PREVIEW: Matlock Town (A)

By Kurt Barnes

When: 14th July 2026 (19:45 KO)

Where: The Proctor Cars Stadium, Causeway Lane, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AR

What3Words: ///breathing.tests.comically

The Reds travel to Derbyshire on Tuesday evening to take on Matlock Town in what they hope will be their first pre-season win. Ryan Beswick has been busy once again with the addition of Jayden-Samuel Lawrence-Lowther to bolster his attacking options.

Quorn’s form:

Unfortunately for the Reds, it was a disappointing result in the first pre-season game, a 2-1 defeat to Barwell. There were valuable minutes for the plenty of the new signings though, as well as some free-flowing attacking football, which are positives to take into Tuesday’s game. Zak Goodson picked up where he left off, last-seasons top-scorer opening his preseason account in the 12th minute. The Methodists also hit the woodwork in the dying moments as The Canaries held on for the win.

The Opposition:

Matlock Town come into this game on the back of a 2-2 pre-season draw at home to local rivals Belper Town. Prior to that game, they had hosted a Barnsley XI, falling to a 2-0 defeat, again at home. Matlock had a fantastic season in 25/26, finishing second in the Northern Premier League’s East Division. The Gladiators were unlucky in their attempt to get promoted, losing out to Bradford Park Avenue 2-1 in the playoffs semi.

Head-to-Head:

The only previous competitive meeting against the Gladiators was back during the COVID shortened 2020/21 season at home in the FA Cup. Liam Humphries was on the score sheet twice for the Glads as they recorded a 2-0 win in the 1st Qualifying Round.

One to Watch:

The Gladiators have ex professional football Conor Washington within their playing squad. The former Northern Ireland international is a tenacious forward player who has scored plenty of goals for Matlock already after signing for the Gladiators last year. Washington holds, Peterborough United, QPR, Sheffield United, Rotherham United and Derby County to name a few of his former clubs. With a wealth of higher level experience, he will certainly be one for the Reds to keep quiet.

Tickets:

Adults £10.00, Concessions (Over 65 / Student) £6.00, 11 - 18 year olds £3.00, Under 11s Free

Tickets can be purchased online through the Matlock Town website, but will also be available on the turnstile.