Thursday 20th October 2011
by IAN RICHARDSON

Mark Atkins says that James Lukic has been comfortably Matlock's best player this season and losing him for two to three weeks is a "massive blow."

Lukic (left) picked up a knee ligament injury in the 2-1 defeat at Nantwich Town last Tuesday week and was forced out of the lacklustre showing which brought about a 2-0 home defeat by table topping Northwich Victoria last weekend.

It now looks as if Atkins has seen enough to convince him that his squad needs freshening up.

"James is the type of lad you'll always miss, he's an outstanding leader and player" said Atkins. "He's been far and away our best player this season and when you operate with a relatively small squad as we do, then not having him in is a big miss."

Matlock were second best against the Vics and their afternoon progressively got worse as the visitors took a stranglehold on the game with two goals within half an hour, before the Gladiators had Micky Harcourt sent off midway through the second half.

"The better side won on the day so we can have no complaints" Atkins rapped. "Four or five of our players weren't at the races and you simply can't afford that when you're playing the likes of Northwich. We didn't show enough determination, we were too open and when we got possession we were very wasteful with it. The players failed to do what we told them to, Northwich got the upper hand with the two goals, we were being overrun in midfield.

"The decision to take Chris Bettney off was a tactical one, but in fairness we could have taken off any one of four or five players. Kris Bowler came on, at least then we had someone on who'd make tackles. Players aren't doing themselves or the club justice and that clearly can't carry on.

"I've got one loan deal pending and that depends on finance, we could get him if I get the green light. I've also got two seven day approaches in. Now is the time to bring in new players."

On the playing front, midfielder Steve Warne's loan period with Belper has been extended by a further month, but a 24 hour recall clause has been included in the arrangement with the Nailers.

Forward Lee Whittington (left) is also spending time at Christ Church Meadow to get match fitness having recently not featured in the Gladiators' line up.

"Lee came to me asking for a game somewhere to get match fit. He doesn't want to leave us. Belper enquired about him and we thought that by going there, it'd be best for both Lee and ourselves" Atkins explained.

The Town boss was aggrieved by Harcourt's red card, saying he was the victim of a poor refereeing decision.

"He clearly played the ball with a good honest challenge but the referee didn't see it that way and was influenced with the Northwich lad on the floor. We didn't get the rub of the green with decisions all afternoon. For instance Ben Algar got pulled back early on, the ref gave the free kick but should have booked the player. That same lad gets booked in the second half, that would have been a sending off. Another Northwich lad then blocked a free kick and got away with it. But as poor as the ref was, he wasn't the reason why we lost, that's down to ourselves."

Atkins promised there would be changes to the team when they welcome Stamford to the Reynolds Stadium in the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.

The Lincolnshire side are third in the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South and look well placed for an assault on top spot. Manager Simon Clarke recently departed to Worksop Town, but Tommy Brookbanks, whjo was at Hucknall Town until last week, has taken over at the Vic Cousens Stadium, together with assistant Gary Stones.

Ironically it was Matlock who ended Hucknall's and Brookbanks' FA Cup hopes in September with a 2-0 win at the Reynolds Stadium, so the new Stamford hot seat occupants will want to avoid a second national cup exit at the hands of the Gladiators.

Atkins has promised changes to his line up although this could depend to some extent on whether there are any new signings before Friday's deadline for the tie.

"It's an important game for us, we want a good run in the competition. They're going well in their league, so we're looking for a much better display from our lads" said Atkins.

The Gladiators held their AGM in the Sports and Social Club on Monday night and it was a special evening for long serving official Mike Tomlinson who has been involved with the Gladiators since the late 1950's.

Having retired as Treasurer earlier this year and handing the job over to Jeremy Taylor, he was voted in as the club's new President, in succession to the late Cliff Britland.

Mike said the offer was totally unexpected. "I'm speechless" he said and then joked after a short pause, "does this mean I'm in charge now? Of course I'm delighted and it's a great honour. I had no idea this was coming.

"I've seen both some very exciting times with the FA Trophy win and the Anglo Italian tournament in the 1970's plus some difficult times in my time as Treasurer, but we've always managed to run the club so as not to go into debt. I'd like to pay tribute to my fellow committee members over the years and I know that Jeremy will prove to be an excellent Treasurer."

Chairman Tom Wright said it would be an ideal appointment. "Mike Tomlinson's Matlock Town through and through. He's put many valuable hours into the running of the club and has been a great ambassador for the club and the town over many years. I'm sure it'll be a very popular appointment with the supporters."

Mr Tomlinson presented his final Financial Report which was "encouraging". the balance sheet showed a surplus of nearly £8,300. gate receipts were up by 50% and there was significant increases in both sponsorship and ground advertising income.

"It's an encouraging report which shows the level of support we've received from a lot of firms and supporters, particularly with the new development. Mark Atkins also deserves great credit for sticking within his playing budget where only £5,300 more was spent during the last campaign."

Local band The Pitz are appearing in the Social Club this Saturday night. Entry is free for members and £1 for non members.

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Related Links

Matlock Town Website