Tuesday August 23rd 2010

"I feel there's more to come from us." declared Matlock boss Mark Atkins after his side strengthened their Evo Stik League Premier Division campaign with a 3-0 win against Burcough.

This came after Matlock had won their opener against Stocksbridge 1-0 at the Reynolds Stadium last weekend with a lucky goal as Lee Featherstone's low cross deflected in off goalkeeper Dave Ratcliffe with just eighteen minutes left.

Atkins spoke about both games, saying he knew his team had a lot to do after their performance against Stocksbridge, "It wasn't a classic on Saturday, both teams were nervous. We never reached our potential but credit must go to Stocksbridge who were better than us in the first half.

"There were spells in the second half when we kept the ball very well to create openings which we didn't take. We had no tempo in the first half, the second was better. To get a win though from the first game of the season is always important, we got it and that was the main point of the day.

"Before Tuesday's game we made it clear that we had to take on board what had happened on Saturday by taking the second half improvement into this game.  We did just that, playing to a high standard, a great tempo, and chasing down the first clearance. I was very pleased with the whole performance, everyone did everything that was asked of them. But I still think we can improve. We mustn't stand still now, we have to keep on working hard and carry on developing as a team."

Atkins was pleased though with the quality of the Matlock goals at Victoria Park, particularly the two first half ones from Colin Marrison and Ross Hannah which gave them a commanding interval advantage.

"The first goal was a great goal, and something we've been working on in training, finding the right pass and the great cross from Ben Algar which led to a marvellous header from Colin Marrison. Then as for Ross' goal, what can you say? Typical Ross Hannah, 35 yards out on the touchline. he's missed some easy ones and now what we're trying to get him working on is the simple tap-ins in the six yard box.

"We could and probably should have been four or five up at half time, we knew there was goals to be had for us. At 2-0 the next goal was critical and Mark Haran's header early in the second half totally took the game away from Burscough. Our two strikers worked their socks off and linked up tremendously well, bearing in mind it's only Colin Marrison's third game for us."

Atkins also had praise for his defenders, saying "Two clean sheets is really good. We were defending much better at the back end of last season and we're looking to carry that into this season. Two clean sheets is a very good start."

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Related Links

Matlock Town Website