After making his second Spartans debut at Stocksbridge Park Steels last night, Neal Hooks reflected on a job well done but insisted that he still has a way to go before he is fully fit. After sealing his return from Spennymoor on Monday and receiving clearance from the FA, Hooks was pitched straight into Tommy Cassidy’s starting lineup for the game against Steels and put in a solid show. Hooks commented “It was a hard game last night and a tough first game back for me. I haven’t had many minutes but it was great to come back and win. The ninety minutes were needed so I can get sharp again and get back to where I want to be”.
Spartans eventually won the game 3-2 with a last minute winner from Craig Farrell, a goal that Hooks played a major role in as his inch perfect cross was met from the striker who sealed the three points for Spartans. Hooks was happy to play his part in such a key moment but thinks he can still improve his own performance. “It was up and down for me, there were some good moments and some not so good moments but what it has done is given me something to build on. Setting up the winner was a nice thing and its something to work from for us all. It was a brilliant moment for the fans and sometimes it was a big three points for us tonight”.
An 83rd minute substitute appearance for Spennymoor in the FA Cup Preliminary Round 1-0 win at Scarborough Athletic means that Hooks is cup tied and unavailable for Spartans’ First Qualifying Round tie with Garforth Town this Saturday but Hooks will be right behind the side as they prepare for the game. “Unfortunately I am cup tied for the Garforth game and obviously can’t play but I’m positive the lads can get the win that will see us through to the next round” he said