Spartans winger Robbie Dale led the plaudits for goalkeeper Peter Jeffries after the former Bishop Auckland stopper’s penalty save from Darlington’s Terry Galbraith earned his side a replay against the Quakers. However Dale admitted that Jeffries performance was about much more than his penalty heroics.
“It wasn’t a penalty first and foremost, the referee has fallen for it there. However Peter has pulled out a ridiculously good stop from the penalty. He’s been great the whole game and marshalled the back four superbly, he takes the pressure off and he’s been fantastic for us”
Despite the deadlock remaining unbroken after a pulsating ninety minutes Dale felt that those inside Heritage Park were given good value for money although did admit that the draw was a fair result.
“It was a good game and both sides battled really well. Both sides had chances and hit the post but I think the draw was a fair result”
An impressive attendance saw over a thousand supporters create a crackling atmosphere inside Heritage Park and Dale paid tribute to followers of both clubs.
“Hopefully we can get a big backing on Tuesday and get similar to what they had today. To get an attendance like they had today is fantastic at the level we play at and it’s credit to both clubs and their supporters really because there was a good atmosphere”