Joint Matlock boss Phil Brown is hoping that the battling performance at Worksop last weekend is a sign of better things to come as the Gladiators entertain Prescot Cables at the Geoquip Stadium on Saturday.

 

The 2-2 derby draw at Sandy Lane stretched Matlock's winless run to seven league and cup games, their last victory being a 2-0 success at Lincoln United on November 17, but the performance was a vast improvement on the rock bottom showing at Buxton on New Years Day. Simon Barraclough put Matlock in front on 32 minutes after the Tigers had dominated for much of the opening half and after goals from Anthony Jackson and Kevin Sanasay had turned the match in the hosts' favour, Paul Riley struck a terrific equaliser with ten minutes to go.

 

"It was an improved display, we looked a threat again and created and scored two good goals. In normal play we were good defensively but it's been well documented that we've been conceding from set playsand we conceded both goals on Saturday like that which was disappointing so we need to work harder in that respect, although the free kick against us for the second goal was harsh. But we played a lot better, the attitude was good and the players responded well after Buxton. Worksop were up for it, that's for sure for in the local paper all the pre match talk was about revenge but we stood up well and deserved our draw. We were the better footballing side and at the end it was their bench who were wanting to hear the final whistle. It was a decent point, a decent performance and there's still quite a bit to come from us".

 

Injuries have played a key role in the Gladiators fortunes recently, but they were able to welcome back Steve Taylor, out since that win at Lincoln, to partner leading marksman Barraclough in attack, and there was a boost for them as Paul Riley declared himself fit after being a serious doubt all week. The side looked altogether stronger than in recent matches.

 

"We know we've been depleted and people have been playing when ill or not fully fit. Saturday was very encouraging and there's only really been the Buxton game recently when we haven't deserved more for our efforts. We should really have got the three points against both Ilkeston and Leek and we could have snatched the win at Worksop. We now hope things are turning for us but we won't be counting our chickens for we thought the same before the Buxton game. We're notb there yet by a long chalk but there's hope for the future." .

 

Matlock again drew a blank with the two players they were chasing last week but Brown revealed that he hadn't given up all hope of recruiting one of the pair, a striker, before the weekend.

 

"One of the lads has got back in the side at his club, but we still might be able to get the other the other. The signs are good" said Brown.

 

Its been a frustrating time for both Brown and Williams who have been to a glut of games watching players in their so far largely fruitless search to strengthen the Gladiators squad. They were hopeful of signing Belper Town striker Ross Hannah, but Hannah, now in his second spell at Christ Church Meadow after a spell with Blue Square North Gainsborough Trinity, decided to remain with Matlock's UniBond League Division One South neighbours.

 

Good news ahead of the Prescot clash is that there are no new injury headaches for the Gladiators and there is further cause for optimism with defender Ryan Davis probably being able to play some part on Saturday after five good training stints following his three months absence with a knee injury. Jake Pidcock will also be added to the squad after his return from holiday, while there is a good chance that Dene Cropper could still be involved after this weekend after a catalogue of setbacks this season.

 

"We're hoping he'll be involved up at Guiseley next weekend" Brown said. "He's been  running again this week and hopefully he'll be able to step up his training next week ahead of the Guiseley game. If its just a case of his cartilage needing attention, he's told us he'll give it a go and if he needs a small operation,get it done in the summer to give us what he can this season."

 

Matlock will be looking to complete their second league double of the campaign against Prescot having won 2-1 at Valerie Park in September. But Brown won't be taking anything for granted.

 

"They're always tricky games against Prescot, they're quite inconsistent, capable of beating the good sides and then losing to a less fancied team. We've heard they weren't at their best against Frickley last Saturday (in a 1-1 home draw), so they'll be all out to improve this weekend and we've got to be up and ready for the challenge. We need to build on the performance at Worksop, we're overdue a win and we hope it comes on Saturday."

 

Matlock are now ten points behind the play off positions, but Brown says the battle for a top five slot goes on.

 

"We've had a lot of injuries and a bad run and we're hoping that our bad spell is now over. If we can get on a roll, and have a fully fit team we'll be okay we still have a good chance of making the play offs. There's been too much chopping and changing for one reason or another and we had more strength in depth last year. The key will be whether we stay largely injury free but we'll give it a good go."

 

Meanwhile arrangements are well under way for the Gladiators next Sportsmans Dinner to be held at the New Bath Hotel on Thursday March 27. Commercial Manager Tom Wright, looking ahead to what should be a fun packed and financially rewarding night for the club said 

"Its our 30th Sportsmans Dinner and we want to make it one to remember so we've had to work very hard to get the brilliant Sports impersonator Kevin Connelly to appear. He appeared at one of our dinners back in 1996 and was a huge success. He's in very great demand and appears regularly in the comedy series "Dead Ringers" on BBC1. We'll have another comedian on as well, so we hope fans and local businesses come along to support us." Tickets for the event are priced at £35 per person and further details can be obtained from Tom on 01629 584617 or 07850 065968.