Atkins demands commitment

Matlock Town update, by Ian Richardson

With six games to go this season, Matlock manager Mark Atkins wants his players to show the same level of commitment as they did in the narrow home defeat to table topping Chester last weekend.

A Mark Wilde header in the 66th minute saw the visitors go home with all three points, but Matlock had ran the show in the first half and were unlucky not to draw first blood.

"I was very pleased with the way we went about our work" said Atkins. "We knew that we couldn't allow them time or space and for three quarters of the game we did very well. I was pleased with the workrate, we were quick to the ball and on top and we were disappointed not to be in front at half time. Kris Bowler's was a great shot which hit the bar and the goalkeeper's made a great save from Paul Riley's follow up, there were a couple of other opportunities as well.

"Their extra bit of quality came through in the second half and they've scored from a mistake which is disappointing. Jon Kennedy's held his hand up, he shouted for James Lukic to leave the ball and their striker's nipped in between them to head in, but Jon's been magnificent for us this season. After the game I told the lads that if they show the same kind of commitment and drive for the rest of the season we'll end up in the top half."

Matlock now head to Worksop for a local derby on Saturday keen to bring home all three points for the first time in nearly six months. Their last away win was against Burscough on September 3, while their only other victory on opposition soil coming against another struggling club in Frickley Athletic on August 23.

Atkins insists that it is something that neither he nor his players will allow to dominate their thoughts.

"We want to win every game we play and we'll be going to Worksop looking to gain maximum points, but the away record isn't something that dominates our thinking, it's other people who keep mentioning it."

An away win though is overdue and with Worksop having lost their last three games, conceding eleven goals in the process, and having been beaten at home in their last five outings, opportunity knocks for Matlock to extend that record.

The Tigers are currently in fifteenth position, three places and three points behind the Gladiators. Atkins admits that he finds their lowly position surprising.

"With the players they brought in during the summer I expected Worksop to be up there challenging towards the top of the table but for one reason or another it hasn't worked out for them. These things happen and while they're not pulling up any trees at present we know we'll face a tough game there for they've still got some very good players. We need to be wary of the threat Worksop will pose."

A Micky Harcourt header in stoppage time salvaged a point for Matlock in the home fixture in November when former Gladiator Jamie Jackson fired the Tigers ahead ten minutes into the second half. Harcourt, though, will play no part on Saturday or for the rest of the campaign after breaking a metatarsal in the 1-1 draw at Chasetown. Leading scorer Ian Holmes, who picked up a side injury in the same match, which forced him to miss the Chester clash, could return, but knee injury victim Greeth Davies is still a week away from a return to training.

On loan striker Lewis McMahon will play his final game for Matlock this weekend and with Atkins keeping a close eye on his playing budget, no significant signings are expected prior to the transfer deadline which is 5 pm on Thursday (March 29).

"Gainsborough want Lewis to go back, we asked about keeping him for the rest of the season but they say they've some important games coming up and they want him with them" Atkins explained. "I don't envisage anyone coming to us apart from a couple of young lads we've got on trial that we'll probably take a look at. We've got to be mindful of the budget and money can be used next season."

Former striker Ross Hannah, having had his contract extended for a year at Bradford City, has gone out on loan to FC Halifax and his debut for the Shaymen last weekend was a memorable one as he notched all three goals in their 3-1 victory at Bishops Stortford in the Blue Square North League.

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