Friday 23rd March 2012
by IAN RICHARDSON

Injuries to key players have all come at once with 5 being affected, not the ideal preparation for Matlock's toughest home test of the season so far when champions elect and current league leaders Chester visit on Saturday.

Matlock have collected 7 out of the last 9 points on offer, they are now in a comfortable looking 10th spot in the table, but the recent upturn in form has come at a cost. Midfielder Gareth Davies aggravated a knee injury in the 1-0 home win against Nantwich Town a fortnight ago. Then last weekend influential captain James Lukic played for over an hour in the 3-1 success against foot of the table Burscough, forcing him out of the midweek 1-1 draw at Chasetown.

The worst news came from that final fixture as full back Micky Harcourt (left) limped off with a suspected broken bone in his foot after only 10 minutes, to be followed later in the first half by leading scorer Ian Holmes, who damaged his side following a challenge by former Derby, Aston Villa and England midfielder Lee Hendrie who was making his debut for the Scholars. Then in the dying seconds, Lee Featherstone came off with a groin strain.

"It could well be that we'll be without all of them on Saturday, it's far from ideal and I'll have to see how we're fixed nearer to the time but it could well be that we'll have to bring some players in ahead of Saturday" Manager Mark Atkins said.

Transfer deadline day is on Thursday 29th March in any case, so this rush of injuries could well force Atkins' hand a little more strongly now. With the injury situation and both Kris Bowler and deputy goalkeeper Nick Buxton being unavailable in midweek, the Gladiators took a squad of just 14 down to Chasetown.

Chester's visit will represent Matlock's toughest home test of the season so far and will attract their best home crowd of the campaign as around 800 visiting fans are expected. Matlock have the 5th best home record in the division, collecting 31 points from their total of 46 through 9 wins and 4 draws, with 4 home defeats.

"Basically, we've nothing to lose on Saturday" Atkins continued. "It's a challenge we're looking forward to. We know Chester are a very good side, there'll be a good crowd in, it's a challenge we'll relish and we're determined to give it our best shot whatever side we put out."

Chester beat the Gladiators 4-0 at the Deva Stadium in November, although two of the goals came in stoppage time at the end of the game. Matlock fans will be hoping that their resilience at home will again come to the fore as 3 wins on the trot at the Reynolds Stadium has seen them ease their way out of being dragged into the relegation picture.

As news filtered through of former striker Ross Hannah being given an extension to his contract by Bradford City and then being loaned out to Blue Square North FC Halifax, a current attacker hit the headlines.

Liam Wilkin, signed from Baris NCEL Premier Division Winterton Rangers in January, went on as a substitute for the second half against Burscough with the score at 0-0. Within 11 minutes, 2 incisive passes had led to goals for Ben Algar and Lewis McMahon, who also hit the 3rd to give him a personal tally of 4 goals in 4 games in his loan spell from Gainsborough Trinity. 

The only thing missing from Wilkin's performance was a goal which nearly came when McMahon set him up 8 yards out near the end. But Wilkin's control let him down at the vital moment.

But a first competitive goal did come for Wilkin at Chasetown as he headed an exquisite chipped pass from Algar over the goalkeeper to give Matlock a 20th minute lead.

"Liam changed the game for us against Burscough" said Atkins. "I was disappointed we weren't in front with the chances we had, but I also felt we needed something different and Liam got in behind their defence with his pace, similar to how Ross did when he was with us. We've missed that, I wanted to see what Liam could do with next season in mind.

"We didn't fight too hard to keep hold of TJ (Nightingale) because we knew we'd got Liam ready and waiting. Unfortunately his work commitments have meant he's only been able to train once with us since signing, so to be fair to him, we've had to bring him on gently. He did very well on Saturday and got his chance from the start at Chasetown where he got his first goal and had a clever back heel cleared off the line shortly before he scored."

Better news on the injury front has come with cameo substitute appearances for striker Nathan Joynes in the last two games. Joynes has recently undergone knee surgery but has recovered swiftly and his inclusion is a major bonus considering he was initially expected to be out until next season.

Fans should arrive earlier than usual on Saturday to avoid congestion at the turnstiles which open at 12 noon to allow fans to watch the televised football in the Social Club beforehand.

Matlock's next Sportsmans Dinner takes place in the Social Club this coming Thursday (March 29th). Guest speaker is former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper and current Chesterfield FC Coach Mark Crossley who appears with top comedian Steve Womak. Tickets are £35 and they can be obtained from Chairman Tom Wright on 07850 065968.

RECENT STORIES

MATLOCK DENIED HARD EARNED POINT -
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Ian Holmes and Liam King scored the goals as Matlock won a great game played in front of their highest crowd of the season. More...

BUMPER CROWDS FOR GLADIATORS -
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BUXTON 2, MATLOCK 1, MATCH REPORT -
Substitute Michael Towey's 89th minute winner was a kick in the teeth for Matlock whose much improved away performance deserved at least a share of the spoils. More...

GLADIATORS WORK HARD TO MAKE A POINT -
James Lukic's 88th minute equaliser earned the Gladiators a point against Marine when a goal for the hosts looked unlikely, despite playing against ten men. More...

GLADIATORS HAVE POINTS TO PROVE -
Matlock Boss Mark Atkins isn't too concerned with who the Gladiators have to face in their final 5 league games of the season, more on how his side performs. More...

TIRED GLADIATORS BEATEN BY BEESON BRACE -
Lee Beeson struck both goals to easily beat a lethargic Matlock who looked as if the end of the season could not come quickly enough.
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SUB WILKIN'S SPURS GLADIATORS TO VICTORY -
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CAN THE GLADIATORS MAKE IT 3 IN A ROW? -
Wins in their last two home games have made for a brighter outlook at the Reynolds Stadium. More...

GLADIATORS TO KICK ON WITH SEASON -
Matlock boss Mark Atkins wants his side to put some real daylight between themselves and the relegation haunted clubs back to back with home games More...

FREE WEEKEND FOR THE GLADIATORS -
The fixture list has probably done Matlock no favours, as a blank weekend after the fine 2nd half showing against FC United means waiting another 7 days to try and build on that display. More...

GLADIATORS NEED A GOOD GOME RUN -
Boss Mark Atkins will be looking for his side to put together a run of wins at home, given their below par away record this season. More...

"WE NEED TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED" BOSS MARK ATKINS -
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GLADIATORS BOSS PUTS THE RECORD STRAIGHT -
Matlock Town boss Mark Atkins this week rubbished claims made by Buxton supporters that he had applied for the vacant manager's job at the Silverlands. More...

GLADIATORS UNDER PRESSURE FOR RESULTS -
Atkins' management credentials are currently being put to the test with the Gladiators' slide into the bottom half of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division table. More...

NEW BLOOD FOR GLADIATORS -
The fresh blood promised by manager Mark Atkins might just be in the Matlock Town squad for Saturday's home clash with Ashton Utd. More...

ATKINS RUBBISHES TRANSFER RUMOURS -
Matlock head to Kendal on Saturday with the criticism of manager Mark Atkins ringing in their ears. More...

"WE NEED A WIN!", GLADIATORS' BOSS MARK ATKINS -
Atkins seems to be losing patience and is ready to make the changes needed to stop a Matlock slump that's seen them go 8 games without victory More...

GLADIATORS BATTLING FOR A WIN THIS WEEKEND -
Draw specialists Matlock hope to finally secure the 2 extra points against Rushall Olympic in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division. More...

TWO MORE INJURY HEADACHES FOR REDS BOSS ATKINS -
The treatment room at the Reynolds Stadium continues to fill up as 2 more Gladiators join the injury list More...

GLADIATORS SECURE NEW PLAYERS -
"Never give up!" is the advice Matlock manager Mark Atkins often imparts on his players. Those same words are perhaps apt as he finally secured two of his main transfer targets this week. More...

"THE BEST LAID PLANS..." -
Matlock collected another 4 injuries at Stafford midweek, on top of the 2 they picked up in the 4-0 defeat at Chester 3 days earlier, More...

GLADIATORS UP FOR THE BATTLE AHEAD -
Mark Atkins is turning out to be one of Matlock Town's most astute managers as his homework again paid off, plotting the downfall of Hednesford Town in the FA Trophy. More...

GLADIATORS LEARN TO ADAPT -
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GLADIATORS LOSE LUKIC -
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GLADIATORS HAVE A BLAST -
Few people would have guessed that Matlock boss Mark Atkins would be blasting his players 3 days after demolishing the visiting league leaders Chorley More...

BATTLE WITH LEAGUE LEADERS LOOMS -
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GLADIATORS PUNCH ABOVE THEIR WEIGHT-
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GLADIATORS RECHARGE THEIR BATTERIES -
A free week - just what Matlock Town wanted after a busy opening month which has seen them play almost a quarter of their league fixtures plus the FA Cup. More...

GLADIATORS BATTLE ON DESPITE INJURY -
The 2-1 win against Mickleover Sports on Monday which extended Matlock Town's unbeaten run to 5 games might come at a cost. More...

GLADIATORS BATTLE ON -
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NEW SIGNING GIVES ATKINS SELECTION HEADACHE -
Striker Tyeisse Nightingale has signed for Matlock Town and now Gladiators boss Mark Atkins feels he has competition throughout his squad. More...

MATLOCK'S HUNT FOR STRIKER GOES ON -
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GLADIATORS DRAW IN NEW BLOOD -
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FINDERS KEEPERS FOR GLADIATORS -
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BATTLE LINES DRAWN. 2011-12 FIXTURES -
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MIDWEEK FIXTURES CHANGE FOR THE GLADIATORS -
There's a change of midweek home night for Matlock Town this season as the Gladiators switch from Tuesday to Wednesday. More...

TRIALISTS MAKE THEIR MARK FOR GLADIATORS -
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GLADIATOR'S SIGN EXPERIENCED DUO -
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TWO NEW FACES FOR GLADIATORS -
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DUE TO RETURN TO THE GLADIATORS ARENA NEXT SEASON-
2 of Matlock Town's brightest young stars have signed new 1-year contracts ahead of the new campaign. More...

GLADIATORS BOSS PRAISES BUXTON -
Matlock boss Mark Atkins this week paid tribute to his number two Nick Buxton for his contribution both on and off the field. More...

MATLOCK TOWN'S HANNAH JOINS BRADFORD CITY -
Ross Hannah finally got his wish of a career in the Football League when he joined League Two outfit Bradford City. More...

PRAISE FOR GLADIATORS' YOUNG STAR -
2011 has seen the emergence of a bright young talent at the Reynolds Stadium as 18 year old full back Ben Turner has stepped up to the plate. More...

HANNAH STRIKES GOLD -
Ross Hannah has surely hit legendary status at Matlock Town as his hat trick in Easter Monday's final league game this term saw him shatter the club record of 49 goals in a season. More...

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NEW FACILITIES FOR GLADIATORS -
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NOW OR NEVER FOR GLADIATORS -
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FIGHT GOES ON FOR GLADIATORS -
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BATTLE AHEAD FOR THE GLADIATORS -
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NEW BLOOD FOR THE GLADIATORS -
Matlock Town boss Mark Atkins has fulfilled his promise to strengthen his Gladiators squad More...

GLADIATORS BATTLE TO HANG ON TO HANNAH -
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AND THE WINNER IS... -
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GLADIATORS FIGHT TO THE FINISH -
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ATKINS PLEASED AFTER WEEKEND WIN -
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ATKINS SEEKS NEW BLOOD -
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MATLOCK TOWN SEEKS INVESTORS -
"A few thousand pounds could make a real difference to the club". That's the message from Matlock Town Football Club. More...

ALL CHANGE FOR THE GLADIATORS -
Fans shouldn't be surprised to see a couple of changes to the Matlock Town team that takes on Marine at the Reynolds Stadium on Saturday More...

KEEP IT UP -
Having won four out of their last five league matches, Mark Atkins' Matlock Town now find themselves up in third spot, More...

FLU HITS MATLOCK CAMP -
Matlock boss Mark Atkins rose from his sick bed on Monday to orchestrate a vital home win against Burscough, and then was back in it straight after the match. More...

ATKINS, "2010 HAS BEEN A GOOD YEAR" -
...but the Gladiators' fate in 2011 could be decided on how they cope with fixture congestion in what is expected to be a crowded end to the campaign. More...

PROVERBIAL 'SIX POINTER' -
Matlock Town v Buxton on Christmas Monday at the Reynolds Stadium looks to be the proverbial six pointer as the local rivals seek a play off spot More...

GLADIATORS BATTLE ARCTIC CONDITIONS -
Matlock Town boss Mark Atkins fears that his side could face a big fixture backlog as the arctic conditions bit into the Evo-Stik League fixture programme this week. More...

BACK TO WINNING WAYS -
Manager Mark Atkins was pleased and relieved that defensive errors failed to rear up again as Matlock recorded two 3-0 home wins inside a week More...

GLADIATORS
FIGHT ON -
Without a win in five games, Matlock Town will be desperate to grab maximum points against second placed Colwyn Bay on Saturday. More...

ATKINS: GIVING CHEAP GOALS AWAY MUST STOP -
Matlock boss Mark Atkins says his side must stop giving cheap goals away after their second 2-1 home defeat in four days. More...

MILESTONE APPEARANCE FOR GLADIATORS PLAYER -
There's two very good reasons why Matlock Town will want Saturday's visitors Hucknall Town to feel the backlash More...

GLADIATORS FIGHT BACK AFTER 1st AWAY DEFEAT OF THE SEASON -
Mark Atkins will be looking for his Matlock side to bounce back quickly and positively from their first away defeat of the season against Worksop More...

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...

MORE TO COME -
"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. 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