Cresswell makes Smart signing

Matlock Town are pleased to announce the signing of 26-year-old winger Sam Smart from Farnborough FC.

Sam began his career with Denmead with impressive form bagging him a move to Portsmouth where he turned out for their Community Development side.

The pacey winger had his first taste of senior football with Wessex League outfit Horndean in 2015/16, before he was then snapped up by Basingstoke Town.

Come the end of the 2017/18 season, Smart had 20 goals in 41 appearances to his name in The Southern League Premier South, earning him a move to National League Eastleigh FC.

Across two seasons, he made 97 appearances for Eastleigh and found the net twice before his release at the end of the 2021/22 season, including featuring against the Gladiators in the FA Trophy on the 11th Jan 2020.

He has experience in Non-League’s top flight with FC Halifax Town and Dagenham & Redbridge, before he spent time in The Vanarama National League North with Brackley Town, Buxton and Boston United.

Sam was a part of Boston United’s successful 2023/24 campaign; as the Pilgrims won in the play-off Final to secure promotion to The National League.

Smart sealed a move to National League South Farnborough FC in June 2024 and has appeared eight times for the Boro since his arrival.

Welcome to the Gladiators, Sam!