#Gladiators: ‘We were always in control,’ felt Matlock Town boss Mark Atkins

Massiah McDonald cancelled out a Jacob Hazel penalty before heading home midway through the second half to book a final place for the Gladiators.

Click here for Tuesday’s match report

Atkins said: “It was disappointing to go 1-0 down but we responded well and kept playing our football.

“Now the lads have something to look forward to and it’s a reward for everyone at the club especially as we’ve had some hard times during the season.”

Matlock will face the winners of the other semi-final between Ilkeston and Alfreton Town clash at the New Manor Ground on March 19.

Meanwhile, former Manchester united youngster Lavell White, 23, has joined from Eastwood. The left winger has signed in time to face Witton on Saturday.

Atkins added: “He greatly impressed us when we played at Eastwood the other week so we put seven days notice of approach in and secured a deal with him within our budget level.

“He put that great cross in for their last minute equaliser and overall looked a very good player.”