Adaptability the key for Atkins

Adaptability is the name of the game for Matlock boss Mark Atkins who has adopted "a horses for courses" approach to team selection and tactics in two games during the past week.

At league leaders Northwich, he went for a more cautious and solid look with a 4-5-1 formation.

Then at home to Stocksbridge Park Steels on Wednesday night, it was back to a conventional 4-4-2 with two wingers.

Both approaches could be deemed as successful with Matlock stifling the Vics to earn a 0-0 draw and a useful point on Saturday. Then on Wednesday, Matlock thrashed Stocksbridge 4-0.

Atkins defended his tactics at Northwich by declaring "it would have been naive and stupid to go to a side at the top of the league who had beaten us convincingly at our place just a fortnight earlier and take them on at their own game. We've got good results at top sides before with that system and it's a matter of horses for courses. If we have to use that system again then we will. We worked hard on the system in training last Thursday and the plan came off to a tee. The only disappointment was that we didn't use the ball better when we had it, hence we didn't create a great deal. But it was a very good defensive performance. We managed to stop their midfield from playing and a dangerous forward line from functioning."

The boss was delighted with the midweek win which saw Matlock jump up to seventh spot. A Ben Algar double plus goals from top scorer Ian Holmes, his tenth of the campaign and substitute TJ Nightingale's fourth of the season made up the rout.

"We started really well and dominated the first half. They were probably happier with 1-0 at half time than us. Then apart from a ten to fifteen minute spell just after half time, we were again in charge. Once the second goal went in there was no doubt as to who'd win. 4-0 at home is a great result and a clean sheet is great too."

So the sixty four thousand dollar questions are who will feature and what will the formation be when the Gladiators head to Hednesford Town in the FA Trophy on Satutrday.

"We've a squad of seventeen or eighteen players all capable of doing a job" said Atkins. "There's people on the bench who can come in and it doesn't alter the quality we have in our set up. We've different players who can come in and play in different positions. Of course I'm not going to give anything away. The Hednesford management team were here watching us tonight and the team we put out and the way we've played will have given them food for thought. It'll be a difficult game (Hednesford have not lost at home in the league for a year, only Blue Square North Corby Town have won at Keys Park in an FA Cup tie last month), not the one we'd have chosen, but we've got to get on with it. We'll go there in a positive frame of mind but we'll be mindful that the tie can be won over two games if need be. If the players are as focused as they've been this past week, then we'll be okay."

Matlock have virtually a clean bill of health ahead of facing the Pitmen. Lee Featherstone will again miss out with a groin injury, but James Lukic displayed his Captain Fantastic characteristics to play superbly in the last two games after looking to be a non starter in the build up to the Northwich visit.

"James was outstanding, particularly against Northwich, considering that he'd hardly trained in two and a bit weeks. No wonder he went down with cramp near the end on Saturday" Atkins said.

The hunt for new faces may bring some joy in the next few days with atkins planning on having talks with one, possibly two potential signings. Matlock had lodged seven day notices of approach with their clubs.

"Both are cup tied for the Trophy games so there's no immediate rush and it does give us that bit of extra time to do any business if we can" Atkins continued.

Meanwhile central defender Simon Sturdy has made a temporary move to Evo-Stik NPL First Division south Goole FC in a bid to build up his match fitness. A back injury has kept Sturdy out since the second game of the season against Chasetown.

If a replay is necessary against Hednesford, it will be at the Reynolds Stadium on Wednesday night.

Off the field Chairman Tom Wright hailed Matlock's recent Sportsmans Evening as a "resounding success" after making £5000.

It was their 37th such event and the first held in their new Sports and Social Club. BBC Radio Test Match Special commentator Jonathan Agnew was the main speaker and Dave Wolfe provided the comedy. The auction on the night included a super prize of a game of snooker with the legendary Jimmy White. The Matlock Town connection in the auction was a pair of last season's home and away shirts, signed by club record goalscorer Ross Hannah, now enjoying a professional career with Bradford City. Hannah hit an amazing 52 goals for Town last season. Brian Startin, who bought the shirts, generously donated them back to the club to go in the boardroom.

"We're all delighted with how the night went, it was our 37th but the first held in our new Social Club. Derbyshire Caterers did a great job of serving up a three course meal for around 160 people and I'm sure everyone had an enjoyable night" said Wright.

Matlock's next Sportsmans Evening in the club will be on 29 March 2012. The club has regular entertainment with Midlife Crisis appearing on Saturday November 12. The club can also be hired for public functions. Telephone 01629 55362 or 01629 583866 or e mail info@matlocktownfc.co.uk for further details.