Matlock looking for final touch

The league leaders come to town on Saturday and Matlock manager Mark Atkins wants his side to repeat the performance in last weekend's FA Cup defeat to Hinckley United, but convert more of the chances being created.

Newly promoted Chorley will present Matlock with a stern test in what is a tough and competitive Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division this season, but Atkins is upbeat after his side dominated much of the cup tie, but lost 3-1.

"We were the better side and dominated for long periods. Their keeper's made three or four top drawer saves and our finishing wasn't as good as it should have been. But I can't fault the effort and determination from the players. Their first goal was from a defensive lapse and then he's mishit the shot and its found the corner. The second one could have gone absolutely anywhere while their third came late on when we were one against one at the back. There's a lot of positives for us to take from the game. I think they were very worried that we were going to turn them over. Their manager's come to me and said we didn't deserve that result. All of our players deserve praise and I was pleased we didn't hoof the ball about, we always tried to play it on the floor."

Now Atkins wants to use the pain and disappointment of defeat in the FA Cup in a positive way.

"After the game I praised the lads for their performance but also said to them we're out of the FA Cup and there's nothing we can do to alter that. But we've got a run of vitally important games coming up, the standard's now been set and I want them to reproduce that kind of form week in and week out."

The Town boss has been trying to add to his squad.

"I've made a lot of phone calls and we've just had an offer for a player turned down. Unfortunately I don't know if I can go back with an improved offer given the amounts involved" he admitted.

He hinted that the striking department is an area which he could well strengthen. Missed chances have been the story of much of Matlock's season to date, but as he has pointed out previously goalscorers of the calibre of Ross Hannah don't grow on trees. There was a boost last week when Nathan Joynes returned as a substitute and had an excellent game as well as scoring the Gladiators' goal.

Matlock slotted in a friendly game at Armthorpe on Tuesday night primarily to give their fringe players some match practice. Even then the generosity in front of goal continued as they only had a Ben Hunter strike to show for their efforts in a 1-1 draw.

Former Sheffield Wednesday Academy midfielder Joel Magill, who can also play in central defence, played against the Baris Northern Counties East League side and signed on after the match. But the biggest surprise was the inclusion of former Assistant Manager Mark Haran at centre half. Missing for almost a year after a serious career threatening knee injury plus some family matters, Haran looked as if he had never been away.

"He's signed on for us anyway" said Atkins. "We'll have to see how things go and how his fitness is but it was good to have him playing for us again."

Midfielders Gareth Davies and Kris Bowler, both with slight knee injuries and striker T J Nightingale who suffered a gash above his left eye against Hinckley, did not travel to Armthorpe but Atkins expects them all to be fit to face Chorley.

"They've got a lot of good players and are going very well but it's a challenge we should look forward to and if we can play like we did last Saturday then we'll stand a good chance" said Atkins.

Matlock travel to Nantwich on Tuesday night before they face former table toppers Northwich Victoria in successive league games. The home game replaces the scheduled visit of Stocksbridge on Saturday week with the South Yorkshire outfit still in the FA Cup. The Gladiators are in FA Trophy action with home advantage against the winners of this weekend's Stamford v Coalville Town tie on the following weekend before travelling to the Victoria Stadium on Saturday October 29. Stocksbridge will now visit Matlock on Wednesday November 2.

Matlock's youngsters made further progress in the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday night after a 4-3 extra time win against visiting Teversal. They will travel to Kidderminster Harriers in the next round.

This Sunday sees a special game at the Reynolds Stadium as former Matlock players and well known former and present local players line up in the Sam Broach Memorial. There may even be a special guest on show in the form of Chris Waddle, subject to the former England international's commitments. Kick off is at 3 pm and the Matlock Town Sports and Social Club will be open for the match.