Spartans midfielder Neal Hooks insisted it was all about the team after the impressive 4-1 win over Ashton United at Croft Park tonight. Partnered by new signing Stephen Turnbull in the Spartans engine room, Hooks played a key role in ensuring his side took away three points from an Evo Stik Northern Premier League game for the first time since early January but insisted it should be the team that takes all the plaudits. He said “From one to eleven and the subs as well everyone played their part tonight and we need to carry that on. It’s a complete change from Saturday, it was nice to be playing football tonight. We moved the ball better and we were a lot better organised. It felt better to play in so I hope it looked better for all of our supporters.”
Hooks has had many partners in centre midfield this season and added another to that like with the addition of Turnbull, although he is a familar face to Hooks having previously played alongside him at Croft Park. Hooks revealed that he was delighted to see the former Hartlepool United man back in a Spartans shirt. He said “It’s great to have Ste back at the club and obviously I know him well having played alongside him before. He showed what he can do tonight and he is someone who wants to get on the ball and make things happen. He’s a great addition and I look forward to playing alongside him more.”
If Hooks and Turnbull are proven names at Spartans then another player who deserves credit tonight is someone who is making a name for himself at Croft Park. Young striker Dan Maguire made it three goals in two matches with a brace against the Robins and Hooks was full of praise for the former Seaton Delaval front man. He said “Dan has been brilliant and he has stepped up quite a few levels from his previous club. His work rate is outstanding and he’s been a breath of fresh air at the club with his hard working attitude. That just spreads throughout the team when you see a striker working so hard for you. He listens as well when he is getting advice so he can go a long way with his attitude.”