Atkins smiling despite crocked trio

Matlock boss Mark Atkins reckons his preparations for the coming campaign are going well despite worrying injuries to three key players.

The Gladiators got their warm-up programme under way with a 2-1 win at Teversal last Tuesday with skipper James Lukic watching from the sidelines with an ankle injury along with striker Liam Wilkin who has bruised lungs following a rib injury picked up at the end of last term.

Matlock beat Shirebrook 4-0 at home on Saturday and Atkins revealed the injury to Wilkin is especially frustrating as the forward could be out for several weeks, delaying his bid to establish himself in the side following his move from Winterton Rangers last season.

Full back Micky Harcourt also limped off against Teverasal. But despite fearing that his defender had put back his recovery from a broken metatarsal, Atkins believes his squad are still on course for the Evo-Stik NPL's big kick on Saturday August 18.

Atkins said: "I'm pleased with the lads so far, they look fit and have done all of the work we've asked them to. They're sharp and playing the ball around a lot more, different to last season."

Atkins is also happy with the performances of his news signings - attacking midfielder Lewis McMahon, who was on loan from Gainsborough at the end of last season, strikers Lee Ellington from Guiseley and Brad Grayson from Frickley plus Frickley midfielder James Ashmore.

All four played played some part in last week's two openers and Atkins said: "It was good to get the new lads on the pitch in a Matlock strip and I thought we played very well in the first half when we had four or five really good opportunities. The second half went downhill a bit but the players got forty five minutes as they start to work towards full fitness."

With Harcourt and Lukic's injuries in mind, coupled with Lukic being banned for the opening three league matches, Atkins has also drafted in Ryan Laight for a second spell at the Reynolds Stadium.

"We've signed him for we could well need cover in defence and I thought he did very well," added Atkins, whose side lost 5-1 to Chesterfield on Tuesday night in the annual Banner Jones Cup.

Laight left to join Ossett Town two years ago and Atkins is considering teaming him up with Chris Bettney, released in May but back training and looking for a second chance with the Gladiators ahead of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division campaign.