Mantack departs, Higgins returns from loan and Abbott injury update

Defender Kallum Mantack has left Matlock Town to join Pitching In NPL Premier Division rivals Warrington Rylands.

It has been a short stay at the Proctor Cars Stadium for the 24 year old who joined the Gladiators in August making nine NPL starts in his short spell at Matlock.

Matlock boss Craig Elliott could not hide his disappointment at Mantack leaving.

“I’m absolutely gutted that he’s going, it appears he’s had an offer he simply can’t refuse. He’s a top player and someone I really wanted to stay.”

Sean Higgins is expected to return to the Matlock squad for the trip to table topping Hyde United tomorrow now his loan spell at Widnes is complete while in other news striker Kallan Murphy returned to training last night with a view to him being available for the clash at Ewen Fields. But midfielder Brad Abbott will still be missing. On top of his current injury, he chopped into his finger in an accident at work on Thursday.

Ian Richardson