GOALKEEPER Jonathan Hedge will benefit from a busy time on loan at Matlock Town – starting this afternoon.
The 25-year-old is yet to make a Grimsby Town appearance since joining the club from Cambridge United in the summer.
And, with Matlock stopper Jon Kennedy suspended for three matches, Hedge has joined the Derbyshire club on a one-month deal.
The England C keeper will make his first Gladiators start at Witton Albion today, and is set to continue against Trafford FC and Glossop North End for the Northern Premier League side.
Mariners boss Paul Hurst hopes he sees plenty of action – and returns ready to step up the battle with James McKeown for the Town number one spot.
"Hedgy has looked really sharp in training and it's about transferring that to games now," said Hurst.
"The situation with a keeper is a little bit different and it's good for him to go out and get these games.
"He's a quality keeper and we need him to be playing, and we want him to have plenty to do while he's there on loan.
"He's gone to Matlock and they're doing quite well. The danger is that if they're blowing everyone out of sight and he doesn't have anything to do then I might as well be stood between the sticks!
"Let's just hope he keeps busy, gets match-sharp and enjoys his spell."
