Juniors celebrate night to remember

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Matlock Town may have ended up as unlucky late losers in the Derbyshire Senior Cup Final but for one of the Gladiators' junior sides it was still a night to remember, writes Ian Richardson.

The Warriors, Matlock's Under 11s team, acted as mascots alongside their counterparts from Ilkeston for the final at Chesterfield's impressive Pro-Act Stadium, the boys from both clubs forming a guard of honour as Matlock skipper Martin Foster and Robins captain Laurie Wilson led their teams into the arena. The Warriors also took part in a penalty shoot-out during the interval before resuming their ball boy duties after the break.

Warriors manager Doug Jenner was a proud man as he witnessed events unfold. While he would obviously have preferred a Matlock victory instead of Ilkeston's 2-1 win, he said it was still a night to savour after seeing officials present his team's outfield players with footballs and his keepers with gloves afterwards.

Jenner, who was at the final as guest of the county and the club along with his assistants Keith Elson and Kevin Toft, said: "It was a brilliant evening and one we'll all remember for a very long time. I know from the comments of my team how much it meant to them and how much they enjoyed the whole experience.

"These opportunities don't come round very often and are so important for the development of young players in the game. On behalf of the Matlock Warriors players, managers and parents I would like to say a huge thank you to the Derbyshire County FA and Matlock Town FC for their hospitality, generosity, and for just letting us be part of what was a fantastic evening."