Friday 21st November 2014
by Ian Richardson

Joint boss Dave Rushbury was a relatively happy man, despite Tuesday night's home Doodson Sports League Cup exit to Ilkeston - as for Rushbury and fellow hot seat occupant Martin Foster, it's about seeing the bigger picture.

Danny Holland netted his tenth goal of the campaign from the spot to give the Gladiators all three points at Stamford last weekend, to earn only their second away league victory of the season.

But in midweek, the Matlock management team opted for a more youthful approach against an Ilkeston team which also relied heavily on youth, the Robins side having a smattering of first team players but also many from their successful academy.

A 10th minute Michael Williams goal saw Matlock exit a cup competition at the opening hurdle for the third time this season, and while in an ideal world, Matlock would have wanted the win, the loss was not the be all and end all and it was Matlock's second half performance that had Rushbury smiling.

"We put out a young side and said to them can you grab a shirt? At half time we would probably have said no, we made Ilkeston, who are a good side, look better by not pressing them. We stood off them and sides of that quality will pass the ball around you. They did, they scored and in the end it proved decisive. But once we got hold of the game, we were the better side and in the second half, Jon Kennedy had very little to do.

"The back three were magnificent, it was both a solid and a positive second half performance. We didn't create very much at all in the first half but we looked more dangerous after the interval. These young lads will need experienced lads to come in alongside them and they'll develop. The crowd too were very supportive, I think they understood what we were trying to do."

A pattern ran through the second half on Tuesday and during most of the Stamford win. Matlock need to be more clinical in front of goal.

"But the killer instinct needs to be in the whole team, not in just two or three of them" Rushbury continued, "Players are sometimes slow to react and that can be the difference between scoring a goal or not. Good teams finish off their chances. We're not as clinical as we'd all like to be, but it's up to us as managers and the lads to develop that - and it'll take time. Had we taken our chances at Stamford, we wouldn't have been sweating on Jon Kennedy's penalty save and fine stops at the end to ensure our win."

The win and Stamford's subsequent home defeat on Tuesday to basement club Belper, edged Matlock closer to the Daniels who are one point and one place above them, having played one game less than Town. But the Daniels have picked up just eight points from their last thirteen games, having secured maximum points from their first five matches.

There is also a chink of daylight between 17th placed Matlock and teams below them but the Gladiators have some tough tests on the horizon, beginning at third placed Curzon Ashton on Saturday and followed by a visit from mid table Rushall Olympic on Tuesday.

"It was an awesome performance at Stamford and for the first time in ages, we had a bit of luck but we deserved it. We're looking forward to playing Curzon and Rushall for we're doing well and making life hard for teams. We need to move forward and carry on accumulating points."

Changes are certain at Curzon where Oscar Radford, Micky Harcourt and Danny Holland should all return, but Corey Gregory will be missing for two to three weeks with shoulder ligament damage, which forced his 16th minute withdrawal at Stamford.

Striker Andre Johnson, 19, joined the Gladiators last Friday after scoring sixteen goals for Worksop Town in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division so far this season. Johnson, who is at Matlock on a dual registration basis with the Tigers, was formerly at Derby County Academy and started his first game for the Gladiators in midweek.

"Andre had a run out and he'll learn at this level that he can't just be a goalscorer, it's also about learning to contribute to the group, rather than being an individual, but we believe that in time, he'll do that," Rushbury concluded.

The scheduled trip to King's Lynn on Saturday week has been postponed due to the Linnets continued involvement in the FA Trophy and Matlock are waiting to hear of a replacement fixture. Meanwhile, Buxton will visit the Autoworld Arena in the 3rd Round of the Derbyshire Senior Cup next month.

RECENT STORIES

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If ever Matlock needed a win, then Saturday was it in this crucial relegation 'six-pointer' against fellow strugglers Witton Albion. Match Report More...

MATLOCK TOWN UNVEIL NEW MANAGER -
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GLADIATORS PART COMPANY WITH MANAGEMENT DUO AFTER POOR RUN -
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MATLOCK SURRENDER TWO GOAL LEAD IN A SNOWY LOCAL DERBY AT BUXTON -
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FIRST-TIME FIXTURE ENDS ALL SQUARE AT MATLOCK. MATCH REPORT -
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A DIFFICULT WEEK FOR MATLOCK'S MANAGEMENT TEAM. NEWS & PREVIEW -
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Sometimes the scoreline does not reflect the game, but sadly for Matlock on this occasion, they can have no complaints about the severity of the defeat. More...

KEEPER KENNEDY PIVOTAL IN AWAY WIN AT STAMFORD. MATCH REPORT -
A Danny Holland penalty, a Jon Kennedy spot kick save and an outstanding late double block from the Matlock goalkeeper were all to prove crucial in Matlock Town picking up three excellent and precious points at a foggy Wothorpe Road this Saturday. More...

MATLOCK EARN A GUTSY POINT AGAINST LEAGUE LEADERS -
Gladiators fans are unsure what to expect from their side at the moment, given their inconsistency. More...

MATLOCK APPOINTS CARETAKER MANAGEMENT PAIR AS PERMANENT -
Dave Rushbury and Martin Foster will jointly hold the managerial reins at Matlock Town who confirmed their promotion from caretaker positions on Wednesday night.
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MATLOCK EARN A WELCOME 3 POINTS WITH 3 GOALS IN A 6 POINTER -
Gladiators stalwart Mick Tomlinson would have grinned as he looked down on the Autoworld Arena with a satisfying feeling when Matlock returned to winning ways and gained three precious points More...

MATLOCK SECOND BEST IN DEFEAT AWAY AT WORKINGTON -
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MATLOCK CLIMB OUT OF BOTTOM FOUR AFTER SECOND SUCCESSIVE WIN -
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MATLOCK NEWS -
A WELCOME WIN FOLLOWING FIVE DEFEATS -
Matlock's joint interim boss Martin Foster praised the Gladiators players' spirit following the vital and welcome 3-1 victory at fellow strugglers Witton Albion last weekend. More...

MATLOCK WIN BATTLE OF THE EVOSTIK PREMIER'S TWO 'OUT OF FORM' TEAMS -
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MATLOCK MISERY CONTINUES WITH 3 POINTS LOST AT GRANTHAM -
The first game of the post Mark Atkins era had both positives and negatives for interim bosses Dave Rushbury and Martin Foster, plus the Gladiators' followers. More...

MATLOCK MANAGER ATKINS RESIGNS FOLLOWING HEAVY HOME DEFEAT -
Saturday's crucial 4-0 home humbling by relegation rivals Halesowen Town proved to be the straw which broke Mark Atkins back, as the Matlock Town manager immediately resigned after the match.
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MATLOCK GO JOINT BOTTOM FOLLOWING HOME DEFEAT BY WHITBY TOWN -
Dale Hopson's 32nd minute strike condemned Matlock to a joint bottom spot and another miserable day in a season which just does not seem to get any better. More...

MONDAY'S FRIENDLY PROVES USEFUL FOR MATLOCK'S FRINGE PLAYERS -
Following Saturdays 3-1 League defeat away to Nantwich, Matlock's Monday night friendly win against Rossington Main proved to be useful for Matlock as boss Mark Atkins gave several fringe players a run out in what turned out to be a well contested affair.
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MATLOCK NEWS AS ONE OF ATKINS' THREE TRANSFER TARGETS ARRIVES -
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MATLOCK TOWN
NEWS ROUND UP -
2 SOLID DRAWS BUT
0 SIGNINGS -
Matlock Town manager Mark Atkins was visibly much happier than seven days ago after two battling, much improved displays from his team - although he is equally frustrated as new signings fail to materialise. More...

IN-FORM STOKES INSPIRES MATLOCK TO VICTORY OVER BARWELL -
Both teams were without a win going into Friday night's clash at a wet Autoworld Arena but Matlock had in-form - and once again, Man of the Match - Jason Stokes on top form to inspire them to victory. More...

GLADIATORS EARN DESERVED BANK HOLIDAY POINT AT BELPER -
Matlock's Man of the Match Jason Stokes scored a last gasp equaliser to add to Danny Holland's second headed goal of the local derby to earn Matlock a deserved point More...

MATLOCK TOWN
NEWS AHEAD OF A TOUGH BANK
HOLIDAY WEEKEND -
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A 'DISAPPOINTING' LOSS FOR MATLOCK'S FIRST HOME GAME OF THE SEASON -
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GLADIATORS BATTLE THROUGH A 'DRAB DRAW' FOR THEIR SEASON OPENER -
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TOUGH DECISIONS FOR MATLOCK BOSS AHEAD OF SEASON OPENER -
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MATLOCK NEWS AHEAD OF FINAL
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MATLOCK NEWS ROUND UP AS INJURY CRISIS GETS WORSE -
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LEICESTER'S YOUNG GUNS TOO STRONG FOR WEAKENED GLADIATORS -
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MATLOCK MAKE IT FIVE PRE-SEASON WINS IN A ROW -
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MATLOCK NOTCH UP
A PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY WIN OVER MANSFIELD -
Corey Gregory's 13th minute header won the game for Matlock, who after looking like hitting a cricket score, increasingly lost their way as the game wore on. More...

MATLOCK GET A DESERVED WIN VS GRIMSBY, PLUS FULL FIXTURES LIST -
Amongst the Gladiators pre-season build up, they put together a promising performance at the weekend as they deservedly beat Grimsby Town, who were beaten play off semi-finalists in the Conference National last term. More...

GLADIATORS BOSS ADMITS STRIKER'S DEPARTURE IS "A HUGE BLOW" -
Matlock boss Mark Atkins admitted that striker Shaun Tuton's departure up the A6 to divisional rivals Buxton was a huge blow. More...

GLADIATORS HIT A SIX IN A PRE-SEASON GAMES BONANZA -
Mark Atkins' desire for more home pre season friendlies has been satisfied to the full as the Gladiators announced their sixth warm up game at the Autoworld Arena. More...

MATLOCK TOWN GET RAMS, OWLS & FOXES VISITS AS WORKSOP TOWN RESIGN -
Matlock Town's pre season programme took shape further this week and it's another prestige home friendly for the Gladiators, as Derby County announced they would be visiting the Autoworld Arena More...

MATLOCK EARN A LAST MINUTE POINT AGAINST BUXTON. MATCH REPORT -
Oscar Radford's 89th minute equaliser, his first goal of the season, earned Matlock a deserved point against ten man Buxton. More...

MATLOCK'S MISSED OPPORTUNITY AS THEY DRAW AT NANTWICH TOWN -
Matlock should really have brought all three points back from the Weaver Stadium on Saturday after dominating the opening half More...

THREE RED CARDS AS MATLOCK EARN THEIR FIRST WIN IN NINE GAMES -
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Matlock boss Mark Atkins and indeed - the club's fans - wanted a positive reaction from the players in the derby at Buxton on Wednesday night and my word, they got one! More...

A WELL DESERVED POINT FOR MATLOCK AFTER A 'FEISTY' DERBY AT BUXTON -
Martin Foster's penalty at the death, earned Matlock a well deserved point in a feisty derby at the Silverlands, after substitute Mark Reed had headed Buxton in front in the 84th minute. More...

GLADIATORS SURRENDER TO A BATTLING WITTON ALBION -
This was probably Matlock's worst home performance all season as they succumbed to a Witton side battling to avoid relegation. More...

MATLOCK SETTLE
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The Gladiators had to settle for a point in a feisty clash at the Autoworld Arena on Tuesday night which saw eight yellow cards and a Blyth equalizer six minutes from the end. More...

MATLOCK SUFFER NARROW DEFEAT AFTER BATTLING FC UNITED ALL THE WAY -
Matlock made league leaders FC United battle all the way for their eleventh successive league victory, with a spirited performance in front of a 2,044 crowd at Gigg Lane. More...

MATLOCK BRING A HARD EARNED POINT HOME FROM BARWELL. -
Matlock earned a well deserved and hard earned point from a physical and direct encounter when they made their first ever visit to Barwell on Saturday. More...

ATKINS - 'STILL A LOT TO PLAY FOR' MATLOCK TOWN'S NEWS ROUND UP -
Two costly defeats in three days seem to have scuppered Matlock's play off aspirations, but manager Mark Atkins insists there is still plenty to play for. More...

MATLOCK LOSE AN 'EASILY FORGETTABLE GAME' AWAY AT STAMFORD -
An easily forgettable game was settled after 21 minutes when Ryan Robbins netted to give the hosts a vital three points in their escape bid against the drop. More...

A NIGHTMARE DEFEAT FOR MATLOCK AGAINST STRUGGLING STAFFORD -
A home banker turned into a nightmare for Matlock who were on the end of a shock defeat. Match Report More...

MATLOCK MARCH ON WITH A THIRD LEAGUE WIN IN A WEEK - AWAY AT ILKESTON -
The damage was done in the first half as Matlock thoroughly deserved their third league win in a week at the New Manor Ground on Saturday. More...

MATLOCK'S NEWS AS THEY PREPARE FOR LOCAL DERBY WITH ILKESTON -
Mark Atkins hailed a fantastic three days for Matlock Town and praised his players and the club's fans in the process. More...

MATLOCK EARN AN IMPRESSIVE FIFTH SUCCESSIVE HOME WIN -
Matlock's impressive home record was maintained as they earned a fifth successive win at the Autoworld Arena in a thrilling game with Grantham on Tuesday night. More...

MAGNIFICENT MATLOCK EARN THE WIN AGAINST SKELMERSDALE -
A magnificent performance from the boys in blue earned the hosts a deserved win against second in the table Skelmersdale, in spite of having to play the final sixty four minutes with only ten men. More...

MATLOCK HOPING
FOR A DEBUT WIN AT THE NEWLY NAMED AUTOWORLD ARENA -
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MATLOCK AGREE LUCRATIVE NEW SPONSORSHIP DEAL WITH AUTOWORLD -
Matlock Town's ground will now be known as the 'Autoworld Arena', as details of the exciting new sponsorship deal emerged this week. More...

MATLOCK HIT FOR SIX AS THEIR UNBEATEN RUN COMES TO AN ABRUPT END -
What a way to lose your unbeaten start to 2014! Matlock conceded six goals in a crazy second half, after leading at half time against Rushall Olympic More...

MATLOCK FACE SIX POINTER AT RUSHALL AS 2 NEW SIGNINGS ARE ANNOUNCED -
Matlock face a play off contending six pointer at Rushall Olympic on Saturday as two young faces sign for the Gladiators. More...

ATKINS PRAISES PLAYERS AFTER DIFFICULT WIN AT FRICKLEY & NEWS -
Mark Atkins praised his players after their 3-1 victory at a wet and windy Frickley Athletic last Saturday, going unbeaten in 5 games, 4 of which have brought maximum points. More...

GLADIATORS GO
FIVE UNBEATEN
WITH AWAY WIN AT FRICKLEY -
Matlock extended their unbeaten run to five games and secured their first away win in four months in terrible weather at Westfield Lane on Saturday. More...

GLADIATORS EARN A HARD FOUGHT WIN AT HOME TO DROYLSDEN. MATCH REPORT -
Matlock got the win everyone expected against the basement side, but it was a more difficult challenge than the 4-1 win at the Butchers Arms in October More...

THIS WEEK'S NEWS FROM MATLOCK AND
A PREVIEW OF THE DROYLSDEN GAME -
"We take nothing for granted" will be the message from Matlock boss Mark Atkins as they welcome basement club Droylsden to the Reynolds Stadium on Saturday. More...

MATLOCK'S MATCH AT STORMY STAMFORD
IS ABANDONED. MATCH REPORT -
Referee David Plowright halted proceedings after 23 minutes when a fierce thunderstorm engulfed the ground and left the pitch saturated. More...

McMAHON SCORES TWO TO GIVE MATLOCK THREE. MATCH REPORT -
Lewis McMahon's brace earned Matlock their victory, but others behind him put in sterling effort to ensure another clean sheet at home. More...

LATE PENALTY DENIES MATLOCK A WIN AFTER SCRAPPY ENCOUNTER -
A 78th minute penalty leveller denied Matlock all three points from a scrappy encounter at The Meres against Grantham Town. More...

MATLOCK NEWS AND PREVIEW OF SATURDAY'S AWAY TRIP TO GRANTHAM -
After ending high flying Worksop Town's unbeaten run at the thirteenth game, Matlock Town face a different challenge when they travel to Grantham on Saturday. More...

MATLOCK'S INABILITY TO FINISH COSTS THEM ANOTHER 3 POINTS -
For this week's report, see last weeks and probably many before! More points go astray for Matlock simply because they could not finish chances off. More...

MATLOCK'S DERBY DRAW IN THE DARK
AS BUXTON'S BULBS BLOW! -
The lights went out with a bang at the Silverlands to end this Boxing Day A6 derby early at half time. More...

MATLOCK GET THE CLEAN SHEET - BUT NOT THE THREE POINTS -
Again this was a tale of Matlock being unable to take the few chances that came their way in a dour stalemate at home against Marine. More...

ALL THE GLADIATORS' NEWS AHEAD OF THE CHRISTMAS WEEK FIXTURES -
"Individual mistakes are killing us!" declared Matlock boss Mark Atkins after the disappointing and frustrating recent run of form More...

MATLOCK DEFEAT AT STOCKSBRIDGE WAS "LARGELY SELF INFLICTED" -
Matlock Town's disappointing defeat away to struggling Stocksbridge Park Steels, was largely self inflicted. More...

MATLOCK MAKE IT AN UNWANTED HAT TRICK WITH A THIRD CUP EXIT -
Matlock made it an unwanted hat-trick of cup exits against lower league opposition this term, as Glossop knocked them out of the Derbyshire Senior Cup. More...

MATLOCK GET THEIR FIRST WIN IN SIX AS THEY BEAT
TRAFFORD -
This first league win in six matches for Matlock Town was achieved with a little more difficulty than was envisaged at the half time break which came at a bad time for the home side. More...

MATLOCK HAVE 'ONLY THEMSELVES TO BLAME' AFTER
DEFEAT TO WITTON -
Matlock had only themselves to blame for not winning a game they dominated at Witton Albion. More...

MATLOCK MAKE HARD WORK OF A WIN OVER HALLAM IN MID-WEEK FRIENDLY -
The Gladiators made hard work of beating Toolstation NCEL First Division visitors Hallam, in a hastily arranged friendly game at the Reynolds Stadium on Tuesday night More...

MATLOCK SUFFER UNDESERVED FA TROPHY EXIT AT CHORLEY -
Chorley secured a hat-trick of victories against Matlock with this FA Trophy result at Victory Park last Saturday, but the 2-0 scoreline fails to tell the whole story as Matlock deserved at least a replay. More...

MATLOCK MAKE A POINT AGAINST HIGH FLYERS AFC FYLDE. MATCH REPORT -
Danny Holland had given Matlock a deserved interval lead against title contenders AFC Fylde, but the Coasters got a fortunate break five minutes into the second half to level through Andy Russell. More...

TOUGH FIXTURES AND A FAIR PLAY AWARD IN A GLADIATORS NEWS ROUND-UP -
If Monday's FA Trophy draw seemed tough - a visit to Chorley on November 16th - then Mark Atkins' men received confirmation that would be the case in Tuesday night's 3-1 league defeat on the same ground. More...

GLADIATORS FALL AT THE HANDS OF LIKELY DIVISION CHAMPIONS. MATCH REPORT -
Sometimes it's a case of holding hands up and admitting the better side won! This was the case for away fans at Victory Park on Bonfire Night, as the fireworks came from Chorley, who completed a league double over Matlock More...

Related Links

Matlock Town Website