Thursday 3rd March 2011
by IAN RICHARDSON
A perfect February has given Matlock Town an excellent chance of making the end of season play offs but boss Mark Atkins is taking nothing for granted.
The Gladiators won all six of their league and cup games that brought a valuable haul of twelve points and a semi final place in the Evo-Stik League Challenge Cup.
Last Saturday's fine 4-2 victory at Marine saw them leapfrog both their hosts and Colwyn Bay to move temporarily into second spot, a position taken over by North Ferriby United after a 2-1 win at Bradford Park Avenue on Monday night.
Results generally went well for Town on Tuesday night when Buxton and Northwich Victoria drew 2-2 at the Silverlands and Worksop drew 0-0 at table topping FC Halifax. FC United of Manchester appears to be a major threat now after a sixth successive league win, 4-1 at Nantwich, moved them into a menacing sixth spot. Atkins insists though it is a case of taking one game at a time.
"Nothing is won at the end of February" he warned. "There's still fourteen more league games left and a lot of points to play for. We'll take each game as it comes for we know we face a lot of tough games before the end of the season, whether it be against fellow play off contenders or clubs battling to stay in this division.
"There's no easy games and that's been proved this past few weeks. Even Retford was hard given the conditions we faced when we got there. But the players are focused and want to cement the position we're in."
 Ross Hannah (left) hit another treble at the weekend to take his tally to a massive 42 in league and cup for the season. he also passed the century mark in Gladiators colours and needs just eight more goals this season to surpass Bobby Mountain's record haul of 49 in a season, set back in 1982/83.
"Ross has been fantastic ever since I came to the club" said Atkins. "He's really improved as a player. He scoreed with three great finishes at marine and was very unlucky to see another shot hit a post. If he can break that record, not only will it be great for Ross, but it will also probably mean that we're putting more points on the board."
The Town chief was not entirely satisfied with the performance at Marine, but he agreed that it was an excellent result for his side.
"It was a great three points. We knew we faced a tough week with matches at Colwyn Bay and Marine in four days so to come away with six points is a tremendous achievement.
"Attacking wise on Saturday we were dangerous and aggressive every time we went forward. We were positive and in Anthony Wilson and Ross Hannah we had a potent partnership.
"Defensively though I was very disappointed with us, particularly in the first half when we were sloppy all over the pitch, and especially from set plays, totally different to Tuesday at Colwyn Bay when we were great defensively but not as hot going forward. When Marine made it 2-2 just after half time it was a wake up call for us. Then there was only going to be one winner. Ross took those two goals superbly. We knuckled down and it's worth praising the determination and character of the players whose battling qualities ensured we won the game."
Matlock face yet another play off rival on Saturday when Northwich Victoria visit the Reynolds Stadium. The Gladiators will be seeking a league double over the former Conference outfit after a 3-2 win in Cheshire in October.
While Matlock have had the rare luxury of a free midweek in the build up to Saturday's clash, the Vics follow their game at Buxton with a League Cup quarterfinal tie at Skelmersdale United tonight (Thursday).
"I know their manager Andy Preece well and I know he'll have his side ready for us in spite of having two midweek games" Atkins said. "The game up there could have gone either way but we nicked it in the last minute, so again we know we'll have another tough challenge."
Then on Wednesday Matlock have a rearranged game at Whitby Town, with the Seasiders desperate for points to avoid a first ever relegation in their long history. Whitby though did find some form with a tremendous 4-0 win at fellow strugglers Ossett Town on Tuesday.
Supporters wishing to travel to North Yorkshire can book their places on the coach at Saturday's game, Wednesday's departure time being 3 pm from the Reynolds Stadium.
Matlock hope that both Lee Featherstone and Kris Bowler will have recovered from ankle and leg injuries respectively as one of them will have to replace Ben Algar who jetted out to the States earlier this week to join FC New York.
Atkins may contemplate bringing in a loan signing as cover if both Featherstone and Bowler remain unfit. Atkins will also have to assess Ben Turner's ankle injury that forced him off at Marine with Kris Witcombe standing by to deputise.
Atkins was also hopeful that striker Anthony Wilson, who has been on loan from Alfreton, would stay at Matlock for a second month. Wilson himself, speaking after the win at Marine, said he was enjoying his football at Matlock and would like to stay on if possible.
Town Chairman Tom Wright believes that the Gladiators recent good run and attractive opposition in Northwich should attract a good crowd to the Reynolds Stadium on Saturday.
"Once again, I'd like to think that Matlock people and those in the surrounding area will come down in their numbers and get behind the lads.We want to keep this run of form going and we can best do that with a large and vocal crowd cheering the players on.
"Northwich are a side with a good non league pedigree, there's been some cracking games against them in years gone by and I'm expecting another exciting match on Saturday."
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