Wednesday 9th March 2011
by IAN RICHARDSON

A brace of awards have come Matlock Town's way this week with manager Mark Atkins being named as the Evo-Stik League Premier Division Manager of the Month for February and away from the playing side, the Gladiators new stand being acclaimed as the best new stand of 2011 in the Groundtastic Sports magazine.

Atkins dedicated his award to his players who during the month had an unblemished record of six wins out of six, including a haul of twelve valuable league points which now gives them a good chance of qualifying for the end of season play offs. In those six outings, Matlock found the net twenty times, conceding just four goals.

"Naturally I'm very pleased, but it's full credit to the players" said Atkins. "They've been the ones who've gone out there and done the business with a 100% record in six matches and I'm very pleased for everyone connected with the club."

Atkins received his award before kick off at Tuesday night's home derby with Buxton and he will clearly hoping that a fantastic February will roll on into a marvellous March.

The new month got under way with last weekend's hard fought point from a 1-1 home draw with Northwich Victoria. Atkins admitted though he was happy with a point.

"Northwich were by far the better side in the first half. They bossed the game and we couldn't get a foothold.  Adam Sollitt made three great saves and we'd have been dead and buried if it wasn't for those saves. He kept us in it and they're the only team this season to dominate us for such a sustained period.

"We had a few words at half time and I gave the lads some pointers as to where and how we could do better to get us back in it. To be fair the lads responded well and showed great determination. You always have a chance at 1-0 and we were glad it was only that. It was pleasing to see the fighting spirit and determination in the second half. We didn't play all that well but we battled and fought."

Atkins had been hoping to extend the loan from Alfreton of striker Anthony Wilson prior to last weekend and although those hopes were dashed, Atkins says the deal is not yet dead.

"We're still trying to get him for another month, but Alfreton have a lot of games and they wanted to keep him to assess things as they had a game on Monday night. I heard he picked up an injury on Saturday so we hope it's not a bad one. Alfreton were going to come back to me for I'm very interested in having the lad back."

An ankle injury kept young full back Ben Turner on the sidelines for the Northwich clash with Lee Morris being ill during the previous night. It left Matlock only able to name two outfield players plus goalkeeper Nick Buxton on their substitutes bench.

"It's not ideal but it's something we have to get on with having a small squad" said Atkins. "I'd love to bring players in but the budget's there for a reason. I've got players who I'd like to bring in and it's a case of looking at the financial situation over the next couple of weeks. We've had Anthony who's done very well for the team and if I get the green light to bring people in I'll be doing just that."

Matlock had a trip to Whitby Town Wednesday night and were clearly hoping not to pick up any injuries ahead of another long trip to Kendal Town on Saturday ahead of Tuesday's derby game.

"Kendal have had a bit of a dip before winning last Saturday and then again on Monday. They've been a good consistent side in this division for a year or two now and always provide you with a tough game. It'll be competitive again on Saturday. Then we face Buxton! It's a local derby and they always give you a hard time. It's important we keep on picking up the points in what are undoubtedly two very difficult games" Atkins added.

On Tuesday night, Colwyn Bay moved back above Matlock following their 1-0 victory at Northwich Victoria.  The Gladiators, although in fourth spot were still well placed ahead of their Whitby trip, being three points adrift of the Welshmen with three games in hand and two points behind third placed North Ferriby United having played just the one game less.

The stand award is fine recognition of the hard work and effort from a lot of people according to Chairman Tom Wright.

"We think the stand (pictured left) looks really great and it's very nice to see all of the hard work recognised" said Wright.

"A lot of people have put in a lot of their spare time and raised a lot of money to provide a facility that has fantastic changing facilities plus a great view in comfort for fans to come down and enjoy a very good standard of football. The award's for all of these people who have done so much."

The Gladiators have been drawn away to Ashton United in the Evo-Stik League Challenge Cup semi final, the tie taking place on Monday April 4th.

Strangely the Gladiators were due to visit Ashton for a league game on that night, but the Cup semi final has pushed that trip back by another seven days to Monday April 11th. The other semi final sees Northwich Victoria host Bradford Park Avenue. 

NOTE: Matlock's home game with Whitby Town on Saturday March 26th will kick off at 1pm so as not to clash with the Wales v England Euro 2012 qualifier starting at the traditional 3pm.

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Related Links

Matlock Town Website