Gladiators prepare for top two

Matlock’s Mark Atkins reckons his Gladiators are ready to take on the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s top two sides on consecutive Saturdays after beating Grantham 3-2 in their last outing, writes Ian Richardson.

Premier Division Matlock travel to Hednesford's Keys Park this Saturday before hosting league leaders North Ferriby United the following weekend and the Gladiators manager believes his side are in good shape for the two tough tests after the Gingerbreads victory.

Atkins, pictured, said: "Winning the game was the be all and end all. We've played much better in a lot of games and come away with nothing. Given that we now play the top two in the next two league games, it was a very important result but we're not overawed at facing Hednesford and North Ferriby. They're good games for us and if we can play like we did against the likes of Mansfield and Luton [in the FA Trophy], then we'll be in with a chance."

Despite revealing that he is already making contingency plans to train on Saturday should arctic weather play havoc with the weekend's fixture programme, the Gladiators manager admits that his players will have to be at the top of their game to return with any kind of result.

"Hednesford are the best team I've seen this season," he said. "Rhey're very strong in all departments and you only have to look at the quality they have on the bench to see they're pushing hard for the title. But if we go there all fully focused and stay solid to keep their opportunities down, we'll get chances and it'll be up to us to take them."

Matlock secured their first home win on a Saturday of the season when Grantham visited Causeway Lane. Atkins praised his side's performance and in particular that of top scorer Lewis McMahon who scored his 18th goal of the campaign.

He said: "I was very pleased with the win against Grantham who to be honest surprised me a little. They caused us some problems in the first half but having started with four forwards we tightened things up in the second half by dropping a player back and we defended much better. In the end we could have won by more. We created some good chances and their keeper's made two great saves.

"Lewis has done exceptionally well. I expected between fifteen and twenty goals from him this season so to have eighteen now is fantastic, thoroughly deserved. He works very hard and takes the chances which come his way. Don't forget also he's missed two penalties having not missed one in his career before this season. He's been excellent."

* Matlock say Tuesday night's postponed Derbyshire Senior Cup Quarter Final at home to Borrowash Victoria has been rearranged for Tuesday January 29.