Matlock turn to youth as forward departs

With Jamie Jackson leaving for Grantham Town last week, and Jonathan Margetts’ loan spell from Boston United coming to an end, the Gladiators are down to just Craig Westcarr and Luke Hinsley for options up front.

Frecklington said: "We'll only bring in better players than we've currently got. Twenty one players have left this club since we arrived.

“If players think the grass is greener elsewhere, we'll let them move on.

“It's difficult to get lads in at this stage of the season so some of our young lads may get an opportunity."

Margetts scored four goals in his five games with Matlock, and was voted the club’s Bowland Brewery Player of the Month.

That form appears to have given his National League North parent club Boston a nudge, and he came on as a substitute in the 3-1 defeat at home to Stockport County on Tuesday.

Frecklington added: "He provided great competition for Craig Westcarr and Luke Hinsley  and Boston had him in their sixteen man squad against Stockport on Tuesday.

“He's been our fox in the box and the intention when we brought him in was for both Jonny and Matlock to get something out of it and we can safely say that's happened.

“He'd had a disappointing time of it at Boston and then on loan at Gainsborough.

“His movement's excellent, he's been brilliant around the dressing room and we wish him nothing but the best for the future."

Matlock are not in action in the EVO-STIK League Premier Division this weekend.