Matlock aim to keep pressure on at the top
An enforced break from league action gave Matlock Town a rest from competitive football this week as they prepare for the important festive period.
Saturday’s game at home to Newton Aycliffe was postponed after heavy rain across the region through Friday and Saturday caused the Proctor Cars Stadium pitch to be waterlogged, the decision made early given the visitors’ travelling commitments but not surprising given Derby County’s U21 fixture at Matlock on Friday night against Sheffield United had also fallen victim.
That meant the Gladiators were due to return to action on Tuesday night with a trip to Glossop North End in the Derbyshire Senior Cup, played after this week’s Mercury went to press.
It had originally been expected that a number of fringe and academy players would form the team to take on Glossop, although Saturday’s postponement may have left boss Adam Clayton keen to get minutes into some first team players ahead of this weekend’s visit of Bridlington Town.
The Newton Aycliffe fixture, meanwhile, has been rearranged for Tuesday, January 6 at 7.45pm.
With leaders Redcar Athletic also having seen their game on Saturday postponed, the gap at the top remains six points although Redcar also still have a game in hand.
After the weekend’s games Emley were three points behind Matlock in third, having also played 19 games, while Bradford (Park Avenue) are a point further back in fourth but have played 20.
Emley were, however, due to go to Dunston on Tuesday night, so could be level on points with Matlock before the weekend’s matches.
Saturday’s visitors Bridlington were beaten 3-1 by Matlock earlier in the season in East Yorkshire, but are firmly in the top six and also had a weekend off due to the weather this week.