Gladiators hailed for fighting spirit

Matlock Town's joint interim boss Martin Foster has praised the spirit in the Gladiators squad after last weekend's vital 3-1 victory at Witton Albion in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's top flight, writes Ian Richardson.

It was Matlock's first victory in eight league outings since a 3-1 home win against Barwell at the end of August and only their second maximum point haul of the season. The Gladiators remain second from bottom but Foster believes they are in much better heart for some tough challenges that lie ahead, starting on Saturday with a visit from Stourbridge and then on Tuesday night when FC United of Manchester visit the Autoworld Arena.

Foster said: "It was a great result for us after what had been a poor first forty five minutes. But the pleasing thing was that the lads showed true character to turn things around and it showed the togetherness in the team. We were all delighted coming off and getting the win takes some of the weight off their shoulders and we can now hopefully play with more confidence."

Another disappointing result looked on the cards last weekend when Neil Harvey nodded Witton into a 13th minute lead but a Danny Holland penalty four minutes before the interval put Matlock on level terms before strikes from Corey Gregory and James Ashmore in the final sixteen minutes ensured the wins.

Foster, who has returned to light training following his broken leg sustained in the pre-season game at Handsworth Parramore, added: "For sixty five minutes at Grantham we were excellent and then for whatever reason the performance tailed off and continued into the start of the Witton game. But we came back again and it was down to the lads doing exactly what the management wanted.

"We've not shouted and bawled at them. It could be that the lads don't know how to handle being near the bottom of the league. In the second half they took it upon themselves to do what was needed, once they're over that white line they've got to perform. It's a ninety minute performance we need now and we'll be emphasizing this in the build up to the weekend."

Injury is still expected to rule out defenders David Haggerty and Micky Harcourt plus captain Liam Needham against the Glassboys.

* Gladiators officials are now considering the CVs of candidates hoping to succeed former manager Mark Atkins after the deadline for applications closed on Wednesday night.

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