Martin Carruthers gets a win at former club Ilkeston with Matlock Town

Jonny Margetts scored in both games to take his tally to 31 league and Cup goals for the season. He gave Matlock the lead on Saturday only for the Highwaymen to draw level when goalkeeper Saul Deeney made a rare error.

"Saul's saved us on many occasions, the fact we didn't win the game is down to people other than Saul not doing their jobs so it was very frustrating to say the least " said Carruthers.

"Thankfully we got back on course on Boxing Day. It was nice to return to one of my former clubs as Matlock Town manager and get the win.

Over the 90 minutes we were the better side in a tight game, so three points and a clean sheet was just what we wanted. Everyone stepped up to the plate, there were some great performances out there, Everyone at the back was massive and we worked hard in midfield. So a good afternoon and we've got to take that performance into Saturday’s game with Stafford."

Stafford come to the Proctor Cars Stadium in a game brought forward 48 hours from New Year's Day. Matlock officials are hoping for a four figure gate with local EFL clubs and the likes of Chesterfield, Buxton and Alfreton not playing.

"Stafford are fighting for their lives and their performances seem to have got better since Dave Cook took over as manager,” added Carruthers. “So we need to be wary of the challenge that faces us and make sure we all do our jobs."

Matlock might be able to recall Adam Yates to their defence for the last game of 2023, Yates having missed the last two games with a hamstring complaint sustained at Bamber Bridge on December 16. Jamie Sharman will also be back in contention.

"Hopefully with lads returning we should have a virtually full squad available,” said Carruthers.

“Yates coming back is obviously a big boost for us and Connor Dimiao has been on the bench , we'll continue to monitor his progress. One thing's for sure we'll need everyone as the season progresses.”