FC United will be hoping for a more comfortable ride than last time out when they travel to struggling Matlock Town on Saturday.

The Rebels, who still harbour ambitions to make the UniBond Premier League promotion play-offs, drew another enthusiastic 2,000-plus crowd to Gigg Lane last weekend.

But they failed to deliver the expected win when they were held 1-1 by Buxton in a match that ended in drama.

With the seconds ticking away, Reds’ winger Jerome Wright was sent off for a second bookable offence after reacting angrily to a late challenge. And in the ensuing row, manager Karl Marginson was ordered to the stands.

Marginson’s men have often struggled this season against so-called lesser teams and once again they made it hard for themselves, conceding after just seven minutes when Mark Reed put Buxton in front.

The visitors were unlucky not be be further ahead at half time but FC were back on terms seven minutes into the second period when centre-back Adam Tonge netted the equaliser.

Despite their efforts to claim all three points, the match ended in frustration as the Derbyshire side defended stubbornly and held out for a point.