Interim Matlock boss ‘not surprised’ by Stafford scalp

7 syys 2022 By James Gordon

Matlock Town interim manager Kayde Coppin says his side have shown what they are truly capable of after beating Stafford Rangers 3-1 on Tuesday night.

In their first league game since the departure of former boss Paul Phillips, the Gladiators ran out comprehensive winners on home soil, against a side that started the evening top of the Northern Premier League.

Alex Wiles scored twice, either side of a sensational overhead kick from Kallan Murphy on his first start for the club, as Matlock took control of the contest long before Tom Tonks’ late consolation.

Speaking post-match, Coppin says the three points were just rewards for the club as they climbed up to seventh in the league table.

I’m not surprised, the lads can do that,” he admitted. “I know this core group of players; they’ve been underachieving, and they’ve got this type of performance in their lockers.

“We set up a bit differently, we went man-for-man and we were braver, and the lads executed what we asked of them brilliantly.

“They got their rewards. Once the first goal went in, the crowd were up, and against a good football team like Stafford, I don’t think there’d have been many gripes had we won 5 or 6-1.

“So I’m not surprised by this. We had not only a Plan A, but a Plan B and C as well.”

The Gladiators are back in action away at Guiseley this Saturday.

Where next?

New keeper for Pontefract Collieries Pontefract Collieries have confirmed the loan signing of Hartlepool United goalkeeper Patrick Boyes.

Premier Division round-up: South Shields on top as Stafford stumble South Shields scored a last-minute winner to beat Guiseley 2-1 and move top of the Northern Premier League on Tuesday night.