Familiar face at Matlock awards

James Lukic, Jon Kennedy, Micky Harcourt, Ian Holmes and Kris Witcombe all collected awards at Matlock Town's Presentation Evening held in their packed Social Club last Friday night.

And an old face made a popular appearance as record goalscorer and legend Ross Hannah presented framed blue and yellow signed number ten shirts to the club.

Hannah, who left for Bradford City after netting 52 league and cup goals last season to smash Bob Mountain's season tally of 49 in 1982/83, is currently on loan at FC Halifax, but he fondly remembers his three years at Matlock, being leading scorer and fans player of the year in each season.

"Matlock Town's a fantastic club and I'll never forget my time here and what Matlock Town did for me" said Hannah. "I'm sure the lads will have a better time next season."

Supporter Brian Startin's bid for the shirts proved to be successful in an auction held at a Matlock Town Sportsmans Evening.

"It looked as if the shirts were on their way to Belper at one point but I couldn't allow that to happen, so I was delighted when my bid was successful for they belong here and they'll be in our Social Club for all of our fans to see" added Mr Startin.

Lukic was named as fans player of the season and collected his award from Amanda Hatfield, editor of the Matlock Mercury who sponsor the award. The 30 years old skipper has been with the club since he was sixteen apart from one season away at Gainsborough Trinity in 2008/09.

Players player went to popular goalkeeper Jon Kennedy who became an instant hit with the fans when he arrived at the Reynolds Stadium from Worksop Town last summer. A series of outstanding displays also surely made him a strong candidate for the fans award.

Ian Holmes, with seventeen league and cup goals collected the Leading Goalscorer trophy from its sponsor, committee member Steven Greenhough while the second winner of the Gladiators Young Player of the Year in succession to Adam Yates is another defender. Micky Harcourt, who joined the Gladiators with Holmes from Glapwell collected his award from Matlock Assistant Manager Nick Buxton.

A deserved winner of the Clubman of the Year award was Kris Witcombe, rewarded for his loyalty and commitment over the last two and a half seasons, when more often than not, he has been cast in the role as an unused substitute. Witcombe has continued to appear and when called upon, has always given 100 per cent.