The Evo-Stik League Northern Premier

"I feel there's more to come from us" declared Matlock boss Mark Atkins after watching his side demolish Burscough in their own back yard with a 3-0 win on Tuesday to open the new Evo-Stik League Premier Division campaign with two wins.

Matlock had won their opener against Stocksbridge 1-0 at the Reynolds Stadium last weekend with a lucky goal as Lee Featherstone's low cross deflected in off goalkeeper Dave Ratcliffe with just eighteen minutes left.

Atkins acknowledged that Matlock had not been at their best against Stocksbridge but he was delighted with the improvement on Tuesday night.

" It wasn't a classic on Saturday, both teams were nervous. We never reached our potential but credit must go to Stocksbridge who were better than us in the first half. There were spells in the second half when we kept the ball very well to crreate openings which we didn't take. We had no tempo in the first half, the second was better. To get a win though from the first game of the season is always important, we got it and that was the main point of the day. Before Tuesday's game we made it clear that we had to take on board what had happened on Saturday by taking the second half improvement into this game. We did just that, playing to a high standard, a great tempo, and chasing down the first clearance. I was very pleased with the whole performance, everyone did everything that was asked of them. But I still think we can improve. We mustn't stand still now, we have to keep on working hard and carry on developing as a team."

Atkins was pleased with the quality of the Matlock goals at Victoria Park, particularly the two first half ones from Colin Marrison and Ross Hannah which gave them a commanding interval advantage.

"The first goal was a great goal, and something we've been working on in training, finding the right pass and the great cross from Ben Algar which led to a marvellous header from Colin Marrison. Then as for Ross' goal, what can you say? Typical Ross Hannah, 35 yards out on the touchline. he's missed some easy ones and now what we're trying to get him working on is the simple tap-ins in the six yard box. We could and probably should have been four or five up at half time, we knew there was goals to be had for us. At 2-0 the next goal was critical and Mark Haran's header early in the second half totally took the game away from Burscough. Our two strikers worked their socks off and linked up tremendously well, bearing in mind it's only Colin Marrison's third game for us."

Atkins took time also to praise his defenders saying "Two clean sheets is really good. We were defending much better at the back end of last season and we're looking to carry that into this season. Two clean sheets is a very good start."

Matlock shared top spot with Ashton United after Tuesday's matches, the Robins having an identical record to the Gladiators having beaten Burscough 1-0 at home before a 3-0 victory at Colwyn Bay. Northwich Victoria also have two wins out of two, and hese teams could be joined on maximum points on Wednesday night by FC United of Manchester who host Nantwich and either Worksop or Whitby who face each other.

Matlock will be keen to keep their impressive start going over the August Bank Holiday weekend when they travel to Ossett Town on Saturday (3 pm) and then welcome newly promoted First Division South champions Mickleover Sports to the Reynolds Stadium on Monday (3 pm).

Ossett, who should include ex Gladiators defender Ryan Laight, have been a bogy side for them in recent years. Last February's 1-0 Matlock success at Ingfield halted a run of six successive Ossett wins in the fixture. Mickleover gave Matlock a stern test in last season's Derbyshire Senior Cup with Town scraping through 2-1 after extra time with Sports having been reduced to nine men.

"Playing Ossett, especially up there is always tough, and it looks as if they've signed somebetter players this year. And don't forget Mickleover put up a real fight against us last year in the Derbyshire Cup. But we've shown that we're prepared to fight teams for every ball, sticking a head or a foot in, and they're qualities we'll need in the two games this weekend and later in the season."

Midfielder Danny Wood limped off with hamstring trouble last weekend, missing the midweek win and being rated very doubtful for the weekend games. Ross ais expected to have recovered from a slight back injury while Lee Featherstone should also be fit after a calf complaint which forced him on to the substitutes bench at Burscough.

Key midfielder Liam King could be set for a recall on Monday after serving a three match ban following a red card in pre season at Goole.

Both Atkins and Chairman Tom Wright are asking locals to come and cheer the Gladiators on in the derby game.

"It'll be great to get a big crowd in cheering us on, both for the team's sake and the finances" said Atkins. "Fans will also be able to see the big progress with the stand and the ground and the hard work everyone at the club is putting in."

Wright agreed adding "The team have got off to a good start and we hope thontinues on Saturday. The more people we vcan get through the turnstiles the better for everyone, so please do your best to get down and chher the Gladiators "

Fans that are unable to make any games can follow the Gladiators fortunes on Twitter on the club's official website www.matlocktownfc.co.

IAN RICHARDSON