Despite netting his first goal in a Spartans shirt against Whitby Town striker Andy Jennings was left to ponder just how the Croft Park pitch has contrived to deny him a second goal in the same bizarre circumstances as he experienced on his debut against Witton Albion. The former Billingham Synthonia front man chipped Whitby Town keeper Nick Liversedge but his effort bounced on the edge of the six yard box before bouncing over the open goal. Jennings was left in shock and was struggling to understand just how he hadn’t added to an earlier effort that kickstarted a Spartans comeback. The powerful striker said “I don’t know how it’s happened, it’s just unbelievable to be honest. Last week against Witton it’s bounced on the six yard box and gone over but today it’s bounced even closer to the goal and somehow it’s still gone over. I really can’t believe it’s happened again.”
Goals from Jennings and his strike partner Ryan McGorrigan meant that Spartans overturned a two goal deficit at the half time interval but Jennings was keen to point out that the Croft Park faithful had also played their part in getting their side back on track. He said “It was a great atmosphere in the second half in particular. We sat there in the changing room at half time and said we owed everyone a better second half especially with it being a big Boxing Day game and this season it’s our derby as well. It’s great for the players to hear the fans getting right behind you and it definitely played a part.”
A thirty five yard chip would see Jennings’ name on a Spartans scoresheet for the first time and whilst revealing his delight at that fact, he was keen to score some more simpler goals through his Croft Park career. Jennings joked “I was pleased with it don’t get me wrong but it seems like my goals are only going to be lobs or shots from forty yards doesn’t it. I was just saying to Paddy there I really should have had two or three today but the luck just wasn’t there today”.