but fired weakly at the keeper.

Stour continued to press as the game wore on but struggled to breakdown the Town rearguard.

Hague's snapshot on 80 minutes whistled just wide as it looked like the game might peter out.

But there was still to a final chance for either side. Matlock could have snatched it on 87 minutes after a break down the right.

Subs Rose and Hakeem linked up before the latter crossed for Darnelle Bailey-King at the far post. He fired low but keeper Gould, untroubled for large periods, was equal to it to keep the scores level.

Stour could then have pinched it themselves as McCone rose to meet Gater's later corner only to see Jake Green head his effort off the line.

In the end, Stour will have to be content with a point and look to build on an improved second half when they go to Coalville on Tuesday night.

Stourbridge: Gould, Christophorou, Westlake, McCone, Pierpoint (c), Gater, Forde, Broadhurst (O'Callaghan 73), Archer (Rowe 85), Murphy, Brown (Hague 56).

Unused subs: Duggan, Green.

Matlock: Barnes, Wilson, Green, Doyle-Charles, Yates (c) (Degirolamo 90), Wiley, Bailey-King, Lloyd, Harrad, Newsham (Hakeem 62), Sharpe (Rose 81).

Unused subs: Jordan, Coleman.

Att: 1,050