Rotator Placeholder Image
 
 
Matlock Town FC News

"I Feel There's More To Come" - Atkins


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."

Matlock share top spot with Ashton United after Tuesday's matches. Northwich Victoria also have two wins out of two, and these teams could be joined on maximum points on Wednesday night by FC United of Manchester who host Nantwich and either Worksop or Whitby who face each other.

 

 

RECENT STORIES

YOU CAN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN -
They say you can't keep a good man down... Matlock striker Ross Hannah has certainly proved the point this last week. More...

NEW STAND IN ACTION AT MATLOCK -
It's taken 10 years and a mammoth fundraising effort - but Matlock Town Football Club's new 300-seater stand is now providing a welcome home for supporters. More...

MATLOCK GAFFER BLASTS REFEREE -
Matlock boss Mark Atkins laid the blame for his side's second defeat of the season firmly at the door of Mansfield referee Mark Jones. More...

WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF? -
Matlock will travel to the Bill Stokeld Stadium hoping history repeats itself this weekend as they take on Evo Stik League first Divison South Carlton Town in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. More...

TOP OF THE LEAGUE - Two wins in forty-eight hours placed Matlock Town on top of the league as they embark on their latest FA Cup adventure on Saturday at home to fellow Evo-Stik Premiership side Worksop Town. More...

NO EXCUSES -
Matlock boss Mark Atkins offered no excuses after a disappointing Bank Holiday return of just one point out of six. More...

RARING TO GO -
"The lads are raring to go" was the message from Matlock Town boss Mark Atkins after a long pre season programme of seven weeks and nine matches. More...

Related Links

Matlock Town Website


News   Community   Sport   Offers & Events   Leisure / Reviews   Public Services
Chesterfield Cranes