Cup win crocks hot-shot

Matlock Town's top scorer Lewis McMahon is facing a lengthy spell on the treatment table after being stretchered off during Tuesday night's Derbyshire Senior Cup over Borrowash Victoria at Causeway Lane, writes Ian Richardson.

A 4-1 victory for the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Gladiators booked a semi-final date with Chesterfield but manager Mark Atkins revealed on Thursday that their progress came at a cost after it emerged that the striker, pictured, had torn his ankle ligaments after scoring the opening goal.

Atkins, pictured, said: "At the moment it looks like a tennis ball at the side of his ankle, it's tremendously disappointing, not only for Lewis but for everyone at the club as he's been playing especially well and scoring a lot of goals. There was nothing malicious in the challenge, it's just one of those things."

Phil Roe scored Matlock's second before Joe Leesley and Anthony Griffiths-Junior wrapped up the win over the East Midlands Counties League outfit in their first outing since defeating Grantham Town 3-2 in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division on January 12.

"It was a good workout for us after two and a bit weeks without a game," said the Gladiators manager. "It was important to get on the pitch and be playing, although we didn't play all that great. It was a comfortable win though. They had just the one chance and I was happy we created chances and took some of them. Now with Lewis being out it gives others the opportunity to show what they can do."

McMahon served a three game ban earlier in the season when Matlock recorded a 100 per cent record with away wins at Marine and Ilkeston and a home victory against Stalybridge Celtic in the FA Trophy. Atkins and supporters will be hoping for a similar run of results during McMahon's second spell of absence, starting with Ashton United at home on Saturday.

The return of Adam Yates, who missed the county cup win through injury and winger Ben Hunter, who could make his first appearance since returning from league leaders North Ferriby United, should help.

Last season the Robins recorded a league double and Atkins believes they’ll again be tough opponents at Causeway Lane. He added: "Since I've been at Matlock I've always rated them as one of the best sides in the league, they work extremely hard for each other and have great spirit. They've signed some very good players as well so it'll be a very tough game."