Hardy commits future to Gladiators

The 36-year-old talisman joined Matlock on deadline day at the end of March from Liversedge.

He scored four goals in five appearances for the Gladiators, helping them to three wins from their final five remaining fixtures.

An experienced striker, Hardy has featured for clubs such as Hyde United, Grantham Town, Worksop Town and Gainsborough Trinity.

He is best known for his role at Matlock Town's local rivals Buxton Town, where he netted 135 goals to become the Bucks' second-highest all-time goal scorer.

On his contract extension with the Gladiators, Hardy said: "I'm buzzing, when Nicky said he wanted to sign me I was delighted, I had a good finish to the season and can hopefully carry it on to next season.

"It's a great club, the fans turn out on their numbers and I'm confident we'll be up there challenging at the right end of the table next season."

Newly appointed Matlock manager Nicky Law was delighted to secure the services of the prolific goal scorer for another year.

"He's a no-nonsense player who's a proven goalscorer at good levels of non-league football," Law said.

"He's also a strong character who'll be good within the club and I think he proved at the back end of last season that he's still got what's required, he'll always score goals and I think he'll prove to be invaluable to us."