Phil Brown was a happy man after watching his side get their UniBond League Premier Division campaign off to a winning start with victory over Lincoln United at the Geoquip Stadium on Tuesday night. On Saturday while Matlock were left kicking their heels being left on the sidelines after Scarborough's demise, Lincoln were beating highly fancied Witton Albion 1-0, so they came to Derbyshire full of confidence. But Matlock's fighting spirit came to the fore as they hit back from a goal
down to score twice in ninety seconds to take the points.

"It's an excellent start" said a beaming Brown. "We knew it'd be a physical game but it's a great first game to have. Any new players playing or watching would have no doubts as to what a tough game it is in the UniBond League. We matched Lincoln physically and mentally and still played our football, carving out numerous chances. In fact we could have won by more than 2-1."

Not for the first time, Brown praised the attitude of his players saying "These lads are truly amazing. Their team spirit and work ethic is fantastic. They went behind to an unfortunate goal which came from an unjust free kick and then Ryan Davis was held down when the lad scored. It was their first shot at goal, but they carried on doing the right things, working hard and they got their just desserts. We looked strong defensively and at the other end were very creative with Ian Holmes and Simon Barralough both looking sharp. Competition for places up front will be very
interesting soon."

Matlock had to do without Dene Cropper as the six foot tall hit man on Tuesday due to some inflammation on his knee. It looks to be a sensible decision to omit him, particularly with a glut of games to come inside the next two or so months. "Perhaps he could have gone on the bench but we really need to get him fully fit with two games in three days" Brown explained. "He's done some jogging on Tuesday and will train on Thursday and then we'll make a decision ahead of the Bank Holiday programme but I think he'll play some part."

The Gladiators are at home again on Saturday when they entertain Whitby Town before they travel to new boys Stamford on Monday afternoon (3 pm). Matlock achieved a league double over the North Yorkshire side last season winning 2-1 at the Turnbull Ground through a Paul Riley brace and 5-1 at the Geoquip Stadium, a tally which included an Ian Holmes hat trick. An epic League Challenge Cup quarter
final against Whitby also went the way of the Gladiators who triumphed 5-4 after extra time. "We hope to get another win on Saturday and we can then go into Monday full of confidence" said Brown. "After not playing last weekend we want to pick up as many points as we can in these early weeks so we can be right in the mix. Whitby will be another tough game and Stamford are something of an unknown quantity but we'll be watching them at Ilkeston on Wednesday night."

Brown was upset that his namesake and Lincoln United defender Ben did not join Gladiators substitute Laurence Hall in being red carded at the end of Tuesday's match. The pair clashed just as the final whistle sounded and Lincoln were quick to get their defender out of the way and sight of referee Dave Plowright.
"If Laurence has thrown punches then he deserved to be sent off but their defender was equally at fault as he had Laurence around the neck. Why would a player estatic after a victory want to get himself sent off? If Laurence was going to go then the defender should have gone as well and I don't quite know how one of the two assistant referees missed it. Laurence will likely now get a three match ban while their defender gets away with it."

Meanwhile Brown paid tribute to utility player Craig Hopkins who has been forced to quit the game with a stomach injury. "We want to thank him for his efforts. He was a big part of the side which finished second in the First Division three or so years ago and he also had a major role in our League Cup Final sucess of 2005.He gritted his teeth and battled through the pain barrier, possibly playing when he shouldn't have, for his team mates and the club. Its sad that he can't play anymore and we can't thank him enough. He'll always be welcome in our dressing room and at our games."
Chesterfield based Hopkins was at Kettering Town before moving to Ilkeston Town and Gresley Rovers prior to joining Matlock. His versatility saw him happy at either full back or in midfield.

Cycles Gladiator, the award winning wine from California, will be supporting the Gladiators this season as they have provided bottles of their product as prizes for raffles and competitions staged by Matlock. Further information on Cycles Gladiator can be found by contacting cyclesgladiator@patriachewines.com or by ringing 020 7381 4016.