Blyth Spartans manager Lee Clark has thanked fans for their continued support following the win over Curzon Ashton on Saturday.
While the 47-year-old admitted to real tough times for those on the terraces this season, Blyth fans has stuck by their team with an average of 884 attending Croft Park so far.
And yesterday, an excellent 721 braved the blustery conditions to cheer on their side from the first whistle to last during the massive 2-1 victory over The Nash.
Clark told blythspartans.com: “The supporters play a huge part in the results. The support they have given the team this season through some real tough times is outstanding.
“They have always stayed behind us – backing me, the staff and the players.
“There are not enough things we can say to praise them other than to thank them and remind them that we appreciate it massively. They will keep continuing to play a huge part.”
The weather conditions certainly played their part in Northumberland with Robbie Dale’s equaliser assisted massively by the wind.
And although it worked in Spartans’ favour, Clark spoke about the difficulties of playing in such conditions – praising both his players and Curzon’s players.
He added: “It is the worst conditions you can play football in. You can have snow and rain but you can deal with those. The wind can make things happen with the ball that are just so unexpected.
“You’re playing the gods really – and that’s what happened with our equaliser.
“Other instances was Callum (Roberts) hitting the crossbar – I was right behind that. Any other given day and that nestles into the top corner.
“Then when you are trying to deliver set plays, you try and hit good areas. The lads were also trying some good crossfield passes that just weren’t paying off.
“I didn’t experience it as I didn’t go out into the middle of the pitch but from what I could see from the touchline – it was difficult.
“But that’s credit to both sets of players. They just cracked on with the game and got on with it. Even players at the highest level would find those conditions difficult to play in.”