Source: Derby Evening Telegraph
Monday, March 09, 2009, 07:30
JAMIE Jackson fired a late winner yesterday to give Matlock Town precious points in their battle to avoid relegation from the UniBond Premier Division.
But FC United of Manchester left Causeway Lane baffled by the manner of their defeat.
In Carlos Roca, FC United had by far the best player on the pitch but they wasted their chances and Matlock, needing three points desperately, got them thanks to a Jackson's late show.
Roca took advantage of a terrible back-pass from Danny Wood to give United a ninth-minute lead.
That had been Roca's third chance, at that stage having failed with two earlier attempts.
United continued to hold the upper hand but, out of the blue, Matlock levelled in the 35th minute when Jackson crossed for Dene Cropper, who netted with a fine downward header to level the score.
United continued to look the more likely side in the second half, as they pushed the Gladiators back.
But Matlock, with a poor defensive record in this campaign so far, defended stoutly and goalkeeper Paul Pettinger made a couple of fine saves.
Roca hit the post but Matlock survived and the hosts could have snatched victory earlier than they did when they won a penalty in the 88th minute after a handball.
But Gladiators' leading scorer Ross Hannah saw his spot kick superbly saved by Sam Ashton.
However, two minutes into added time, Hannah put his miss aside to set up Jackson's winner.
MATLOCK TOWN: Pettinger, Brough, Riley, King, Foyle, Laight. Jackson (Yates, 92), Warne, Cropper (Benger, 61), Hannah, Wood (Featherstone, 61). Other subs: Thorpe, Buxton. FC UTD OF MANCHESTER: Ashton, Carden, Garner, Moses, Tonge, Nugent, Chappell (Whitman, 77), Baguley (Dieyet, 77), Lomax (Williams, 69), Wright, Roca. REFEREE: S Ledger (Barnsley). ATTENDANCE: 1,038.
Monday, March 09, 2009
UniBond League round-up
Source: The Bolton News
7:20am Monday 9th March 2009
LEIGH’S plight at the foot of the Unibond Premier League inceased after another defeat left them seven points adrift of safety.
With Genesis manager Lee Merricks in Singapore on duty with Manchester United youngsters, assistant Lee Doherty was left in charge.
In an even first half, both sides had their goalscoring opportunities but neither managed to break the deadlock, with Leigh forced in to reorganisation on the half-hour mark when striker Chris Thompson withdrew through injury, allowing former Vauxhall Motors frontman David Roberts to make his Genesis debut from the substitutes bench.
Having hosted three ‘home’ fixtures at Hurst Cross during the course of the season, Genesis could be forgiven for almost feeling at home, but they fell behind to Ashton in the 52nd minute when midfielder Ian Bennett latched on to a through ball to score.
Ashton their victory in the 87th minute when a mix-up between Dean Porter and defender Alex Cunliffe saw the ball rebound to Rod Thornley, who made no mistake in lobbing the keeper.
Genesis visit Kendal Town tomorrow before travelling over the Pennines on Saturday to take on big-spending Bradford Park Avenue.
FC United went down to a 2-1 defeat at Matlock, Carlos Roca scoring their goal.
Defeat was harsh on United keeper Sam Ashton, who saved two penalties during the game.
Goals from Craig Dawson and Adam Roscoe gave Radcliffe Borough their first league win since January 27.
Dawson’s 13th minute strike, and Roscoe’s on the half-hour, moved Boro up from second bottom of the table, at the expense of Saturday’s opponents Rossendale United.
Boro host Durham City tonight, kick off 7.45pm.
7:20am Monday 9th March 2009
LEIGH’S plight at the foot of the Unibond Premier League inceased after another defeat left them seven points adrift of safety.
With Genesis manager Lee Merricks in Singapore on duty with Manchester United youngsters, assistant Lee Doherty was left in charge.
In an even first half, both sides had their goalscoring opportunities but neither managed to break the deadlock, with Leigh forced in to reorganisation on the half-hour mark when striker Chris Thompson withdrew through injury, allowing former Vauxhall Motors frontman David Roberts to make his Genesis debut from the substitutes bench.
Having hosted three ‘home’ fixtures at Hurst Cross during the course of the season, Genesis could be forgiven for almost feeling at home, but they fell behind to Ashton in the 52nd minute when midfielder Ian Bennett latched on to a through ball to score.
Ashton their victory in the 87th minute when a mix-up between Dean Porter and defender Alex Cunliffe saw the ball rebound to Rod Thornley, who made no mistake in lobbing the keeper.
Genesis visit Kendal Town tomorrow before travelling over the Pennines on Saturday to take on big-spending Bradford Park Avenue.
FC United went down to a 2-1 defeat at Matlock, Carlos Roca scoring their goal.
Defeat was harsh on United keeper Sam Ashton, who saved two penalties during the game.
Goals from Craig Dawson and Adam Roscoe gave Radcliffe Borough their first league win since January 27.
Dawson’s 13th minute strike, and Roscoe’s on the half-hour, moved Boro up from second bottom of the table, at the expense of Saturday’s opponents Rossendale United.
Boro host Durham City tonight, kick off 7.45pm.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Injury time winner gives Matlock Town's survival hopes a massive boost
Source: Matlock Mercury
Published Date: 08 March 2009
UniBond League Premier Division
Matlock Town 2 FC United of Manchester 1
MATLOCK Town gave their survival hopes a massive shot in the arm with a 2-1 home victory over play-off chasing FC United on Sunday, a dramatic winner coming in the second minute of injury time.
In front of a huge crowd of 1,038 FC United dominated a lot of the game but Matlock showed great determination and tenacity, especially after going behind to a soft goal on nine minutes.
A faulty back pass from Danny Wood gave Carlos Roca an opportunity to flick his shot past the exposed Paul Pettinger.
United held the upper hand but out of the blue Dene Cropper equalised with a 35th minute header.
Matlock had to defend for long periods but Ross Hannah could have won it for them on 88 minutes but he saw his penalty saved by visiting keeper Sam Ashton after a handling offence.
There was more drama to come though and in the 92nd minute Hannah then played in Jamie Jackson who fired a diagonal shot low into the corner to secure a terrific Matlock win.
The Gladiators climbed above Boston United into 19th place and Matlock now face a real 'six pointer' on Wednesday night when fellow strugglers Buxton, currently 17th, visit the Geoquip Stadium. Kick-off is 7.45pm.
Published Date: 08 March 2009
UniBond League Premier Division
Matlock Town 2 FC United of Manchester 1
MATLOCK Town gave their survival hopes a massive shot in the arm with a 2-1 home victory over play-off chasing FC United on Sunday, a dramatic winner coming in the second minute of injury time.
In front of a huge crowd of 1,038 FC United dominated a lot of the game but Matlock showed great determination and tenacity, especially after going behind to a soft goal on nine minutes.
A faulty back pass from Danny Wood gave Carlos Roca an opportunity to flick his shot past the exposed Paul Pettinger.
United held the upper hand but out of the blue Dene Cropper equalised with a 35th minute header.
Matlock had to defend for long periods but Ross Hannah could have won it for them on 88 minutes but he saw his penalty saved by visiting keeper Sam Ashton after a handling offence.
There was more drama to come though and in the 92nd minute Hannah then played in Jamie Jackson who fired a diagonal shot low into the corner to secure a terrific Matlock win.
The Gladiators climbed above Boston United into 19th place and Matlock now face a real 'six pointer' on Wednesday night when fellow strugglers Buxton, currently 17th, visit the Geoquip Stadium. Kick-off is 7.45pm.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Matlock Town: Concentration key if Gladiators are to emerge Sunday best
Source: Derby Evening Telegraph
Saturday, March 07, 2009, 07:30
MATLOCK Town manager Mark Atkins wants his side to increase their concentration level for tomorrow's eagerly-anticipated visit of FC United of Manchester.
Atkins, who is sweating on the fitness of Jamie Jackson, Ryan Laight and Danny Wood, said: "We've got to get down to business tomorrow and get the three points.
"It's all about us, our levels of performance and how we do on the day.
"Concentration will be the key."
The game, which has been moved back 24 hours at the request of Derbyshire Police, with FC United expected to bring around 1,000 supporters with them, should be a thriller for spectators if the last meeting between the two sides back in August is anything to go by.
Then, two goals from Ross Hannah and a third from Dene Cropper helped the Gladiators take a point from a 3-3 draw at Bury's Gigg Lane.
Atkins added: "It's a game that we're looking forward to.
"We have a few knocks to Jamie Jackson (ankle), Danny Wood (hamstring) and Ryan Laight (thigh) but I'm confident that they'll be OK."
There could also be a new face in the side, following the departure of striker Simon Barraclough to Belper Town.
"We need some fresh blood in the side," he added.
"We've had poor performances at both Whitby and Witton in recent league games. That can't go on.
"Wholesale changes aren't needed but we need strength in a couple of areas."
Atkins was left frustrated after watching his side beat Boston United and then fall to a 2-0 defeat against Witton Albion a couple of days later.
"Saturday's win over Boston seems a long way away now," he said.
"We did everything right that day.
"We were focused, the defence was very secure and we were always a danger going forward. It was a very good performance.
"We'd worked on a few things in training before the game, both defending and attacking, and they came off to a tee.
"Then we got two good goals. Once we'd scored the first one, we looked more comfortable and could then have won by more."
But that was where the praise ended and changed to grumbles.
"Against Witton, we were exactly the opposite for the first 45 minutes," he said.
"We didn't seem up for it and we definitely didn't work as hard. When we got in good positions going forward, the movement was poor inside the box.
"The game at Witton was a great opportunity for us to get a bit more breathing space and we've now lost that opportunity, which is annoying with two home games coming up.
"We've had a talk about a few things in the dressing room and, hopefully, the lads will take on board what's been said."
Saturday, March 07, 2009, 07:30
MATLOCK Town manager Mark Atkins wants his side to increase their concentration level for tomorrow's eagerly-anticipated visit of FC United of Manchester.
Atkins, who is sweating on the fitness of Jamie Jackson, Ryan Laight and Danny Wood, said: "We've got to get down to business tomorrow and get the three points.
"It's all about us, our levels of performance and how we do on the day.
"Concentration will be the key."
The game, which has been moved back 24 hours at the request of Derbyshire Police, with FC United expected to bring around 1,000 supporters with them, should be a thriller for spectators if the last meeting between the two sides back in August is anything to go by.
Then, two goals from Ross Hannah and a third from Dene Cropper helped the Gladiators take a point from a 3-3 draw at Bury's Gigg Lane.
Atkins added: "It's a game that we're looking forward to.
"We have a few knocks to Jamie Jackson (ankle), Danny Wood (hamstring) and Ryan Laight (thigh) but I'm confident that they'll be OK."
There could also be a new face in the side, following the departure of striker Simon Barraclough to Belper Town.
"We need some fresh blood in the side," he added.
"We've had poor performances at both Whitby and Witton in recent league games. That can't go on.
"Wholesale changes aren't needed but we need strength in a couple of areas."
Atkins was left frustrated after watching his side beat Boston United and then fall to a 2-0 defeat against Witton Albion a couple of days later.
"Saturday's win over Boston seems a long way away now," he said.
"We did everything right that day.
"We were focused, the defence was very secure and we were always a danger going forward. It was a very good performance.
"We'd worked on a few things in training before the game, both defending and attacking, and they came off to a tee.
"Then we got two good goals. Once we'd scored the first one, we looked more comfortable and could then have won by more."
But that was where the praise ended and changed to grumbles.
"Against Witton, we were exactly the opposite for the first 45 minutes," he said.
"We didn't seem up for it and we definitely didn't work as hard. When we got in good positions going forward, the movement was poor inside the box.
"The game at Witton was a great opportunity for us to get a bit more breathing space and we've now lost that opportunity, which is annoying with two home games coming up.
"We've had a talk about a few things in the dressing room and, hopefully, the lads will take on board what's been said."
Friday, March 06, 2009
Wilson dilemma for Rebels
by Stuart Brennan
March 06, 2009
FC UNITED are in limbo over the future of injured top scorer Kyle Wilson.
The former Crewe striker, who has scored 24 goals in 32 games in his first season for the Rebels, has not played for five weeks after damaging knee cartilage in the home win over Guiseley.
FC have only won once in four games without him, slipping out of the play-off positions, and need a win at Matlock Town tomorrow to re-ignite their promotion hopes
Wilson is awaiting a scan on the knee, but has been pushed down the NHS pecking order as his case is non-urgent.
The Rebels are hoping the players union, the PFA, may be able to help, but there is a chance Wilson will not play again this season.
“The PFA judge every case on its merits, so it’s up to them,” says manager Karl Marginson. “It’s just the situation that a non-league club can’t afford to pay for scans.”
FC will also be without broken leg victim Dave Neville, and the team is weakened further by suspensions to midfielder Simon Carden and right back Danny Warrender, both for totting up five yellow cards.
“Adam Carden can fill in at right back, and we have Jamie Baguley, Papis Dieyte and Neil Chappell all vying for that midfield place,” says Marginson, whose team drew 3-3 with Matlock at Gigg Lane earlier in the season.
FC have dropped points against all of the bottom nine clubs, and Marginson feels that is an indicator of the strength of the Unibond League’s premier division.
“The difference between the bottom half and the top half isn’t that big,” he says. “I can’t believe a team like Boston, who were a good side that was strong, worked hard and were well-disciplined, is down in a relegation place.
“We have always had teams raising their game against us, and this division is no different.”
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Manager sets FC promotion target
March 05, 2009
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson set his team a promotion points target after their disappointing home draw against Buxton.
The reds battled back to 1-1 in Saturday’s bad tempered affair, which saw Margy sent to the stands and winger Jerome Wright sent off for a scuffle in the dying minutes.
But the boss is still convinced that his talented side have what it takes to make the UniBond Premier League play-offs.
As he prepared his squad for their trip to Matlock this Sunday, March 8, kick-off 3pm, Margy said: "There are 11 games left and I still believe we will be there or thereabouts if we take 23 points from the remaining 33.
"It’s a realistic target but we need to get some consistency.
"We put in a great performance against a well placed team in Kendal one week and then we play like we did against a so-called struggling side in Buxton the next.
"We need to make sure our commitment is what it should be and, if we play to our capabilities, then the play-offs are there to be taken."
Margy was unhappy with the refereeing performance at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
He said: "He sent Jerome off for a push to their lad’s chest but it was an impossibility because the lad had him in a head lock and was clearly punching him in the face.
"How the ref and linesman missed that I don’t know.
"I told them I was disappointed with this and was sent to the stands. We will forget about it and move on."
FC hope to bounce back on their trip to Derbyshire to face 19th-placed Matlock.
Margy said: "We don’t look at the league positions.
"We have lost points to all of the bottom teams and yet taken points off some of the top ones this season. That’s the way this league works.
"They (Matlock) will raise their game as most clubs do against us and we need to be prepared and get back to playing like we did at Kendal if we’re going to return to winning ways."
Midfielder Dave Neville will be out of action for between four to six weeks with a broken ankle and top scorer Kyle Wilson is waiting to have a scan on his knee injury to assess exactly what the problem is.
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson set his team a promotion points target after their disappointing home draw against Buxton.
The reds battled back to 1-1 in Saturday’s bad tempered affair, which saw Margy sent to the stands and winger Jerome Wright sent off for a scuffle in the dying minutes.
But the boss is still convinced that his talented side have what it takes to make the UniBond Premier League play-offs.
As he prepared his squad for their trip to Matlock this Sunday, March 8, kick-off 3pm, Margy said: "There are 11 games left and I still believe we will be there or thereabouts if we take 23 points from the remaining 33.
"It’s a realistic target but we need to get some consistency.
"We put in a great performance against a well placed team in Kendal one week and then we play like we did against a so-called struggling side in Buxton the next.
"We need to make sure our commitment is what it should be and, if we play to our capabilities, then the play-offs are there to be taken."
Margy was unhappy with the refereeing performance at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
He said: "He sent Jerome off for a push to their lad’s chest but it was an impossibility because the lad had him in a head lock and was clearly punching him in the face.
"How the ref and linesman missed that I don’t know.
"I told them I was disappointed with this and was sent to the stands. We will forget about it and move on."
FC hope to bounce back on their trip to Derbyshire to face 19th-placed Matlock.
Margy said: "We don’t look at the league positions.
"We have lost points to all of the bottom teams and yet taken points off some of the top ones this season. That’s the way this league works.
"They (Matlock) will raise their game as most clubs do against us and we need to be prepared and get back to playing like we did at Kendal if we’re going to return to winning ways."
Midfielder Dave Neville will be out of action for between four to six weeks with a broken ankle and top scorer Kyle Wilson is waiting to have a scan on his knee injury to assess exactly what the problem is.
Safety worries for clash with FCMU
Source: Crosby Herald
Mar 5 2009 by Mark Johnson, Crosby Herald
MARINE FC and police officials will today rubber stamp a plan to ensure the safety of the local community as fears grow that football hooligans are heading for Crosby.
The Herald understands 21 police officers, three sergeants and mounted police will be drafted into Crosby on Saturday, March 28, when Marine FC welcome Manchester outfit FC United to the Arriva stadium for the first time in a UniBond Premier League fixture.
Safety fears stem from the previous game at Gigg Lane, Bury, when Liverpool-based Marine players were subject to abuse.
A week after that match, Marine player John Lawless had his contract scrapped for allegedly making an aeroplane motion, which was felt by some to have been an insult referencing the 1958 Munich Air Disaster in which 23 people died.
FC United of Manchester was formed as a breakaway club by fans furious at Manchester United’s takeover by Malcolm Glazer.
The planning meeting takes place this afternoon and will approve the deployment of officers inside the ground, a feature which is not normally seen by fans at the Arriva .
Seven British Transport Police officers will also be manning the Northern Line to monitor behaviour on trains and stations.
There will also be a designated area for coaches at Crosby sports centre, the Herald understands.
Internet message board posters predict Crosby’s streets could be “a battle zone” and say it could be “the game to miss”.
The match is likely to see a bigger crowd because it lands on an international weekend, when Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United will not be playing.
FCUM, who normally take 600 fans, have been allocated 1,000 tickets, and Marine have 750.
Crosby neighbourhood Insp Neil Turner said: “We will ensure the safety of football fans and the local area on the day.”
Mar 5 2009 by Mark Johnson, Crosby Herald
MARINE FC and police officials will today rubber stamp a plan to ensure the safety of the local community as fears grow that football hooligans are heading for Crosby.
The Herald understands 21 police officers, three sergeants and mounted police will be drafted into Crosby on Saturday, March 28, when Marine FC welcome Manchester outfit FC United to the Arriva stadium for the first time in a UniBond Premier League fixture.
Safety fears stem from the previous game at Gigg Lane, Bury, when Liverpool-based Marine players were subject to abuse.
A week after that match, Marine player John Lawless had his contract scrapped for allegedly making an aeroplane motion, which was felt by some to have been an insult referencing the 1958 Munich Air Disaster in which 23 people died.
FC United of Manchester was formed as a breakaway club by fans furious at Manchester United’s takeover by Malcolm Glazer.
The planning meeting takes place this afternoon and will approve the deployment of officers inside the ground, a feature which is not normally seen by fans at the Arriva .
Seven British Transport Police officers will also be manning the Northern Line to monitor behaviour on trains and stations.
There will also be a designated area for coaches at Crosby sports centre, the Herald understands.
Internet message board posters predict Crosby’s streets could be “a battle zone” and say it could be “the game to miss”.
The match is likely to see a bigger crowd because it lands on an international weekend, when Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United will not be playing.
FCUM, who normally take 600 fans, have been allocated 1,000 tickets, and Marine have 750.
Crosby neighbourhood Insp Neil Turner said: “We will ensure the safety of football fans and the local area on the day.”
FC duo's red card puzzle
March 05, 2009
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson has reacted with bemusement to the red cards shown to him and star player Jerome Wright in the stormy finish to last week’s draw with Buxton.
Wright was sent off for a second yellow card after tangling with an opponent – who also received a booking - and Marginson was dismissed to the stands after protesting to the referee and linesman over the incident.
“The referee didn’t see what happened,” said Marginson. “The other lad sat on Jerome’s head and was punching him in the face. I was watching it clearly, and thought the linesman must have seen the same thing.
“Lo and behold, he gave Jerome a yellow card. I asked the linesman why, and he said Jerome pushed the other lad in the chest – how he could do that when he was sitting on his head, I don’t know.
“The referee told me to get back in the box, but I then pointed out to the linesman what he had missed. The referee came over and did what he did.
“I went in to see the referee afterwards and he told me I was sent off for calling him an expletive – which I didn’t do.”
Wright, who will now miss next week’s home game with Frickley, but is free to play on Sunday at Matlock Town, was also stunned: “It was a joke. me and the other lad had a tackle and he landed on top of me. Then he sat on my head with his hand in my face.
“I pushed him off me and then it all went off and the next thing, I was walking. The referee told me it was a linesman’s decision.
“He said I was dragging the opponent down to the floor, but I don’t know whay I would be dragging down someone who was sitting on my head!”
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson has reacted with bemusement to the red cards shown to him and star player Jerome Wright in the stormy finish to last week’s draw with Buxton.
Wright was sent off for a second yellow card after tangling with an opponent – who also received a booking - and Marginson was dismissed to the stands after protesting to the referee and linesman over the incident.
“The referee didn’t see what happened,” said Marginson. “The other lad sat on Jerome’s head and was punching him in the face. I was watching it clearly, and thought the linesman must have seen the same thing.
“Lo and behold, he gave Jerome a yellow card. I asked the linesman why, and he said Jerome pushed the other lad in the chest – how he could do that when he was sitting on his head, I don’t know.
“The referee told me to get back in the box, but I then pointed out to the linesman what he had missed. The referee came over and did what he did.
“I went in to see the referee afterwards and he told me I was sent off for calling him an expletive – which I didn’t do.”
Wright, who will now miss next week’s home game with Frickley, but is free to play on Sunday at Matlock Town, was also stunned: “It was a joke. me and the other lad had a tackle and he landed on top of me. Then he sat on my head with his hand in my face.
“I pushed him off me and then it all went off and the next thing, I was walking. The referee told me it was a linesman’s decision.
“He said I was dragging the opponent down to the floor, but I don’t know whay I would be dragging down someone who was sitting on my head!”
FC aim to go to Town
10:00am Thursday 5th March 2009
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United will be hoping for a more comfortable ride than last time out when they travel to struggling Matlock Town on Saturday.
The Rebels, who still harbour ambitions to make the UniBond Premier League promotion play-offs, drew another enthusiastic 2,000-plus crowd to Gigg Lane last weekend.
But they failed to deliver the expected win when they were held 1-1 by Buxton in a match that ended in drama.
With the seconds ticking away, Reds’ winger Jerome Wright was sent off for a second bookable offence after reacting angrily to a late challenge. And in the ensuing row, manager Karl Marginson was ordered to the stands.
Marginson’s men have often struggled this season against so-called lesser teams and once again they made it hard for themselves, conceding after just seven minutes when Mark Reed put Buxton in front.
The visitors were unlucky not be be further ahead at half time but FC were back on terms seven minutes into the second period when centre-back Adam Tonge netted the equaliser.
Despite their efforts to claim all three points, the match ended in frustration as the Derbyshire side defended stubbornly and held out for a point.
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United will be hoping for a more comfortable ride than last time out when they travel to struggling Matlock Town on Saturday.
The Rebels, who still harbour ambitions to make the UniBond Premier League promotion play-offs, drew another enthusiastic 2,000-plus crowd to Gigg Lane last weekend.
But they failed to deliver the expected win when they were held 1-1 by Buxton in a match that ended in drama.
With the seconds ticking away, Reds’ winger Jerome Wright was sent off for a second bookable offence after reacting angrily to a late challenge. And in the ensuing row, manager Karl Marginson was ordered to the stands.
Marginson’s men have often struggled this season against so-called lesser teams and once again they made it hard for themselves, conceding after just seven minutes when Mark Reed put Buxton in front.
The visitors were unlucky not be be further ahead at half time but FC were back on terms seven minutes into the second period when centre-back Adam Tonge netted the equaliser.
Despite their efforts to claim all three points, the match ended in frustration as the Derbyshire side defended stubbornly and held out for a point.
Town's Sunday boost
Published Date: 05 March 2009
By Ian Richardson
MATLOCK Town are expecting their biggest crowd for years when they host FC United of Manchester in the Gladiators' first Sunday game for more than two decades.
FC regularly take 1,000 or more fans away with them, and with fans from other league and non-league clubs fascinated by the attraction of the rebels, the message from Matlock officials is to arrive early to avoid congestion at the turnstiles.
And if Sunday's game is half as exciting as the season's opener at Bury's Gigg Lane ground which ended in a 3-3 draw, supporters are in for a treat.
Then, on Wednesday, it is another crucial relegation six-pointer and potential bumper crowd when deadly rivals Buxton make the short trip down the A6.
Matlock boss Mark Atkins expects to have at least one new face in for the FC United clash.
"I've put seven days notice in on a player and that will soon be up, so I'll be speaking to him with a view to him being with us before the weekend," he said.
"We need some fresh blood and I'm also wanting to bring in one or two more new lads by the weekend if I can."
"We've had poor performances at both Whitby and Witton in recent league games," he admitted.
"That can't go on. Wholesale changes aren't needed, but we need strength in a couple of areas."
Matlock have one or two knocks going into the game which might be another reason for Atkins to add to the squad.
Jamie Jackson, who destroyed United back in August, left the field two minutes from the end on Tuesday with an ankle strain.
Danny Wood has still not recovered completely from his hamstring trouble and Ryan Laight picked up a thigh strain.
Atkins, though, remains confident that the trio will be okay by the weekend and hopes Tuesday's disappointing defeat at Witton will be a distant memory and that his players will repeat what they got right in their victory at Boston three days earlier.
"The game at Witton was a great opportunity for us for having won at Boston, we could be breathing that little bit more easily had we won again," Atkins said.
"The team that gets out of this mess will be one that can win two or three games together.
"We've now lost that opportunity which is annoying with two home games coming up.
"We've had a talk about a few things in the dressing room after the game and hopefully the lads will take on board what's been said.
"We've now got to get down to business on Sunday and get the three points.
"It's all about us and our levels of performance.
"If we can repeat performances such as Saturday's then we'll win more than we'll lose.
"The first forty-five minutes at Witton was terrible but it's no use crying over spilt milk.
"That game's gone now, we can do nothing about it now except not to play like that again and concentrate on the games to come."
Sunday March 8 (3pm)
Matlock Town v FC United of Manchester
Wednesday March 11 (7.45pm)
Matlock Town v Buxton
By Ian Richardson
MATLOCK Town are expecting their biggest crowd for years when they host FC United of Manchester in the Gladiators' first Sunday game for more than two decades.
FC regularly take 1,000 or more fans away with them, and with fans from other league and non-league clubs fascinated by the attraction of the rebels, the message from Matlock officials is to arrive early to avoid congestion at the turnstiles.
And if Sunday's game is half as exciting as the season's opener at Bury's Gigg Lane ground which ended in a 3-3 draw, supporters are in for a treat.
Then, on Wednesday, it is another crucial relegation six-pointer and potential bumper crowd when deadly rivals Buxton make the short trip down the A6.
Matlock boss Mark Atkins expects to have at least one new face in for the FC United clash.
"I've put seven days notice in on a player and that will soon be up, so I'll be speaking to him with a view to him being with us before the weekend," he said.
"We need some fresh blood and I'm also wanting to bring in one or two more new lads by the weekend if I can."
"We've had poor performances at both Whitby and Witton in recent league games," he admitted.
"That can't go on. Wholesale changes aren't needed, but we need strength in a couple of areas."
Matlock have one or two knocks going into the game which might be another reason for Atkins to add to the squad.
Jamie Jackson, who destroyed United back in August, left the field two minutes from the end on Tuesday with an ankle strain.
Danny Wood has still not recovered completely from his hamstring trouble and Ryan Laight picked up a thigh strain.
Atkins, though, remains confident that the trio will be okay by the weekend and hopes Tuesday's disappointing defeat at Witton will be a distant memory and that his players will repeat what they got right in their victory at Boston three days earlier.
"The game at Witton was a great opportunity for us for having won at Boston, we could be breathing that little bit more easily had we won again," Atkins said.
"The team that gets out of this mess will be one that can win two or three games together.
"We've now lost that opportunity which is annoying with two home games coming up.
"We've had a talk about a few things in the dressing room after the game and hopefully the lads will take on board what's been said.
"We've now got to get down to business on Sunday and get the three points.
"It's all about us and our levels of performance.
"If we can repeat performances such as Saturday's then we'll win more than we'll lose.
"The first forty-five minutes at Witton was terrible but it's no use crying over spilt milk.
"That game's gone now, we can do nothing about it now except not to play like that again and concentrate on the games to come."
Sunday March 8 (3pm)
Matlock Town v FC United of Manchester
Wednesday March 11 (7.45pm)
Matlock Town v Buxton
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
