Blyth Spartans’ performance in very wet conditions on Saturday countered some critics’ opinions that their style of on the ground passing game would, paradoxically, come unstuck in the muddy depths of winter.
Blyth ran out 1-0 winners over an obstinate Stafford Rangers side in the FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round match at the Spartans’ Croft Park.
Blyth manager Mick Tait was pleased with the performance of his players in the trying conditions.
“I was delighted with the players‘ touch and attitude at the weekend,” he said. “The weather provided a real test of their technical ability but we were pinging the ball around and playing good one or two touch football.
“In the first half I thought we played some great stuff at times and we only failed to score because we couldn’t conjure up a final decisive pass or finish. I had to play Nicky Deverdics up front with John Alexander due to Paul Brayson’s groin injury and, although he did really well he isn’t a striker. He played just off John but we couldn’t get enough balls and people in to box to create many chances.
“Stafford were quite physical and looked to knock us off our stride but, then again, you don’t expect teams to sit back and let you play. They are not a bad side and with some players and management team now there I expect them to improve on their lowly League position.”
With a nil-nil score line at half time Tait told his players that if they kept playing in the same manner they should win – even if it was might be by one goal scored in the final minutes. Maybe Tait should have had a flutter on Saturday’s lottery result as Blyth clinched the game as the final whistle approached.
It all seemed a little unlikely during the latter stages of the second half with Tait having to make two substitutions from a weakened bench and the visitors coming perilously close to snatching the tie.
Then as the game looked to be heading for a draw Deverdics put Robbie Dale through on the wing, he pulled a delightful ball back into the penalty box to the feet of midfielder Neil Hooks who fired past Stafford goalkeeper Lee Evans.
Tait commented, “Neil’s getting a taste for a goal now which is good. The game also showed that we can win games with Brayson even though he is a big miss. I also thought Dale and Michael Tait did ever so well having missed the last few fixtures, Dale with injury and Tait with a virus. I’d made plans for when they blew up and had to be taken off but they played the entire 90 minutes which is much to their credit.”
In Brayson’s absence central defender Wayne Buchanan (pictured left) took the captain’s armband and turned in an unshakable performance.
Speaking about Tuesday’s Northumberland Senior Cup tie at home to North Shields Tait hopes that John Alexander will be fit although Liam O’Mahoney, who was also substituted against Stafford is extremely unlikely to play. Stephen Turnbull, however, returns after a one match ban. Brayson is unlikely to be risked.
Tait said, “I don’t anticipate making many changes for Tuesday. I can hardly put the reserve team out, as I don’t have one!”