JOHN Gillies is battling to be fit for tomorrow's game against Matlock Town at Dark Lane.

The Rossendale United goalkeeper was stretchered off in their 5-3 defeat at Bishop Auckland on Tuesday night.

Gillies damaged the top of his back after landing awkwardly and, without a reserve stopper on the sidelines, Dave Gamble had to go between the sticks with just half of the opening period gone.

But Rossendale manager Jim McBride is hoping his number one will be fit in time for tomorrow's game.

"We couldn't afford to take any chances with John so we took him off. But he was walking around and feeling better in the second half," he said.

"Bishop Auckland weren't particularly sporting because they scored after John had gone down injured.

"But we had a really good spell before half-time and scored three goals to lead 3-1 at the break.

"But they just bombarded us in the second half, and while Dave Gamble did a reasonably job, he isn't a goalkeeper by any stretch of the imagination.

"They only had four shots on target after the break and they all went in. If we'd have still had a goalkeeper, I'm sure we could have won that game.

"I think the fall shook John more than anything so we're hoping he will be all right for Saturday."

One positive point from the trip to the North East was new signing Russell Brierley finding the net for the equaliser on his debut.

McBride added: "He did very well considering he hasn't played for quite a long time."

Meanwhile, Rossendale were handed an Endsleigh Sports Insurance Goalscoring Award for March after scoring 15 goals in seven matches.