Matlock Town host fellow NPL Premier Division outfit Marske United in the second round of the FA Trophy on Saturday afternoon.
The Gladiators will be looking to secure their fourth victory in a row in all competitions and to also book their place in the third round of the FA Trophy for a second consecutive season.
The Opposition
Marske United currently sit in 15th position in the NPL Premier Division. They've lost six of their last eight games in all competitions; however, in their most recent match, they did pull off an excellent 1-0 win away at Warrington Town in the league.
Marske United were founded in 1956 and are affectionately known as the Seasiders. They play their home games at Mount Pleasant Avenue in the coastal village of Marske-by-the-Sea right at the top of North Yorkshire.
The Seasiders manager is former Sheffield United, Birmingham City and England U21 player Curtis Woodhouse. Woodhouse only took over the reins at the North Yorkshire outfit on the second of November following the shock resignation of Carl Jarrett who had enjoyed a successful eight year stint at the club. Curtis has previously managed the likes of Bridlington Town, Tadcaster Albion and Gainsborough Trinity. Last year, Woodhouse was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2021 New Years Honours. Away from football, he also enjoyed a successful professional boxing career. He won 24 of his 31 bouts and became the British light-welterweight champion.
Marske finished in second position in the NPL Division One East league last season and won promotion to the NPL Premier Division via the play-offs. After losing out on the league title and automatic promotion to Liversedge in a fierce battle, Marske picked themselves up and held their nerve to defeat Shildon in the play-off semi-final before beating local rivals Stockton Town 2-1 in the play-off final.
One to Watch 32 year-old striker Adam Boyes will be a key player to look out for on Saturday afternoon. Boyes has scored ten goals in all competitions so far this season. He's previously played for the likes of York City, Barrow and Guiseley. He's also made three appearances for the England C team. This is Adam's third season at Marske and he has an outstanding goal scoring record with the Seasiders. Boyes scored an astonishing 46 goals in all competitions last season. Boyes played an integral part in the Guiseley team that won the old Conference North play-offs in 2015. Team News Recent loan signing Jaz Goundry will be available for selection for Saturday's match. Midfielder Brad Abbott is a doubt due to injury. Previous Meeting We don't have to go very far back at all for the last time these two sides met. The Gladiators hosted the Seasiders in the NPL Premier Division on the 25th of October. Matlock Town won the game 4-1 to secure all three points. A converted penalty in the 14th minute from Dale Hopson gave Marske the lead but goals from Alex Byrne, Kallan Murphy, John Johnston and Jordan Barnett gave the Gladiators an excellent victory. The match was watched by a crowd of 565.
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