Church answers Matlock's prayers

Church was at Matlock’s Thursday night training session to sign the relevant paperwork and the move is a timely one for the Gladiators with Bart Cybulski having been recalled by Derby County to go out on loan at National League Solihull Moors.

Church, 23, joined Avenue from Tadcaster Albion during the summer, having previously been at Tadcaster’s Yorkshire rivals in the NPL Eastern Division, Brighouse Town.

Gladiators boss Craig Elliott believes that Church can do well at step three level.

"I’ve had my eye on him for a while and when the opportunity came to have him on loan it was one I couldn’t turn down.

"He’s a fast and hard working striker with a thirst for goals so he fits the bill as far as I’m concerned” said Elliott.

Church, started out as a youngster on the books of Bradford City and would then play for Ossett Albion and later Ossett United following the merger of Ossett Albion and Ossett Town.

He can play anywhere across the forward line which should offer Elliott and Matlock plenty of options in attack.