Brighter outlook for Matlock

Wins in their last two home games have made for a brighter outlook at the Reynolds Stadium.

Both have been by 1-0 with Lewis McMahon scoring late on on both occasions so with foot of the table Burscough due in town this weekend, there is a great chance for the Gladiators to make it a hat-trick of home wins and possibly add to their rather meagre goals tally in the process.

Matlock are the sixth lowest scorers in the Evo-Stik Premier League and manager Mark Atkins concedes he is concerned about the Gladiators rather modest scoring record. And unless he is able to add to his attack before the weekend, his goalscoring options are restricted following TJ Nightingale's midweek move to Quorn.

"I've been concerned with the lack of goals all season, we've not been able to kill teams off" said Atkins. "We knew all along it would be more difficult than last season when we had Ross (Hannah) knocking in the goals. Strikers of his quality are in short supply, we're delighted to hear he's been given another year's deal at Bradford City. We need to be more clinical in the last third."

Nightingale, who joined Matlock from Hucknall Town in the summer, has been on the substitute's bench more often than not, but has still managed nine goals so far this term to be Matlock's second highest scorer behind Ian Holmes.

"We're sorry to see him go, his attitude and workrate's been first class. I can't speak highly enough of him, he's been a pleasure to manage. It was difficult for him not driving and having to come to every game from Nottingham by train and we always said that if he found a club closer to home where he'd be getting a regular game, we wouldn't stand in his way. We wish him all the best in the future."

That blow could be counterbalanced by the impending return of Nathan Joynes, the scorer of Town's only hat-trick of the campaign in the 4-0 home drubbing of Chorley in October. Joynes has missed a big chunk of the season with a knee injury and has recently undergone surgery. It was initially feared that Joynes' season would be over, but he has resumed training and is likely to be in contention for a return towards the end of the month. Liam Wilkin could also feature more now, having made only three substitute appearances since his move from Baris NCEL Premier Division Winterton Rangers, where he was a regular marksman.

Atkins is far more at ease with his side's defensive performances. They have the eighth best record in terms of goals conceded.

"Defensively we've been much better, we've largely tended to cut out the silly mistakes which saw us concede cheap goals. It's something we spoke about at length during the pre season, the lads have worked hard at this which is really pleasing."

Atkins will be taking nothing for granted on Saturday, particularly as the Linnets have collected over twice as many points on their travels than they have won at either of their two home grounds this season, Skelmersdale or back at their former Victoria Park headquarters. Burscough gave Matlock a hard time back in September by going in front before goals from Holmes and Kris Bowler gave the Gladiators a 2-1 win.

"Even though they're at the bottom of the league we'll have to be totally focused on our game" Atkins insisted. "I've said it before and I'll say it again, there's no easy games in this division and they'll probably find it easier being away for they'll not be expected to win and they'll try to hit us on the break.I've always maintained our home form will be vital in determining where we finish. We've won the last two at home and we'll be looking to win again on Saturday. I'd obviously like us to win well and get some goals but if it's another 1-0 victory, so be it."

Should results go Matlock's way on Saturday, they could leap from fifteenth to tenth ahead of their trip to Chasetown on Tuesday night and the big home game with champions elect Chester FC next weekend.

The Gladiators welcome back Paul Riley after a two and a half season break at Eastwood Town, and the former Notts County, Alfreton and Ilkeston player's adaptability, he can slot in comfortably at left back, left wing or central midfield, should add to the Gladiators options. Riley had previosly spent four and a half years with the Gladiators before moving to his hometown club.

"I was after Paul last summer but at the time Eastwood offered him a deal we couldn't match" Atkins explained. "But Eastwood have one or two financial problems right now and have released a number of players including Paul he likes the club and often came to watch us when Eastwood didn't have a game. It's good to have him back."

Winger Craig Nelthorpe has been released by Matlock and firstly joined the Badgers, but like Riley, he was part of the cull at Coronation Park. He has since signed for Brigg Town.