Atkins - "Matlock could do better"

With exactly two thirds of their league problem done and dusted, Matlock Town's players have received a "could do better" assessment from manager Mark Atkins.

The Gladiators slide down the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division table to a disappointing thirteenth has come about after a poor sequence of results which has seen them win only one of their last ten league games. They currently have 35 points from their twenty eight games played and while the relegation haunted sides still appear to have much to do, Atkins wants any lingering doubts of being dragged into the drop zone quashed as soon as possible.

Now after a fortnight off thanks to sub zero temperatures which saw their trip to North Ferriby United and then last Saturday's home meeting with struggling Whitby Town postponed, Atkins will be hoping that the messages he has drilled into his players at training sessions will be taken in.

Matlock have two tough looking away trips in the next week, travelling to third placed Chorley on Saturday before the rearranged game at North Ferriby takes place on Tuesday night.

Atkins believes it's now time his players stood up to be counted.

"Every game now is a cup final for us" he warned. "And we're not kidding ourselves that we're too good to become involved in a relegation battle. Recent results have shown that we're not a good side at present, let's face it we're not playing anywhere near good enough. I want us to get some points on board now, rather than later, we're all aware that we need to improve."

Suspensions and injuries have been a constant thorn in their side recently but striker Nathan Joynes apart, Atkins has just about a fully fit squad from which to select a line up that he hopes will earn better results.

Midfielders Gareth Davies and Kris Bowler and winger Chris Bettney have all trained well during the past fortnight and should be chomping at the bit to claim a shirt at the weekend.

"Healthy competition for places is what we need and are looking for and it's how things should be" Atkins added.

It's been a case of one in and one out during the past week. Leaving the Reynolds Stadium is midfielder Harry Winter who in any case, was on a match to match arrangement at Matlock in a deal with Blue Square North leaders Hyde FC. Winter has joined Evo-Stik NPL First Division North table toppers AFC Fylde. Atkins was pleased to finally capture 6'3" central defender Laurence Gaughan, a former youth international with the Republic of Ireland. International clearance for Gaughan came through late last week and Gaughan would have been included against Whitby had the game been on.

"Laurence has played at a very good level being a pro at Liverpool as a youngster as well as being at Celtic" Atkins explained. "I'm delighted to sign him. Being 6'3" his height will be an obvious asset but he's also very good on the ball. He can play in midfield as well so that increases our selection options. I'm not surprised about Harry really, we knew he was with us only on a match to match arrangement. Travelling from Manchester while not driving also made it difficult for him so I can understand him moving to a club in the north west."

There is the opportunity for the Gladiators to complete their second and third league doubles of the campaign after convincing home victories over Chorley and Ferriby earlier in the season.

Chorley will probably be relieved to hear that Joynes will not be in the Town line up for in the 4-0 Matlock win in October, Joynes grabbed a hat-trick with Bettney scoring the other.

"Nathan was on fire that day and it's a pity that things haven't worked out for him with the knee injury this season" said Atkins. But he's booked in for his operation next week, and while it means he's out for the rest of the season, we look forward to him returning next season fully fit and raring to go for he'll be a very important player for us. The Chorley game was probably the best we've played this season and we'd love to go there and play equally as well. But Chorley have stayed up near the top and they're up there for a reason. They're obviously a very good side and we'll need to be fully switched on."

An Ian Holmes brace sandwiched a Liam King strike in the 3-0 win against North Ferriby ten days before the Chorley victory. Lining up against the Gladiators should be forward Lee Morris whose brief second spell at Matlock ended last month when former Matlock skipper Billy Heath, now manager at the Humberside club, signed him for a second time after previously having him under his wing at Frickley Athletic.

Atkins pursuit of fresh blood continues. He was thwarted when a seven day target joined another club but he was hoping to speak to another player he had put seven days notice in on this week with a view to a signing.