Full-back Scott Brough is a major doubt for the weekend with a back injury, while four others are carrying knocks, but are expected to be fit enough for selection.

Striker Dene Cropper and centre half Adam Yates both picked up ankle knocks against Nantwich last weekend, Liam King is carrying an achilles injury and on-loan Danny Davidson cut open his foot against Buxton, but still played against the Dabbers.

The Gladiators will need other results to go their way, as well as securing maximum points against Witton, to move out of the bottom four.

Interest will also surround results at Boston, who entertain out of form Marine, and Cammell Laird at home to Bradford.

Witton, currently in 14th spot and six points better off than the Gladiators, have won the last four league fixtures between the two clubs, the final three being by an identical 2-0 scoreline.

That latest 2-0 loss came just over a fortnight ago at Wincham Park.

Matlock manager Mark Atkins will be looking for a similar performance to that his players gave him at promotion chasing Nantwich (report on page 34).

“The lads were excellent on Saturday,” claimed Atkins, who went for a change in tactics after the dire showing at home to fellow strugglers Buxton in midweek, opting for a 4-3-3 formation which, among a raft of changes, saw winger Jamie Jackson named as a substitute as Danny Davidson, Dene Cropper and Ross Hannah were all named in the starting line up.

“They arrived on Saturday fully focused, the attitude was perfect, and everyone worked tremendously hard,” Atkins added.

“We changed the way we played by going three up front, although I'm a really big believer in 4-4-2, but to play that system your wingers are really important.

“But we thought that by playing the extra man in the middle we could utilise Steve Warne's and Liam King's strength more and have the extra security behind them in Matty Thorpe.”

Atkins picked out Yates and midfielder Thorpe for special praise on Saturday.

“Adam had an excellent full first game and was highly impressive.

“Although he is a centre half he can also fit in well at full back and it showed,” said Atkins.

“Matty was magnificent and to say he'd been out for quite a while with a knee injury I thought he was excellent and he offers us another option.”

With the transfer deadline a week away, Atkins says he has been continuing his search for fresh blood and may have news on at least one addition after the weekend.

One deal that has been tied up is Danny Wood's permanent move to Causeway Lane from Stalybridge Celtic, having been previously on loan from the Tameside outfit.

And wingers Rob Lund and Matty Caudwell are still very much in Atkins' thoughts.