Friday 28th November 2014
by Ian Richardson

If they didn't already, Dave Rushbury and Martin Foster may now recognise the size of the task that faces them in reviving Matlock Town's fortunes.


Matlock Joint Managers Martin Foster (left) and Dave Rushbury

Although defeats in their last two league matches, 3-0 at title chasing Curzon Ashton on Saturday and a 2-1 home reverse to Rushall Olympic on Tuesday night, have not worsened their 17th spot in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division table, they will be aware that other clubs have made ground on them, particularly Witton Albion who have beaten high fliers Ashton United and Buxton at the same time.

So Matlock now have a real battle on their hands to stay out of the dreaded bottom four and with play off chasing Ilkeston and Ramsbottom United to play in their next two fixtures, they must definitely improve.

Rushbury believes that all five goals conceded in the last week could and should have been avoided. "We've got to stop gifting the opposition goals and basically grow up" Rushbury snapped. "We conceded two goals from set pieces on Saturday, situations we'd been working on and that's not good enough. Then we concede another from a corner for Rushall's equaliser. We defended sloppily for the penalty at Curzon and what can you say about Rushall's winner? It was an absolute gift!"

Certainly Matlock can't afford to be generous in defence given their scoring problems, having only netted three times in the past four league matches.

At Curzon, Rushbury said Matlock were beaten by the better side, "There's no doubt they were worth the win. We were in the game for an hour but we didn't really create anything and then, as we've said, our defending was shocking."

Rushbury continued, "I was happier on Tuesday, once we got things right after a slow start. Once we got in gear we began to look dangerous but the disappointment, apart from the manner in which we conceded, was that we didn't match them for enthusiasm and work rate and that's something you simply have to do at this level.

"You have to do the ugly things first before you can earn the right to play. Having got the lead we should have been able to protect it better and even build on it, but we weren't disappointed with our general second half performance."

Rushbury and Foster could not hide their frustration and anger over the 70th minute controversy which in the end, played a pivotal part in the destination of the points.

"We were undeniably robbed of a penalty and a goal, the ball was over the line from Danny's header and then the defender's pulled the ball back with his hands. The referee and linesman interpreted the incident totally differently to us, the crowd and even the opposition bench. It's very disappointing but we have to live with it and move on," said Rushbury, with Foster adding, "That was a game changer! The score was 1-1, they would have been down to ten men and a goal or a penalty could have put us 2-1 in front. and probably in a great position to go on and win it."

Instead, within four minutes, a defensive howler handed Rushall the win meaning now Matlock travel to the New Manor Ground at the weekend in desperate need of points against a side who has beaten them in two of the three matches between the clubs already this season at the Autoworld Arena.

The Gladiators will be clear underdogs for the first time in a league match since Ilkeston was promoted to the Premier Division at the end of the 2011/12 campaign. Matlock achieved a league double over the Robins last season and took four out of six points on offer during 2012/13.

It is in cup competitions where Kevin Wilson's men have dominated. After a 0-0 league draw at Matlock in September, goals from Rob Duffy and Kane Richards cancelled out Corey Gregory's early strike in the FA Cup tie a week later. Then last week, a Michael Williams goal earned Ilkeston a 1-0 win in the Doodson Sports League Cup when both clubs fielded youthful sides.

Ilkeston won 4-1 at runaway leaders Skelmersdale United last weekend, so Matlock's bosses know they face a huge task if they are to keep their unbeaten league run against Ilkeston going.

"They're a very good, strong and very fit team with a plethora of good players who can train every day" said Rushbury. "They've got the 'Indian sign' over us so far this season but we must go there, work hard and cut out the mistakes to try and bring home a good result. We'll reassess how our lads are before then and work on our mistakes, but we know we'll have to play well on the day."

That reassessment will mean checking on midfielder Niall McManus who missed the Rushall game with a bang on his foot sustained last weekend and defender Oscar Radford, who has come off both matches as he recovers from injury after his suspension.

"I think fans should know that both Jon Kennedy and Joe Leesley turned out on Tuesday despite being ill. Joe only lasted twenty odd minutes but Kendo kept on going. Both had a sickness and diahorrea virus which hopefully will clear up for Saturday."

Club captain Liam Needham and former Ilkeston winger Jason Stokes, who both have ankle injuries, are in rehabilitation but will not be fit for the clash at the New Manor Ground.

Matlock have been drawn against divisional rivals for the third time in a cup competition this season. After facing Ilkeston in the FA Cup and Halesowen Town in the FA Trophy, Buxton visit the Autoworld Arena in the third round of the Derbyshire Senior Cup on Wednesday December 10th.

RECENT STORIES

RELIEF FOR MATLOCK AFTER BASEMENT BATTLE VICTORY OVER MARINE -
No-one likes being in a relegation struggle, that was quite obvious at the Autoworld Arena last Saturday when two relegation haunted sides battled for the three crucial points. More...

MATLOCK BOSS URGES "WE MUST NOT GET CARRIED AWAY!" NEWS UPDATE -
New Matlock boss Mark Hume detected an air of positivity around the Autoworld Arena in the midst of his first win as the Gladiators manager last weekend, but then added "We must not get carried away." More...

MUCH NEEDED WIN FOR MATLOCK IN RELEGATION 'SIX POINTER' -
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 -
Matlock Town have appointed 36 year old Mark Hume as their new manager to replace Dave Rushbury and Martin Foster who left the Autoworld Arena by mutual consent yesterday More...

GLADIATORS PART COMPANY WITH MANAGEMENT DUO AFTER POOR RUN -
Matlock Town and joint managers Dave Rushbury and Martin Foster have parted company today by mutual consent. More...

MATLOCK SURRENDER TWO GOAL LEAD IN A SNOWY LOCAL DERBY AT BUXTON -
2 goals ahead in 25 minutes, Matlock looked as if they would give their fans a much needed Christmas present of three points from this A6 derby at a snowy Silverlands. More...

A NOT SO MERRY XMAS FOR MATLOCK AS THEY GIFT TRAFFORD 3 POINTS -
Dave Rushbury wanted Matlcom fans to embrace the Christmas spirit, but the Gladiators took that a few steps too far on the field as they gifted relegation rivals Trafford all three points. More...

FIRST-TIME FIXTURE ENDS ALL SQUARE AT MATLOCK. MATCH REPORT -
The first ever meeting between the sides ended all square - and it was the least that Matlock deserved against their play off chasing visitors. More...

GLADIATORS STRUGGLE IN DEFEAT AT CURZON ASHTON. MATCH REPORT -
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...

MATLOCK TOWN NEWS ROUND UP, TRANSFER NEWS AND CURZON PREVIEW -
Joint boss Dave Rushbury was a relatively happy man, despite Tuesday night's home Doodson Sports League Cup exit to Ilkeston 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.
More...

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 -
Matlock can have no complaints at losing this potentially important six pointer, for they were comfortably second best on their long trek to Borough Park last Saturday. More...

MATLOCK CLIMB OUT OF BOTTOM FOUR AFTER SECOND SUCCESSIVE WIN -
Matlock secured a second successive victory thanks to a strong second half display and some astute tactical changes at half time by joint interim bosses Dave Rushbury and Martin Foster. More...

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 -
Gladiators won the battle of the divisions two out of form teams at the Help For Heroes Stadium, coming from behind to in the end look comfortable. More...

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.
More...

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.
More...

MATLOCK NEWS AS ONE OF ATKINS' THREE TRANSFER TARGETS ARRIVES -
Matlock Manager Mark Atkins got one of his three targets this week as Jamie Yates arrived from North Ferriby United on a month's loan. More...

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 -
"Not good enough!" was the painful verdict of Matlock manager Mark Atkins after the opening two matches of the new campaign yielded just a solitary point More...

A 'DISAPPOINTING' LOSS FOR MATLOCK'S FIRST HOME GAME OF THE SEASON -
On the evidence of Tuesday night's first home game, it could be a long season for Matlock Town. More...

GLADIATORS BATTLE THROUGH A 'DRAB DRAW' FOR THEIR SEASON OPENER -
Matlock will take the positives from this drab opening day encounter at Shawe View which unsurprisingly, finished goalless. More...

TOUGH DECISIONS FOR MATLOCK BOSS AHEAD OF SEASON OPENER -
Nine definite new signings with one more to come, possibly two, means that manager Mark Atkins has some tough decisions to make ahead of this Saturday's league opener at Trafford. More...

MATLOCK NEWS AHEAD OF FINAL
PRE-SEASON GAME OF THE SUMMER -
Matlock Town visit Sheffield FC in their final pre season outing on Saturday 9th August with boss Mark Atkins pledging that places are still up for grabs in the side to face Trafford in the season's curtain raiser on August 16th. More...

MATLOCK NEWS ROUND UP AS INJURY CRISIS GETS WORSE -
An injury crisis is hampering Matlock Town's pre season with no fewer than six first choice players hurt. More...

LEICESTER'S YOUNG GUNS TOO STRONG FOR WEAKENED GLADIATORS -
The young guns of Premiership new boys Leicester City were too strong for a youthful injury hit Gladiators line up, although the Foxes final two strikes were delayed until the dying embers of the contest. More...

MATLOCK MAKE IT FIVE PRE-SEASON WINS IN A ROW -
The Gladiators made it five successive pre-season wins with a 3-1 win in the searing heat of Worksop's Sandy Lane, after an impressive display of passing football. More...

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 -
A goal in each half secured Matlock's first win in nine league matches, but the big talking point was a triple sending off incident seven minutes before the break. More...

MATLOCK NEWS ROUND UP AND WHITBY PREVIEW -
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
FOR A POINT AFTER LIVELY BATTLE WITH BLYTH -
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 -
Matlock will be wanting their debut game at their newly named Autoworld Arena to be a memorable one, as they aim to bounce back from an out of character hammering at Rushall last weekend. More...

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