Matlock Town host Gainsborough Trinity on Bank Holiday Monday in the Northern Premier League Premier Division as the Gladiators look to secure two victories in the space of just three days.
Last Saturday, Paul Phillips's side earned their first away win of the season as they beat Atherton Collieries 1-0 on the road thanks to an Alex Wiles goal shortly before half-time. The Gladiators sit in 13th position in the NPL Premier Division league table following Saturday's victory.
The Opposition
Gainsborough Trinity currently occupy 14th position in the NPL Premier Division - one spot directly below the Gladiators. Trinity have won one, drawn three and lost one of their opening five games of the 2022/23 campaign. They're currently four games without a win and haven't won since the opening day of the league season. In their most recent game, Gainsborough lost 2-0 at home to Lancaster City in the league. In their most recent away trip, Trinity drew 1-1 at South Shields and were within a whisker of an excellent victory. A 90th minute equaliser from Martin Smith prevented Gainsborough from landing a very impressive win on the road.
Gainsborough Trinity were founded in 1873 and are also known as 'The Holy Blues'. They play their home games at the Martin & Co Arena in the town of Gainsborough which is in Lincolnshire. The ground can hold up to 4,340 spectators and has a seated capacity of 504. Trinity's joint managers are Neal Bishop and Damon Parkinson. As a player, Bishop made over 100 league appearances for Notts County and Scunthorpe United. The 41 year-old was appointed as the club's joint manager in May this year following the departure of Tom Shaw. This is his first managerial role. Parkinson was Gainsborough's assistant manager last season and was previously the assistant manager for Frickley Athletic. Previous managers at Gainsborough Trinity include the likes of Neil Warnock, Chesterfield legend and former Matlock Town manager Ernie Moss, Brian Little and former Matlock Town playing duo Ross Hannah and Liam King. Gainsborough holds the notoriety of being one of the smallest places in England to have had a team play in the Football League. The last trophy they lifted was the Lincolnshire Senior Cup back in the 2017-18 season. They once reached the semi-finals of the FA Trophy in the 2012-13 campaign.
One to Watch
38 year-old veteran striker Clayton Donaldson will be a key player to look out for on Monday afternoon.
Donaldson made over 100 league appearances for Crewe Alexandra, Brentford and Birmingham City. The Bradford-born forward has also made ten appearances for Jamaica scoring two goals.
Clayton only joined Trinity last month and has scored one goal so far this season which occurred on his debut on the opening day of the 2022/23 campaign.
Team News
Defender Jamie Sharman might be unavailable for Monday's game after missing Saturday's victory over Atherton Collieries due to a knock.
Irish duo Kallan Murphy and Leigh Whelan are still waiting on international clearance to make their Gladiators debuts.
Previous Meeting
These two sides last played each other in March last season at the Martin & Co Arena in the NPL Premier Division.
Matlock came from behind to win the game 2-1. The impressive Jovon Makama put Trinity in front after 56 minutes but goals from Liam Hughes and Ross Hannah rescued the Gladiators and secured all three points on the road for Paul Phillips's side.
The match was watched by a crowd of 589.
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