Atkins puts his squad on notice

Matlock Town travel to Sheffield FC in their final warm-up clash on Saturday with manager Mark Atkins pledging that places are still up for grabs in the side he'll put out against Trafford in the curtain-raiser to the new EVO-STIK League campaign, writes Ian Richardson.

The Premier Division's Gladiators travel to Trafford next weekend to open their Premier Division campaign and Atkins, pictured, is also hoping to add to his striking options.

He said: "I've got a couple of irons in the fire in the striking department and I'm looking to sign one, if not two forwards before the start of the season. I haven't decided on the eleven to start at Trafford. There's two or three positions I'm still looking at and players have the chance to stake their claim in the Sheffield game."

It should be a competitive end to Matlock's pre-season programme against the First Division South outfit who appointed former Matlock manager Mick Wadsworth as their new man in charge during the summer. The Coach and Horses outfit should also include former Matlock winger Ben Algar in their line up.

Atkins was disappointed that Staveley MW grabbed a late equaliser in last Friday's match at Inkersall Road, particularly as the Gladiators had once again created enough chances to have won comfortably. As it was Danny Holland's penalty put Town in front just before the hour, but Staveley captain Jordan Eagers pulled the hosts level five minutes from time.

Atkins said: "We controlled the first half like we were expected to. we passed the ball well but didn't have the luck in front of goal. In the second half we didn't look as good but got the goal, only for us to be unable to maintain our earlier good form and we paid for it. Overall though it was a good work out."

Goalscoring proved to be Matlock's achilles heel last season and Atkins, who is not too concerned, added: "We're creating chances, if we weren't then I'd be worried. Friday night proved though that we've got to get things right in both boxes. We hit the post and the keeper's made three or four great saves.

"But with all respect to Staveley we should be going there and keeping a clean sheet. But they've scored from their first shot and that's disappointing so there's still work to be done."