Atkins criticism fresh for Matlock

Matlock head to Kendal on Saturday with the criticism of manager Mark Atkins ringing in their ears.

Last Saturday's trip to Chasetown was frozen off, dashing Atkins' hopes of a positive reaction to a 1-0 home defeat by Frickley in the Doodson Sports League Cup,meaning now that Matlock just have sixteen league matches to play this season.

But Atkins wants his side to gather as many points as possible for a high final position in the table, although he admits that his side will have to find championship winning form to reach the play offs. He also declared that people are playing for their future at the club.

"The players were told after the League Cup game exactly what their position at this football club is" Atkins explained. "I'm looking for a reaction from them, they need to show me that they want to be here, so I'll be changing the team around quite a bit in the upcoming games. We've had a disappointing month, we've had injuries and suspensions but the performances have been poor. The players have to take more responsibility and do their talking on the pitch where it matters. I like my sides to play football but it's been scrappy, especially against Frickley in the League Cup. If we are going to lose games at least I want us to go down expressing ourselves in a positive fashion."

If Matlock are to make a late run for a play off spot they will basically have to double their current points tally of 35 in the 16 matches which remain, a tall order!

"Given our current league position and the way we've been playing that'll be very difficult as it means we've got to win most of our remaining matches. But we have to keep going, and pick up as many points as we possibly can and finish as high up that league as possible" Atkins continued.

Only goal difference separates Matlock from Kendal who lie a place higher than the Gladiators and Atkins is surprised to see the Lake District side down in mid table.

"I expected them to be up there challenging near the top. Since I came to Matlock they've always given us a really hard game, they're very difficult to play against and I expect it'll be no different on Saturday".

While Kris Bowler (back), Gareth Davies (thigh) and Chris Bettney (ribs) are expected to miss out, good news is the possible return of winger Ben Algar, who has been in excellent form this season only to go down with a groin injury six weeks ago. Algar trained lthis week and provided there is no adverse reaction, he should feature on Saturday, along with another winger in Craig Nelthorpe after suspension.

Atkins failed in his bid to attract an anonymous attacker to the Reynolds Stadium, having put seven days notice of approach into his current club. The player opted to stay where he was, signing a contract on a deal more than Matlock could offer him. Budget considerations allowing, there could be a new face arriving within the next week.

Meanwhile Atkins knocked into touch a rumour from a thread on the Gladiators website forum that leading scorer Ian Holmes was on FC Halifax'Town's wanted list.

"That's completely untrue, there''ve been no enquiries at all for Ian Holmes this season" he confirmed.