Gladiators set to host Rams Premier League 2 fixture

Matlock Town’s Proctor Cars Stadium is to host a prestige Premier League 2 fixture between Derby County and Manchester City this coming Saturday (12 noon kick off).

City were champions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 with players such as Cole Palmer, now on loan at Chelsea and Liam Delap playing prominent roles.

Derby, coached by Jake Buxton , have players knocking on the first team door and the fact that they are coming to the Proctor Cars Stadium highlights the increasingly close links between the Gladiators and the Rams.

Matlock Chairman Jay Beaumont says that the club did not think twice when the opportunity to host the game came up.

“We’re absolutely delighted to stage such an attractive game at Premier League 2 level and it would be good to see the local footballing public down at the Proctor Cars Stadium supporting this match. I’m sure anyone coming to our ground for the first time will enjoy visiting our picturesque ground and using the facilities we have on offer. We have a close relationship with Derby and long may that continue. There should be some very good and talented young stars on view that we could be seeing on our tv screens in the not too distant future.”

For those people who have never been to te Proctor Cars Stadium, the Gladiators have the reputation of playing in one of the most beautiful grounds in the country. Located in the Town Centre only 500 yards from the Railway Station the stadium offers panoramic views up to Riber Castle. The stadium has a capacity of 2300, there are two seated stands with seating for nearly 550 fans with standing areas under cover. There is a large tea bar providing hot food in the form of pies, chips, peas and gravy among other delicacies while hot and cold drinks plus crisps and chocolate bars are also available. The Social Club known as the Shorts Lounge can cater for up to 300 people serving a variety of cold alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.

Admission to the game costs £5 for adults, £3 for those aged 65 and over, £3 for those aged between 11 and 18 with children aged 10 and under being admitted free.

Ian Richardson