Fans favourite set to return against Americans

Matlock Town manager Mark Atkins is planning to use the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club’s prestige friendly against North American Soccer League's Minnesota United to give fans favourite James Lukic his first run-out of the season, writes Ian Richardson.

Due to a troublesome injury and work commitments, the 32-year-old defender who has played more than 600 games and is second in the Gladiators’ all time appearance records behind Mick Fenoughty, hasn’t featured for the Gladiators yet.

The Premier Division club are taking on the Americans at the Autoworld Arena next Monday night (March 10) and Atkins said: "It's a one off. He's hardly trained so we don't know how long he'll last but it's a chance for the fans to see him in action for Matlock again, and if things go well for him, who knows, we might see him back next season.

“We thought it nice for a player who has given the club such outstanding commitment and service, to be able to play in a game which should be a great spectacle and will be a fantastic experience for both the players and the fans."

The Gladiators snapped up the opportunity to stage the match following talks involving local Championship side Derby County who are facing Minnesota at their Moor Farm training headquarters a week later.

Founded in 2010, the Loons or United, as they are known, are visiting England as part of their pre-season preparations. Their squad is multi-national with thirteen from the USA, three Brazilians and one each from Italy, Jamaica, Serbia and Japan, including midfielder Omar Daley, a former Scottish Premier League star with Motherwell who has made seventy international appearances for the Jamaicans.

Head coach Manny Lagos was a member of the USA's Olympic team in 1992 while assistant Coach Carl Craig and Goalkeeping Coach Paul O'Connor have roots in the north east of England.

Kick off at the Autoworld Arena is 7.45 pm with admission set at £7 for adults and £4 for concessions. Children under 12 go free.