They follow a week of reflection on a dire performance which saw the Gladiators hammered 4-1 at Ilkeston Town in the FA Cup first qualifying round (report on page 34).

“We've got to be absolutely on our game against Boston and Hednesford and that really goes in nearly every game this year in what has become an extremely tough and competitive league,” said Matlock joint-manager Gareth Williams.

“This league has changed so much even in the four or five years we've been managing as there's far more money being thrown about now.

“We'll be looking to put Ilkeston well and truly behind us and string a few good results together.”

“It may be that we have to tweak around with the side a little for really anyone who played on Saturday probably doesn't deserve a starting place against Boston,” he added.

“We'll have to show some hunger and those that are selected will have to take their chance.”

That "tweaking" may see a return for skipper Simon Barraclough who has had to be content with a place on the bench in recent games.

He came on in both of the last two games and did well so he should be chomping at the bit to prove to Williams and Phil Brown that he is worth his place in the line up.

Defenders Ryan Davis and Ashley Foyle, the latter having signed a contract with the Gladiators on Saturday, have knocks, but both are expected to be fit for the weekend despite sitting out training on Tuesday.

And Williams was hopeful that Jamie Jackson's ankle injury, which has forced him out of the last four games, will have recovered enough to see the ex-Chesterfield winger in the frame for selection.

Reflecting on the cup exit, Williams said: “Sometimes you have to put your hands up and admit that the best team won. We were outplayed all over the park and giving away a sloppy early goal didn't help our cause.

“We’d defended very well against Guiseley, Eastwood and Worksop, but on Saturday we defended terribly.

“Ilkeston’s front two caused us loads of problems and I think we were intimidated as we were second best in every department.

“Ilkeston were faster than us, and all in all it was a very bad day at the office.

“They’ve had money to spend and while it doesn’t always guarantee success, you have to say that with the players that have come in their manager has spent it very well.”

The FA Cup defeat means that Matlock should have a rearranged league game on the day of the second qualifying round games which take place on Saturday week.

The UniBond League was due to announce these fixtures once all the midweek cup replays had been played.

Saturday September 20 (3pm)

Matlock Town v Boston United

Tuesday September 23 (7.45pm)

Hednesford Town v Matlock Town

Wednesday September 24 (7.45pm)

Matlock Town U19 v Stamford U19