Gritton debut a tonic for Hodges

Written by Rhod Mitchell. Images by Steve Rogers.

Truro City manager Lee Hodges was delighted with the debut performance of new signing Martin Gritton in Tuesday's 2-1 Blue Square Bet South defeat at Basingstoke Town.

Lee after the Basingstoke game

The 33-year-old striker, who has just been released by Blue Square Bet Premier outfit Stockport County, has also played for Plymouth Argyle, Yeovil Town, Torquay United, Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Mansfield Town and Macclesfield Town, after beginning his career at Treyew Road – where he struggled to secure a place in City's third team and left to play for Perranwell and Porthleven.

Gritts debut game at the Camrose, flanked by Broady and Stevie Adams

Hodges hopes that the signing on a non-contract basis of the Glasgow-born Gritton, whose parents live in Truro, will help City grab the goals and points they need to stay safe from relegation.

Gritton partnered veteran Barry Hayles in a new-look attack at Basingstoke and impressed Hodges, before being substituted after cramping up in the second half.

Hodges said: "I thought Grits did really well and it's great to have him on board."

With the club still under a transfer embargo, Hodges was only able to bring in Gritton as he himself was out injured with a groin problem. The club is only allowed to have a squad of 16 fit players.

"I spoke to Martin and he immediately made it clear that he would like to come and help us," Hodges said. "If he comes in and does a good job for us, then we will be looking at the possibility of inviting him to re-sign for us for next season.

"He's a good size for a striker and he's hard-working. He knows a few of the boys here and it will be nice to have a new face in the changing room.

"Hopefully, his signing will be a real tonic for us at a crucial stage in the season, when we're targeting at least two more wins – six more points – which should ensure we stay clear of relegation."

City, who are still seven points clear of the relegation places, face a massive game on Saturday when bottom club Thurrock visit Treyew Road.

Hodges wants a repeat of Tuesday's performance, but with a different result. After being two down at the break, a Stewart Yetton goal on the hour was all City had to show for a strong second-half showing at Basingstoke.

Hodges said: "If we produce more of the same on Saturday, I think we will be fine. I'm really looking forward to it."

Hodges is hoping that strikers Andy Watkins and Isaac Vassell recover from a chest infection and a knee injury, respectively, before Saturday. "It's a massively important game on Saturday and three points will take us a long way to safety," he added.