'Replacing Margs is impossible' - Matlock eye reinforcements following exit of star forward

It was announced last week that Margetts had left the club to join King's Lynn Town, who are currently embroiled in a fight for survival in the National League North.

The former Stamford striker only re-joined the Gladiators last summer and went on to score 33 goals in 30 games this season for the club – that figure recently adjusted officially to 28 in 28 after the records from matches against Marske United were expunged.

Of Matlock's 40 league goals this season, 21 came from Margetts, and Carruthers admits the players still at his disposal must share the workload to fill the void left by the prolific frontman.

“Replacing Margs is impossible," he said.

"We’re lucky now we managed to get Scott Boden over the line, we know he can score goals.

"But you can’t rely on one person to find you the goals, we need everyone contributing. We need to make the most of set pieces and get our midfielders scoring some goals.”

Experienced striker Boden, 34, joined the club earlier this month following Karl Demidh's move to promotion-chasing Pitching In NPL East Division side Belper Town.

They have more recently added to their options in the final third with the capture of young Derby County winger Callum Moore on an initial one-month loan.

Having seen their last three matches fall foul of the weather, the squad's attention turns to in-form FC United of Manchester's trip to the Proctor Cars Stadium on Saturday.

The Reds have enjoyed a mini-resurgence of late and come into the game level on points with the Gladiators, and Carruthers insists his players must be ready for the challenge.

He added: “FC are a good footballing side. We got a great result at their place and we’ll be looking to do the double.

"I want us to be on the front foot from the start. It’ll be all-out attack. We know their threats, they’re very good going forward.

"It’s a huge game. If we can win our games in hand then we’ll be seven points behind the play-off places. We have to have hope, we’ve got to keep believing.”

Photo credit: Matlock Town