Atkins hails improving Gladiators

Matlock boss Mark Atkins believes he can see light at the end of what has been a dark tunnel so far this season, writes Ian Richardson.

Performances have improved since the dismal FA Cup replay exit at Belper in September and Atkins believes last weekend's narrow 2-1 defeat at North Ferriby United in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division was probably the Gladiators' best display of the season despite the result.

The Villagers hit the top of the league on Tuesday with a 4-0 win at Stocksbridge and Atkins, pictured, insists his own team was unlucky to lose to one of the league's pace-setters.

"We're definitely getting better," said Atkins. "I've felt that we've been moving in the right direction for the last three or four games without picking up as many points as we should have."

Despite being disappointed with the result on Humberside, the Town chief was more than happy with their improved display.

He said: "The performance at North Ferriby was very pleasing as we set off very well and had four great chances that we unfortunately didn't take. I can only praise the lads. We had six great chances in the game while Ferriby scored from just about the two good ones they created.

"We certainly deserved something from the game, I was pleased with our levels of good play, our desire and our workrate to try and get a good result. The penalty for Ferriby's second goal was harsh but it's one of those things that went against us on the day."

Now Atkins turns his attention to Eastwood Town's visit on Saturday when Matlock will be taking part in Non-League Day by offering season ticket holders of Football League and Premier League clubs free admission.

The manager says scoring first against Eastwood could be all important. "It'll be a tough game for they played quite well against us in the Trophy game but we need to get in front," he warned.

"If we score the first goal it can give us confidence to hopefully go on and play well and win. QPR manager Mark Hughes said something recently that struck a chord with me. He said he's never been able to name a settled back four and that's what's happened at Matlock and explains in part why we've conceded goals and not kept a clean sheet yet this season.

"A settled back four can develop a good understanding, so with players coming in and back from injury we can hopefully have a settled back four and a settled side for that matter. If we can string two or three wins together we'll soon be moving up that table."