TWO second half goals from Alvin Riley and Chris Purvey proved to Matlock that they still have work to do ahead of the start of UniBond Premier Division season.

After a goalless first half, in which Matlock paired Simon Barraclough and Ross Hannah up front, the best chance the visitors had was when defender Ashley Foyle rose to head Jamie Jackson's corner, only for it to be saved brilliantly by Steels keeper Dave Radcliffe.

Dene Cropper and Ryan Laight came on for the Gladiators in the second half, but they fell behind on 53 minutes when an Andy Hunt cross from the right was converted from 12 yards by Riley.

The Steels wrapped things up when Andy Ring's cross shot was pushed out by Andy Richmond and Purvey was on hand to scramble it in.

Matlock Town: Richmond, Fearon, Featherstone, King, Davis, Foyle, Jackson, Warne, Hannah, Barraclough, Thorpe.
Second half subs used: Cropper (for Barraclough), Laight (Fearon), Webster (Hannah), Pidcock (Jackson), Caudwell (King), Harrison (Thorpe).

Matlock are in action again on Saturday at Rainworth MW (3pm) before Sheffield United travel to the Lane on Tuesday (7.45pm).