Key Gladiators out of Trophy hunt

Matlock Town are preparing to face Conference Premier high-fliers Luton Town without two of their most influential players on Saturday, writes Ian Richardson.

Striker Massiah McDonald starts a two match ban and manager Mark Atkins revealed that skipper James Lukic 'won't make it' after collecting an elbow injury which saw him watch last weekend's home defeat by Stafford Rangers with his arm in a sling.

Atkins, pictured, said: "Missing James is a big blow, not only for the lad himself but for the club for we all know what he brings to the team. It's also a shame for Massiah but it does give someone else that opportunity to show us what he can do and make the headlines."

With Oscar Radford and Anthony Griffiths-Junior both cup tied, it leaves Matlock with limited playing resources, and Atkins was glad that Tuesday's Derbyshire Senior Cup trip to Gresley was frozen off as he could clearly not afford any more injuries. Laurence Gaughan is expected to slot into Lukic's place with Joe Leesley and Lewis McMahon in attack.

The Gladiators will now travel to the Moat Ground next Tuesday, unless Saturday's tie with the Hatters ends all square. If that is the case it will be a trip down the M1 to Kenilworth Road on Tuesday.

Atkins has watched Luton twice himself and had them scouted on a couple of occasions, so he knows what to expect from a side battling to win back their Football League status.

He said: "They've got players who have played in League football and the Conference for all of their careers, they have experience and pass the ball better than Mansfield. They carry a big goal threat and threat all over the pitch so they're a strong and excellent side."

Can the Gladiators pull off another shock after knocking out another Conference Premier outfit Mansfield Town in the previous round? Atkins believes they can.

"We can because anything's possible in football," insisted the Gladiators manager. "If we're at our very best and Luton have a bad off day then we'll have a great chance. But we can only look after ourselves.We'll get the tactics the best we can and I know our lads will give them a good game, win, lose or draw.

He added: "It's the biggest game we've had since I came to the club and it's a big game especially for the players. We want to get through the tie, we're at home so I want us all to be positive and have a right good go at them."