Former England spinner Croft, 39, finished with a match analysis of 9-111

Glamorgan director of cricket Matthew Maynard has heaped praise on spinner Robert Croft's display in their County Championship win over Middlesex.

Croft, 39, took five wickets to inspire the Welsh county to only their second division two victory of the season.

"We needed something, a bit of magic, and Crofty produced it," said Maynard.

Glamorgan's overall effort in the 23-run success also pleased Maynard, who added: "We showed real character with the ball and fight in the field."

Middlesex were set 190 to win at Swansea on Saturday, but were bowled out for 167 as Croft took 5-65.

On a dramatic day, 22 wickets fell as Middlesex finished their first innings on 169 and Glamorgan collapsed to 135.

But Croft and fellow spinner Dean Cosker took 15 wickets between them.

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Maynard added: "It was a tough game. It was a wicket where there was a bit in it all the way through for the seamers and, obviously, spinners, as the game went on.

"Our lower order helped us out really on both innings, so a real good team performance, I feel, and I thought we were exceptional in the field."

Glamorgan went into their second innings with a 54-run lead, but collapsed from 70-2 to 82-8 as the middle order struggled against spinners Shaun Udal and Murali Kartik.

Croft and Adam Shantry's stand of 34 for the ninth wicket was the highest of the innings.

"Thankfully we hung in there," said Maynard. "After Udal got five wickets in the Middlesex innings it was vitally important that one of our spinners got a five-or-six-wicket haul. Crofty did that.

"Probably by his own admission, he didn't start as well as he could have done today, but once he got his rhythm he looked as dangerous as ever."

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