Thursday 10th February 2011
by IAN RICHARDSON
 Matlock boss Mark Atkins (left) reckons that last Saturday's 4-0 win at foot of the table Retford United was a massive result for his side in more ways than one.
Not only did it end a run of three successive league defeats but, on a day when half of the Evo-Stik League Premier Division programme was washed out, the Gladiators gained valuable ground in the play off race.
"It was a vital game for us especially with a lot of the other sides not playing" Atkins admitted. "Points on the board are better than games in hand as we've found out recently. But we've managed to take fifteen points from our last eight games that can be classed as championship winning form. If we can continue with a return like that, we'll be right up there. Other clubs will have to face the type of demanding schedule like we faced in January when we had to play a lot of games.
"Injuries, tiredness and suspensions can all kick in with a programme like that, so there is pressure on the other clubs to get the points that they need."
Atkins was pleased with both the result and the performance in testing conditions at Cannon Park as goals from James Lukic, James Knowles, Ross Hannah and Anthony Wilson earned the Gladiators the win that was universally expected against a Retford side, yet to taste victory on home soil this campaign.
The fixture presented Matlock with a nasty banana skin and it was essential that they did not slip up on a mudbath of a surface that only just passed the referee's inspection, and in torrential rain.
"It was always going to be a tricky game for us bearing in mind Retford's position, coupled with the conditions we found when we got there" said Atkins.
"But I have to say that I thought that it was a thoroughly professional performance from us. It was an important three points and it could have ended up seven or eight nil but for the Retford keeper (who also saved a Ross Hannah penalty) and better finishing."
After the recent glut of fixtures, Atkins welcomed a clear midweek ahead of Saturday's home clash with play off rivals Kendal Town.
"The lads were very tired at the end on Saturday having played on a mudbath of a pitch so the free midweek was ideal. We're training just the once, it'll give the lads the chance to get their breath back and have a well-earned rest. Gareth Davies will be available again on Saturday after suspension which gives us another option."
Matlock will be looking to set the record straight after Kendal visited the Reynolds Stadium in November and won 2-1 in an FA trophy replay.
"We didn't play well in the Trophy replay, we gifted them both of their goals, so that's something we musn't do on Saturday for Kendal are a good side.
"With this match and all of our games, it's a matter of taking each one as it comes and if we can give 100%, then we'll stand a good chance of winning" Atkins declared.
Then on Tuesday, Matlock travel to Stocksbridge Park Steels for the second time in three weeks, this time in the quarter finals of the League Challenge Cup.
Again, revenge will be in the Gladiators' thoughts, for the Steels won 3-1 in controversial circumstances. Matlock will be aware also that the South Yorkshire side appears to be hitting form after a disappointing season to date. Since the win against them, Stocksbridge have also knocked highflying North Ferriby United out of the League Cup and then last weekend, won 3-2 at Kendal.
"We got beat in the league so obviously we want to go there and put things right" said Atkins. "If we can play as well as we did then but this time take our chances and have the rub of the green, then we'll stand a good chance of going through. It's a chance to get into the semi finals and we'll be going all out to get a positive result as it's a good draw for us."
Atkins was hoping to have added to his squad prior to the Retford trip having put seven days notice in on two players, but it appears as if he might need to look elsewhere.
"One of them is staying with his club, the other's thinking about it, but we've heard nothing as yet, so I'm not optimistic about him coming. But we have other avenues to go down, but we must ensure we keep within the funds we've got available."
The Gladiators boss though was quick to praise the recent contribution of Liam King who this season has operated in midfield, central defence and as a full back. He believes that the former Rotherham United youngster has been Matlock's best player over the last few weeks.
"Liam had a bad time of it early on in the season when his tonsilitis set him back a bit. Consequently we had to leave him out of the side but since coming back in, whether it's been in midfield, at centre half or full back, he's been absolutely outstanding and his fitness levels have been fantastic.
"His attitude's been spot on and it's a lesson others should learn and follow Liam's example, in that having been left out, he worked so hard to earn his place back and then keep it. He's been our best player this past few weeks."
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