Hard work but we deserved it - Dale

Spartans winger Robbie Dale reflected on a job well done as his side took all three points for the first time since mid November with a 2-1 victory over Matlock Town. Dale was at his best in the win as he tormented the Gladiators back four and it would be Dale's cross that led to Town defender James Lukic's own goal that sealed the win for Spartans. It was a game where Spartans showed all of their team spirit and commitment to get the win and Dale paid tribute to his team mates and the Spartans supporters. He said "It was a good win to get and we have had to work hard for it especially with their equaliser coming so soon after half time. We needed that win desperately, especially with it coming here at Croft Park. That showed that this team will fight and stay together and we want to do well for the fans as they were right behind us today."

In what had been a tough December for Spartans they started their home fixtures for 2013 in the best possible manner but Dale was keen to take the positives from the festive period in which his side put in some good shows against the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League sides, albeit with little reward. He said "It was a tough month and it seems we had to face all of the top teams in this league but we showed up well against them. Today playing against a side who are in and around us at home we had a chance to get the win and start the new month off well. Now we have to kick on and get a few wins under our belt to start looking up the league."

As manager Paddy Atkinson has called for goals from everyone in his side captain Wayne Buchanan found the net for his second goal of the season and Dale was quick to praise his skipper. He said "It's the first time I've seen him score a header, I thought it was actually Andy Jennings who scored but he certainly banged it in, it's like a miracle but all joking aside he's done really well to get on the end of it and it's a great finish."