'A worrying start' - Matlock boss reflects on early season struggles

The Gladiators drew 0-0 on the opening weekend at home to Bamber Bridge, last season's beaten play-off finalists.

On Tuesday they travelled to Macclesfield, and three goals in the second half saw the Silkmen demonstrate their promotion credentials and triumph 3-0 in front of over 3,000 supporters at the Leasing.com Stadium.

Carruthers' side are one of only four teams yet to score in the Northern Premier League in 2023/24, and he insists there is plenty for his side to work on.

“It’s a worrying start, although we knew it’d be tough against the beaten play-off finalists and the side favourites to win the league," he told the club's official website.

"I was very disappointed with us against Macclesfield. It was men against boys at times - we were second best all over the pitch.

"If that’s a benchmark for the season, then we’re way off being the best team in the league or looking to get into the play-offs. There’s a lot of work to do.”

Up next for Matlock is a long trip to Morpeth Town - a side who have picked up four points from a possible six to start the season.

That is followed by a home Tuesday night game against Atherton Collieries, and Carruthers knows the pressure is on for his side to deliver over the coming days.

“In reality we needed the three points on Saturday [against Bamber Bridge]," he added.

"Had we got that, there wouldn’t be as much pressure on us getting a good result at Morpeth this weekend. It’ll not be easy up there.

“You pray for a good set of fixtures and these first three aren’t what I’d have picked, but we have to get on with it.

"We’ve now got to try and get wins against Morpeth and at home to Atherton on Tuesday. Of course, if we can do that, everything in the garden looks more rosey.”