It was a memorable day for Spartans captain Robbie Dale as his hat-trick sealed three points for his side at Belper Town. However his side were made to sweat as an injury time goal from Steve Warne got the Nailers back into the game but Dale was relieved to see Spartans hold on to take all three points.
“When they got the third in injury we were a bit nervous and you could see that. To be fair if you throw away a three goal lead it’s not good enough so it was a relief to see us hold on for the win”
“It’s strange playing up front again and it’s been a while since I have scored a hat-trick. I was really happy with the third goal, it was a nice finish but it was great to get a hat-trick”
Dale struck his first hat-trick since a treble against Whitby Town at Croft Park in Spartans FA Cup run in September 2008 and with it moved into fourth place in the club’s all time scorers list. He admitted it was strange to find himself playing as a striker but expressed his hope that he would continue in that position if he is to move up the all time scorers list.
“It was good to get a hat-trick and it’s strange being up front again. I got a text from someone after the game telling me that I was up to fourth in the list. I think I am creeping up there but third is the only one that is realistic, who knows if I keep my place up front maybe I can get there”
Spartans venture back to Derbyshire next Saturday for their FA Cup Third Qualifying Round tie with Mickleover Sports and Dale felt that his side’s focus was on league points and challenged his side to carry on their “mini run” of unbeaten games.
“We just need league points really, we have had two really good away wins scoring eight goals and that’s good for us because we had a run of games where we weren’t scoring. We need to keep this mini run going and take it into next week”