Boss not thrilled by Matlock’s win
MATLOCK Town went clear at the top of the Pitching In NPL Premier Division when they beat Derbyshire rivals Mickleover 1-0 at home in midweek.
But it was not a performance which pleased manager Paul Phillips, who thought his team were well off the pace.
They won through Liam Hughes’ scrambled goal from Alex Byrne’s cross shortly before half-time.
Jamie Cooke had already hit the post but there had been plenty of sights of goal for Mickleover.
“For me the only positive was the three points and another clean sheet,” said Phillips.
“I thought we were sluggish and unrecognisable from the team which had done so well on Saturday
“I think Mickleover were unlucky not to get anything from the game.
“We were miles off it, it’s not about effort, it’s discipline and we need to do much better than that.
“We deserved the win against FC United (1-0 on Saturday), we were organised, big, brave and on the front foot, we were the better team.
“But the Mickleover game shows we still have some work to do and it was disappointing that with a good crowd in, the fans haven’t seen the best of us.
“On the flip side we had four or five gilt-edged chances. We needed the second goal, to be more decisive in the box and then we could enjoy the game.
“Had we played a better side we’d have been punished.”
The Gladiators’ closest rivals, South Shields, lost their unbeaten record in midweek, beaten 3-0 by Bamber Bridge.
Matlock are away to Atherton Collieries today, while Mickleover, struggling to recapture the form which had them on top of the table before last season was curtailed, are at home to Morpeth Town.
The Gladiators have re-signed midfielder Liam King after an eight-year gap and last week added midfielder Arum Soleman from Tamworth and striker Tyreese Onyeke on loan from
BELPER Town and Ilkeston Town, both going well in the Pitching In NPL Midland Division, are in FA Trophy second qualifying round action today.
The Nailers are away to Spalding United, while Ilkeston travel to meet Daventry Town.
ALFRETON Town face the only remaining unbeaten side in Vanarama National North tomorrow when leaders AFC Fylde visit the Impact Arena.
But the Reds go into the game in good form, having won their last three league matches.