Matlock Town will welcome Mickleover for a pre-season fixture on Tuesday evening as the club continues its preparations for the coming campaign. The friendly provides another opportunity for the Stones to test combinations after four warm-up games, all staged at home.
Recent form and context
Matlock’s run of pre-season results has included draws against Belper Town and a recent home game with Rotherham, while defeats came against Barnsley and Quorn. Last season the club pushed for promotion from the Northern Premier League East Division, finishing second before being eliminated in the play-offs. The club starts the new season intent on returning to the NPL Premier.
New arrivals and defensive recruitment
Significant additions to the squad have been focused at the back. Goalkeeper Alfie Roberts has joined from Ilkeston Town; he came through youth systems at Nottingham Forest and Derby County and had loan spells at Barwell and Newcastle Town. Several defensive signings bring experience at higher levels.
- Alfie Roberts – goalkeeper, from Ilkeston Town
- Jo Cummings – centre back, from Halifax
- Pierce Bird – centre back, with League Two experience
- Jeremie Milambo – left back, returned to Matlock after time at Liversedge
The club’s recruitment shows the manager aiming for a physically robust spine while offering options across defence and midfield.
| Player | Position | Previous club(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Alfie Roberts | Goalkeeper | Ilkeston Town; youth at Nottingham Forest and Derby County |
| Jo Cummings | Centre back | Halifax; earlier spells at Sheffield United, Charlton Athletic, Scunthorpe |
| Pierce Bird | Centre back | Previously at Notts County, Eastleigh, Kidderminster and others |
"Ryan Cresswell is the Gladiators manager,"
Fixture significance for Matlock fans
For local supporters this match is more than a mere warm-up: it is a chance to see how recent signings perform in competitive conditions and how the squad shapes up defensively and in midfield balance. The Stones will be seeking to build momentum on home soil ahead of competitive fixtures. For visiting Mickleover, the friendly forms part of their broader preseason programme as they look to sharpen fitness and tactical cohesion.
Attendance at these games also gives the management and coaching staff the opportunity to assess fringe players and trial formations in match conditions, which can influence selection when league football resumes. With promotion still the clear target in supporters’ minds following last season’s near-miss, performances in friendlies will be watched with interest in Matlock.
Kick-off details and any team news are expected to be confirmed by the club ahead of the fixture; supporters should check Matlock Town’s official channels for up-to-date information.
