With Ryan Laight facing a ban after his sending off at Hednesford on Tuesday and Ashley Foyle injured, joint managers Phil Brown and Gareth Williams feel they have no option but to draft in cover.

“We're hoping to have a defender in for Saturday, especially as Ryan Laight now has a ban coming up,” said Brown.

“Ashley Foyle's got knee and ankle problems and we know we're thin on defenders so we really need to strengthen there.”

Despite suffering a third consecutive defeat on Tuesday, Brown is still impressed by his side’s displays.

“Like Cammell Laird, we're down at the wrong end of the table, but our performances are giving us a lot of confidence for the near future and beyond,” he said.

“We've a good young squad at Matlock and that's a good thing as the club can benefit for years to come.

“We know we've got to get it together defensively and not concede stupid goals but this side are creating lots of chances so we're confident that we've got lots of goals in us.”

The two latest defeats this week don't tell the whole story, according to Brown.

“I know this might sound daft after two defeats, and one being 4-0, but we've played some great entertaining football,” Brown insisted.

“Against Boston the game should have been over after half an hour.

“Simon's (Barraclough) hit the post and we've missed three or four really great chances with their goalkeeper being man of the match for some brilliant saves.

“Then the first shot they have flies into the top corner and then we have Ross (Hannah) sent off.

“I've got no qualms about the sending off as Ross has been up front and admitted he kicked out at the lad, but the circumstances behind it are disappointing.

“Their lad's been poking him in the chest, back and even in the privates.

“The two officials nearest the incident haven't seen it, but the linesmen furthest away has seen the retaliation, but not the first incident.

“Although we didn't look as if we could save the game at 2-0 down, the lads battled hard, showed a lot of spirit and kept at it, so credit to them.”

As for the defeat at Hednesford, Brown said: “We knew we were in for a difficult game for they play it direct and are a big side.

“We aren't the biggest at the moment so we knew we had to play a quick, passing game and we did just that.

“As daft as it sounds we were far the better team.”

“The first goal on Tuesday was a really soft one to let in and it seems we're being punished for every mistake we're making at present.

“But really we've got to be more ruthless at both ends.

“Defensively we need to tighten up, put the foot through the ball and be stronger and concentrate more.

“We should have had two penalties in the first half and I don't really want to comment too much on Ryan Laight's sending off except to say it was a very, very poor decision.