Matlock Town finally return to action on Saturday afternoon as they face league leaders Hyde United away from home in the NPL Premier Division. This is Matlock's first game since the 29th of October.
The Gladiators will be looking to secure their third win in a row in all competitions. Craig Elliott's side rounded off October with home victories over Marske United in the league and Stafford Rangers in the FA Trophy. A win away at Hyde could well see Matlock return to the play-off places.
Despite this league game taking place on a Saturday, the game will kick off at 2pm NOT 3pm.
The Opposition
Hyde United will be very tough opponents for the Gladiators. They're currently three points clear at the top of the NPL Premier Division and have won 10 of their 16 league games so far this season. At home, Hyde have won six of their eight league games and have lost only once. Hyde have won their last three games in a row and are unbeaten in their last five matches. In their most recent game, Hyde recorded an excellent 1-0 victory away at title favourites South Shields in the league. In their most recent game at home, Hyde demolished Bamber Bridge 7-0 in the NPL Premier Division.
Hyde United were founded in 1919 and are known as The Tigers. They play their home games at The Ewen Fields Stadium in the town of Hyde in Greater Manchester. The ground can hold up to 4,250 spectators and has a seated capacity of 530.
The Tigers manager is former Bolton Wanderers player Nicky Spooner. Spooner was appointed as the Tigers manager back in February last season.
The last trophy Hyde United lifted was the old Conference North league title back in the 2011-12 campaign. This saw the Tigers promoted to the top tier of non-league football. Hyde have also reached the semi-finals of the FA Trophy on three separate occasions.
One to Watch
22 year-old striker Manasse Mampala is certainly a player to look out for on Saturday afternoon. Mampala is from The Democratic Republic Of Congo and moved to England at the age of two. The young forward initially played for Everton's youth academy before signing professional forms for Queens Park Rangers in the Championship. After failing to break through there, Mampala moved to League Two outfit Carlisle United and made 15 appearances for them last season while also having a loan stint at Weymouth in the National League.
Mampala is in great form and has scored five goals in his last five games for the Tigers.
Team News
Midfielder Brad Abbott will definitely miss Saturday's game through injury while forward Kallan Murphy remains a doubt.
Sean Higgins will be available for selection once again following the completion of his loan spell with Widnes.
Kallum Mantack recently departed the Gladiators to join fellow NPL Premier Division outfit Warrington Rylands 1906.
Previous Meeting
These two sides last played each other in January last season in the NPL Premier Division.
Matlock Town won the game 3-2 in a pulsating affair at The Ewen Fields Stadium. A brace from Liam Hughes and a goal from Ryan Qualter secured all three points for the Gladiators. Krisel Prifti and Bradley Roscoe scored for the hosts.
The match was watched by a crowd of 460.
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