The Evo-Stik League Northern Premier

Matlock Town's media man Ian Richardson looks ahead to the club's clash at Stafford Rangers on Saturday and reveals how manager Mark Atkins is coping with an early season injury crisis and fans frustrated by the season's tough start.

Three out of twelve points on offer, including three hammerings, and an injury crisis, you wouldn't want to be in Matlock manager Mark Atkins' shoes this week.

But like it or not, that is the reality facing the Gladiators boss ahead of Saturday's trip to Stafford Rangers and next Tuesday night's home meeting with Frickley Athletic.

He endured a horrendous Bank Holiday weekend, seeing his team go down 4-0 at FC United of Manchester on Saturday before a 3-0 home defeat by Rushall Olympic brought about a goal difference of minus eleven. They have scored just the two goals in the win at Frickley but have let in thirteen.

Injuries have undoubtedly hit Atkins' plans. James Ashmore, three months, Ben Algar two months, Micky Harcourt and Laurence Gaughan six more weeks each, Lewis McMahon, one to two weeks, Gareth Davies - carried off at FC United - three to four weeks and Kris Bowler four weeks, are all mid to long term absentees and missed the Rushall defeat as did striker Liam Wilkin. He is now a few weeks away from a return following clearance from his doctor after bruised ribs and lungs. Then on Monday, Bradley Grayson was carried off with hamstring trouble which looks like an absence of six to eight weeks.

Atkins could forgiven then for having thought he had killed a robin. A couple of injuries within a squad is troublesome enough but nine at one go is catastrophic.

Atkins says he's working hard to fill the void. He said: "I've made twenty or so calls to people about players, I'm no making excuses for our defeats but any side losing four or five players even would struggle, that's not an excuse it's a fact. But we've still got to do better on the pitch. I'm waiting for a couple of phone calls and hope to be able to bring some lads in this week".

Atkins is also reacting to criticism on the club's website from fans, understandably unhappy with the Gladiators' start.

"It's very easy and human nature to criticise but what we all want now is everyone pulling in the same direction, all the stick despite the frustration we all feel doesn't help," he said. "Whatever happens you can't please some people but the players have to get us out of this. They have to fight for Matlock Town Football Club which they did for an hour against Rushall, so I was more pleased with us in that game."

Calls for more youngsters to play drew this response from Atkins. "Joe Leesley and Brad Grayson have both been given starts, but are not quite ready for regular games at this level. It may be more of a hinderance than a help to us and them by throwing them in regularly but they have potential to be great players in the future.

"We've had a tough start playing two teams who will be up there and another who has made a great start with four wins now. Playing kids in this league will see you getting absolutely hammered, more than we've been already. It's now more physical than it's ever been and a really good league."

On the trip to Stafford Atkins insisted: "I'd like to be playing them tomorrow, we'll see who's available and what we've got. I've had to play players out of position against Rushall, there's been no other option."

Town's FA Cup opponents are now confirmed. They face a tasty home derby clash with Belper Town on Saturday week following the Nailers' convincing 6-1 win at Holbrook Sports last weekend.