Manager Mark Hume happy with Matlock Town’s fine start

MATLOCK TOWN boss Mark Hume is refusing to get carried away despite the Gladiators’ fine start to the Evo-Stik NPL Premier season.

Hume’s side made it four wins from six games on Bank Holiday Monday as they beat Derbyshire rivals Ilkeston 1-0 to move level on points with early leaders Blyth Spartans.

The Gladiators are working on a tight budget and Hume had to name himself and assistant Scott Maxfield on the bench on Monday.

Midfield duo Ted Cribley and Nicky Travis picked up injuries in the 2-2 draw at Hyde United last Saturday but Hume hopes they will be fit for the weekend’s trip to Skelmersdale United.

“Our budget doesn’t allow us to keep bringing people in and having them sat in the stand,” Hume said.

“I thought we were excellent. Look at what Ilkeston had available, seventeen or eighteen young lads plus Lee Hughes. We did a great job on them and for all of their possession they had no penetration which was down to us.

“Even with ten men we stayed strong, we said they wouldn’t get past us. A performance like that shows the character and belief we have in that dressing room from a really committed bunch.

“Quite simply we’ve got to carry on what we’ve been doing. When you look at things as a whole after the Bank Holiday. it was disappointing to only get the draw at Hyde.

“But then Hyde go to Salford and win, which with all respect to Hyde, I never expected as Salford are a really good attacking side. But it’s a tough, tight league and we’ve got to be really happy with our start.”

The only sour note from the Ilkeston victory was the 82nd minute red card to Micky Harcourt following an altercation with a visiting fan after the player alleged he was spat at.

“It’s disgusting what happened and we’re happy that Ilkeston have said they won’t tolerate such behaviour and it shows what a good club they are,” Hume added.

“Sometimes you have to be a big man and walk away but believe me that’s really hard in those sorts of circumstances.”