Cresswell expects Matlock Town's Boxing Day battle with Ilkeston Town to be a different challenge to cup tie

Both sides made numerous changes to their line-ups when the Robins won 2-1 back on December 3, although there were still plenty of notable names on show.

But with points to play for and a bumper crowd expected, Cresswell believes there will be a very different feel to proceedings.

He said: “I think it’ll be a different game although we’ll approach it the same.

"We’ll want to win and cause an upset, for one, because they’re a good side who are managed well and have some good players, including the top goalscorer in the league in Tom Cursons who scored both against us in the cup tie.

"So we need to keep him quiet the best we can and then do what we do, which is our style of play, namely playing in their half and then when the game spreads, start making some passes.

"But I’m looking forward to Boxing Day, it’s always a prestigious fixture and I’m pleased it’ll be played at home.”

Cresswell also took time out to praise the club’s fans who are continuing to turn up week in, week out and get behind the players both home and away.

He said: “The fans are fantastic. They’ve welcomed me with open arms and I’m truly grateful.

"The lads speak about the fans because we hear them, we feel them and we enjoy the wins together at the end. We never enjoy losing, but we’ll always respect the fans that turn out for us.

"The ‘free’ game against Mickleover was a great spectacle at this time of year to get everyone together and hopefully leave an impression on families to want to come back, so it’s a massive thank you from me and I hope that every Matlock Town fan has a great Christmas.”

Matlock’s next game after Ilkeston will then be a trip to Leek Town on New Year’s Day, before they host Prescot Cables three days later.

The match against Ashton United, postponed on December 7, will now be played on what was its original date of Saturday, January 11.​