Spartans striker Dan Maguire made quite an impression in his debut season at Croft Park and seems to be set on building on that this year if pre-season form is anything to go by. The former Seaton Deleval front man won all sorts of awards to round off his first year at the club and his goal against Newcastle Benfield was his fourth strike in five pre-season fixtures. Speaking after the game against the Northern League side Maguire was quick to point out that whilst pre-season is important he really can’t wait for the serious stuff to kick in.
“I can’t wait for it to start now, it’s been a long pre-season but hopefully I can get another goal and win next Friday night against Darlington and build on what we have done in pre-season. We’re all looking forward to the season starting and testing ourselves against the teams in the league.”
It was a sunny Croft Park that met Maguire and his team mates for the win over Steve Bowey’s side in what was an entertaining friendly. However despite being pleased with the win Maguire stressed that pre-season fixtures are about much more than results as Spartans look to improve on last season’s lower mid-table finish in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.
“It was a good performance and we did well. Obviously it was a hot day so it was hard work but the lads all did well. Pre-season is massive for us, it’s where you get your match fitness and you can do all the running you want in training but you get your touch and fitness in these games.”