Matlock Town boss Mark Hume fumes at players after ‘toughest defeat ever’

MARK HUME slammed his Matlock Town players after the 5-0 hammering against Darlington 1883 on Saturday – and the boss says it was the toughest defeat he’s ever experienced.

The result against high-flying Darlo made it three losses in a row for the Gladiators and just one win in eight has seen them slip down the Evo-Stik NPL Premier table.

A bumper crowd of 745 turned up for Saturday’s game at Causeway Lane but Hume’s side were blown away by their title chasing visitors.

Hume admitted it was tough to take and said the players let himself and the club down after a “ridiculous” defensive display.

“We were abysmal in the first half, did a little better in the second half before fading again,” he said. “The manner in which we conceded the goals was ridiculous.

“I could have taken defeat had we given it a go and gone down fighting, there could have been some plusses to take into forthcoming games but there was nothing, it was terrible. The players have again let me, the club and the fans down big time.

“I can’t honestly remember ever being involved in a defeat like that and I don’t want to experience that again. We went in with a game plan but people didn’t do their jobs. I put it down to stupidity, not giving a monkeys or just not being able to do it.”

Despite their recent slide, the Gladiators should be safe from any late season drama and are 12 points clear of the relegation zone.

Hume, however, says his charges are playing for their futures and must impress if they are to feature for the club next season.

“We need two or three more physical players and of course a goalscorer,” he said. “I said it last week and the week before, everyone’s got to knuckle down and put in a performance, to show me and the fans that they want to be here. Some players are playing for their futures here.”