Club Statement - 20.4.22

Matlock Town have been handed a one point deduction for playing an ineligible player who was subject to an FA disciplinary suspension during February.

The offence occurred when Matlock visited South Shields in a match they lost 3-1 on 22 February and the 1-1 draw at FC United of Manchester on 26 February.

The case was heard by the Northern Premier League on Wednesday when Matlock also received a £100 fine.

It is the standard punishment for this type of offence which means a club would lose the points they accrued in the fixtures.

“It was down to an error and we apologise for any inconvenience caused and also to our manager and team plus of course all our supporters who have backed us magnificently throughout the season” said a Gladiators spokesman.

Matlock will therefore retain their fifth position in the table ahead of Saturday’s final match at home to third placed Warrington Town. Bamber Bridge are in close pursuit of the Gladiators in sixth, now just one point adrift of Matlock.

So the simple equation is that Matlock must still equal Bamber Bridge’s result to gain a place in the play-offs with Brig hosting Nantwich Town in their final game.

Matlock could also still end up in third spot which would mean a home tie in the play-off semi finals against whoever finishes fourth. A fifth placed finish would almost certainly see them travel to South Shields who need a near miracle to beat Buxton to the league title.

Ian Richardson