Matlock boss Mark Atkins is hoping for a change of luck after the new decade opened with two defeats.

After a run of just one defeat in twelve games at the end of 2009, and that in the F A Trophy to Blue Square Premier outfit Kidderminster Harriers, Matlock's opening two games of 2010 have seen a 2-1 defeat at Nantwich Town on New Years Day and a 2-0 loss at play off candidates North Ferriby United last weekend.

"Luck has definitely been against us" sighed the Gladiators boss. "But we've actually played quite well in both matches and we should probably have won them both. But we've conceded four goals in those games, all from set pieces, and that's disappointing because we've defended well as a unit. But we've got to look forward now for attacking wise we've played very well. Take last Saturday at North Ferriby when their goalkeeper was man of the match. That tells you everything. We've also hit the bar, there's been goalmouth scrambles and we've had two or three really good chances. If we'd scored that first goal then I think we'd have gone on to win comfortably. North Ferriby's two goals were both from free kicks and they created nothing from open play. But we've got to get that out of our system, our next game is a big game."

Talking on Tuesday night that "next big game" was the UniBond League Challenge Cup visit to Nantwich on Wednesday evening as Matlock looked to progress to a trip to Mickleover Sports in the 4th Round.

Atkins was planning on utilising nearly all of his squad at the Weaver Stadium, apart from team captain James Lukic, who has been granted special leave with his wife due to give birth to the couple's second child.

Matlock's frustrating day at North Ferriby was worsened when Lukic was sent off after a second yellow card for dissent with three minutes left.

"He knows he was in the wrong. James has apologised to everyone and that's it as far as I'm concerned. The referee's the one in charge. You can talk to some and not others and the one we had on Saturday was arrogant. He was calling their players by their christian names and ours by numbers. We didn't get the rub of the green with the refereeing decisions."

The Gladiators suffered no new injury problems on Humberside and both defender Lee Featherstone and striker Dene Cropper negotiated their returns from injury successfully with sixty and thirty minute appearances respectively. More welcome news for Atkins and the Gladiators' fans was the impending return of goalkeeper Adam Sollitt, possibly at Nantwich. The former England Non League international stopper was carried off with ankle ligament damage at Witton Albion in the FA Carlsberg Trophy on November 21.

"Adam's worked hard in training and on Monday night he had an intense two hour session with Nick Buxton. Hopefully there'll be no reaction and he'll be back in the side at Nantwich. It'll be great to have him back, but all credit to Nick Buxton who has stood in and played exceptionally well."

Lukic should return for Saturday's tough home clash with title chasing Bradford Park Avenue when Atkins also hopes to include a new midfielder.

"We've put seven days notice in on a player which at the present time hasn't elapsed but then I hope to be able to speak to the player and with any luck have him available for Saturday" Atkins explained.

The new recruit would replace the departed Gareth Davies, who as expected, joined Matlock's league rivals Boston United last Thursday and made his debut for the Pilgrims in their 2-0 home UniBond League Challenge Cup victory against Sheffield last weekend.

"Gareth did very well for us and we always knew that with our budget big teams would make moves for our players. I'm very sorry to see him go but can understand why, especially with the money Boston were offering him. I'm working hard to get a replacement in and hopefully he'll be in by Saturday. I've also made an enquiry for a loan player although I don't think anything will happen before the weekend."

Matlock produced one of their worst performances of the season in a 5-2 defeat at the Horsfall Stadium in October and Atkins wants the Gladiators to continue their recent good home form which has seen them win their last three league games, all without conceding a goal.

"Bradford have put a great run together since John Deacey took over as manager. They're always a strong side and now they've got good financial backing. They've really pushed on recently so it's going to be a really tough game. It was a bad day at the office for us up there where we never took advantage of the strong wind that we had in our favour in the first half. But this time we're at home and to be honest I expect us to get three points when we play at home. If we can approach the game in the right way and stick to our good habits, there's no reason why we can't get a good result."

Like most non league clubs, Matlock will be hoping that the cold winter snap has gone for this season, having not had a home fixture since the 3-1 Derbyshire Senior Cup win against Alfreton Town on December 15.

"Nearly everyone's in the same boat" said a Matlock spokesman. "We really hope that Saturday's Bradford game goes ahead. and that we get decent weather. We hope to see a good crowd, Bradford generally bring a good following as well. Bills still have to be paid so cashflow can be a problem. So lets see all you Matlock fans at the Lane to cheer the team on and we would also urge fans to support our fund raising schemes."

If Matlock managed to beat Nantwich on Wednesday, they will travel to Mickleover next Wednesday (January 27). The Gladiators beat the UniBond First Division South promotion chasers 2-1 after extra time in th Derbyshire Senior Cup in November.

The remaining two Derbyshire Senior Cup quarter finals were settled on Tuesday night. Vodkat North West Counties League Premier Division New Mills recovered from a 2-0 half time deficit at Long Eaton United to triumph 3-2 and will now visit Causeway Lane on Tuesday February 16. The other semi final tie sees Belper Town travel to Blue Square North Ilkeston Town who beat holders Buxton 3-1 after extra time.

IAN RICHARDSON