Homework pays off for Atkins

Mark Atkins is turning out to be one of Matlock Town's most astute managers as his homework again paid off when he plotted the downfall of promotion rivals Hednesford Town in the FA Trophy this week.

The 2nd Qualifying Round draw gave the Gladiators the draw they probably didn't want as they had to travel to Keys Park, something of a fortress for the Pitmen who had not lost at home in the league for a year. Only Corby Town had won there in an FA Cup tie and just four days before Matlock's visit, League One Walsall, containing many first team players, had been beaten 6-5 in a County Cup tie!

But Atkins has instilled battling qualities and organisation into his troops. Matlock were well worth their scoreless draw in spite of playing the last twenty five minutes with just ten men after Kris Bowler's second yellow card, and may have even won it at the first time of asking.

The 4-5-1 formation had again done it's job with Matlock this time using the ball better when they had possession. For Wednesday's replay, Hednesford and the Matlock faithful were probably expecting Atkins to revert to the 4-4-2 shape which had comprehensively beaten Stocksbridge 4-0 in the league seven days earlier.

But Atkins showed he is very much his own man as he again went with just Ian Holmes as an out and out striker and keeping a solid midfield five. And despite conceding their first goal for four hundred and thirty nine minutes which gave Hednesford the lead, Matlock bounced back as captain fantastic James Lukic and leading scorer Holmes scored to give them a 2-1 half time lead, which they subsequently held on to.

"I'm really pleased with the lads, they battled very very hard and although they've not played that well tonight, they've kept on going and full credit to them for getting themselves and the club in the next round" said Atkins.

It's been a tough couple of games but as I said beforehand, it wasn't just a matter of one game last Saturday. We had a tie to get through and it didn't matter if it took two games to do that. Hednesford haven't created any really good chances, we defended well and we had to! Our hard work then gave us some chances late on when we could have sealed it. People have got to understand that it's my objective to win games, to get good results for this football club. We've got a very good one tonight and we've made progress in the FA Trophy and earned the club some money in the process."

Matlock now face Blue square North leaders Hyde FC at the Reynolds Stadium on November 26.

"I know their manager Gary Lowe really well, they like to pass it around and have done very well this season. I'll go and watch them but for now that's on the backburner for we've got a lot of important games before then."

That run of matches starts with a tasty home derby with Worksop Town on Saturday. The Tigers made a number of significant signings in the summer but a poor start saw them near the bottom of the table and manager Martin McIntosh departed. Former Stamford boss Simon Clark took over about a month ago and Worksop are so far unbeaten under his tenure.

"I expected them to be one of the favourites to go up, considering the signings and the players they already had there" said Atkins. "But they made a surprisingly bad start but since the new manager's come in, they've done really well and we know it'll be a very tough game. But if we play like I know we can, we're a match for anybody."

Atkins expects to name the same squad as on Wednesday for the weekend. "One or two have knocks but I expect them to recover" he confirmed.

Matlock are at home again on Wednesday night to Mickleover Sports in the 3rd round of the Doodson Sport League Cup.

Meanwhile Atkins has had talks with two strikers this week but neither will be coming to the Reynolds Stadium. Atkins would not go into detail but it is understood that although the players were keen to join Matlock, their personal and work commitments have influenced their decisions.

Midfielder James Knowles has been released and has joined Sheffield in the Evo-stik NPL First Division South. Better news though comes from Oscar Radford's loan from Doncaster Rovers being extended for another month.

"James came to me and said he was wanting more first team football. He hasn't featured that much this season. Sheffield had wanted him earlier in the season and we won't stand in anyone's way when they want regular football. I can fully understand where he's coming from. He's been a great lad, we thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future. We're absolutely delighted to have got Oscar with us for a bit longer. He's done very well wherever in the back four he's played and I know it's a decision that will delight the fans just as much as it's delighted us."